Standing Here by Bear the Astronot

Johnny Cash, Flogging Molly, Waylon Jennings, Dropkick Murphys. What do these things all have in common? They have all been influences of Bear since he was young. On the album Grand Canyon, Bear wanted to show that he wasn't just some dude rapping about rapping. He wanted to search for his sound a little, and combine his influences.

He sat down with influences in mind, and wrote a song for his family about how nothing could ever stop him from protecting them. It's gritty, and dirty, and maybe even a bit annoying - But It's true.

This song was produced by Bear the Astronot.

Bear the Astronot's album Grand Canyon is a return to his roots if you will. Bear grew up in The Grand Canyon National Park just minutes from the rim of the canyon. That is something only a few people on earth can ever say. Living there he lived a fairly outdoorsy country lifestyle. However, in the summer there were millions of tourists from every corner of the earth right outside his door. The music is meant to invoke that emotion, and maybe show you a little deeper into Bear as a person. Too many musicians, but Hip-Hop artists try to act like something they are not. They act like what they see, instead of themselves. Bear the Astronot never wants to do that. Checkout 1stDropMusic.com for more.

Arizona based alternative hip-hop artist Bear the Astronot is known for cutting lyrics and a diverse melding of sounds and genres. I wouldn't call him a rapper, but I also wouldn't not call him one either. He calls his music Southwest Soul. A mix of influences from the Alternative side of Hip-Hop, Rock, Electronic, Country, and even Bluegrass. It's the sound of Arizona to Bear's ears.

Bear is his real name, and there is an occasional exception, but most of the music you hear will be completely produced, written, and recorded by Bear Cole himself.

His influences may be so unique, because his life has been so unique. He was born and raised living in The Grand Canyon National Park just minutes from the rim of the Grand Canyon, and spent time living and going to school on the Navajo reservation in Northern Arizona.

He now lives in Flagstaff Arizona where he is free to take in the outdoors as much as possible. Hiking, Camping, Hunting, Fishing, are some of his favorite pass times. Not quite the Bio you read for most Hip-Hop artists, but Bear has never been one to pander. He was never able to shake his love of Hip-Hop which grew from being a super fan of artists like Public Enemy, The Pharcyde, and Outkast growing up. He just tries to take those influences and make something that speaks true to him, his life, and what he loves about music in general.

Bear also produces music ranging from instrumental world music and funk, to EDM and Trap. Interested? Checkout Bear Cole and Turntable Kachina. You can also find tons more at 1stDropMusic.com and lots of unreleased goodies at BeartheAstronot.com.

Bear isn't only a musician. He has worked countless different roles in the music industry, and mainly pays the bills as a Club, Event, and Wedding DJ. He also works as an Audio Tech and Engineer mainly in the concert and corporate space.

Bear the Astronot's music can be a bit hard to get a grasp on. It may deviate from what you understand Hip-Hop music to be. That is fine. I hope you are able to give it time, to reach out to you, and pull you up into space. You and Bear can float in the stars together, where music can sound however the F(*& you want it to, as long as it rings true.