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Introduce yourself to our readers, as I understand you are a one man show?
Barry Bernhardt, but I go by "Big Bear Theory"; my friends called
me big bear and I'm always coming up with all of these theories to
explain why things are the way they are! I'm an original guitarist/writer/recording
artist/producer/label.
How long have you been performing?
I've been playing guitar about 25 years, writing and recording music
about 9 years, but have only had "big bear theory" logo and publishing
a little over a year now.
In your own words, describe your sound & influences?
Originally influenced by Kiss,Black Sabbath,Rush,Van Halen... Later
influences would include the Police,Santana,Al DiMeola, Jeff Beck,Satriani,Steve
Vai... Have spent the last 10 yrs. exploring all forms of jazz. I
guess I would describe my sound as fusionesque rock/psychedelic jazz.
Where and what studio did the production of your current release "Way
Back When" take place?
Tracks 1 through 4 were recorded at Rosebud Recordings in Skokie,
Il. (near north suburb of Chicago) Tracks 5 through 10 were recorded
in the drummer's basement @ Mozart & California streets in Chicago.
Mastered by Alien Soundscapes in Chicago.
It has recently come to my attention that you have a number of
other releases available. Can you touch a bit on that & how they compare to the Way Back When release?
Well, the Way Back When is to capture my earliest influences of rock
guitar (before I was bitten by the jazz bug). I wanted to do something
heavy with vocals, distorted and loud, something to keep me feeling
young. WAY BACK WHEN is underground, psychedelic heavy/hard rock.
It doesn't have any jazz, other than a fusion element once in a while.
Mostly just cranked-up rock stuff!
LINCOLN PARK WEST is a cd I did a couple years back, and it's been described as "ethereal". Sort of jazz/rock guitar instrumental ala Satriani/Jeff Beck/Pink Floyd.
MOZART STREET is a group/cd that's eccentric art-rock/jazz fusion.
Lots of sax! Very original, radio UN-friendly!
WAY STATION has been described as alternative jazz. Raw, vintage
sounds; touches on blues,be-bop,western swing,rockabilly...
Sax by Frank Catalano(Louie Bellson, Brecker Brothers)
UNTIL NOW is my most mainstream project. Jenny Mass on vocals, ecclectic
pop/rock/funk/disco.
What is the current scene like in your local area & how do you fit in?
Chicago is not that great anymore. Radio stations suck and everyone
is real busy. You can make a lot of money playing cover songs in the
suburbs, but it's tough to make it as an original artist- even in
the city. Clubs don't care about how original or good your music is.
How many friends are you going to bring in to drink all night! I don't
fit in and I don't try to either. I believe I will make it in some
other area. Maybe Europe - versions of my cd's are being promoted
and sold through "Loud Dust" label out of Vermont.
What's your long and short term goals as far as touring, recording and
writing?
Short term goals would include touring this winter in the southern
states and then returning to Chicago next summer to write & record
a couple of new cd's. The good thing about Chicago is it's the place
to get work done! Lots of talent, good paying jobs and cheap living
to help finance all of your musical insanities! Long term, I would
like to eventually move to Europe and not work a day job! To be an
international artist!
What would you say is your biggest gripe about the music industry?
Greed. There's enough room for all types of expression, but unfortunately
we only hear the ones that sell the most records to the masses. Not
enough variety: too many cookie cutters for the spoon-fed masses!
Has there been any label interest?
Yes, Loud Dust Recordings, out of Vermont, is releasing their versions
of my cd's. I still keep the rights as published by BigBearTheory
and they promote and sell their versions I get a percentage. It's
a sweet deal and a very cool label with lots of European connections.
One of my cd's- Lincoln Park West, was released as "Ethereal Park".
Loud Dust did this to eliminate any confusion with emo/core group
Linkin Park. Also Lincoln Park West is being considered for Asian
market by GSP Records out of California.
Contact Info:
Big Bear Theory/Barry Bernhardt
po box 411996
Chicago, IL 60641
312-282-9408
barry@bigbeartheory.com
WWW.BIGBEARTHEORY.COM
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