Quite like most Western bands in this hemisphere, one would assume, 화난 곰 (Angry Bear) is the product of several likeminded, musically inclined travelers who have paused, however temporarily, in Seoul to pursue the amicable endeavor of existence a bit further. Roommates, conveniently enough, is how this relationship began.
Almost fresh upon the ending heels of a well-paying gig as the bass player for brief pop icon Ryan Cabrera, KC Swink entered the country with a bass, and some recording gear (and the recording studio hours to bolster a healthy, if somewhat lacking, ability to use it). As luck would have it, unwitting roommate number one was an amiable British chap by the name of Scott Prince, knowledgeable of guitars and their usage, and willing to employ them in the presence of others. One with enough sense to connect dots can reason well enough when and how the relationship blossomed from here.
Recording was the prime goal and result of the first year of friendship, and a desire to play shows about town became the motivation of the second year. The lads had only to tromp their drumless twosome act through a few venues before they were approached by a one, Patrick Conner, a chipper bloke with an aptitude for simple, effective rhythms and outfit-coordinated scarves.
The duration of the first rehearsal together was the necessary amount of time for the three individuals to realize that a unified effort of sorts could very likely result in a satisfactory experience for the lot. From that October onwards, the band began to rehearse at least bi or tri weekly, assembling a collage of well revered cover songs and originals that earned them the joys of playing live, and the applause of audiences comprised of loyal friends, baffled locals, and the seemingly grateful proprietors whose establishments bore the brunt of organized noise.
As for aspirations, the band might suggest a continuing jaunt through the happiness that playing live shows provides them; amassing a modest audience that is willing to attend and flesh out that space that exists between the concrete walls of clubs; providing their surroundings with some small amount of joy; and, lastly, and perhaps most meagerly, crushing the world with one stunning hit that the likes of the Beatles or Beethoven have never seen.
