Be sure to tune in from 4-6pm every Sunday afternoon for KRLX Radio’s Bandemonium. Bandemonium is a KRLX exclusive 2 hour special where DJs focus on one artist, band, or genre. This week is Grizzly Bear with Ian Mercer.
Why did you choose this artist for Bandemonium?
I love a lot of bands just as much as Grizzly Bear, but GB has the rare distinction of being one of the few groups that I can actually demonstrate my love for with words. For most bands, I just say “oh this is really cool,” but for Grizzly Bear I am able to specifically determine and describe WHY each piece resonates with me so clearly.
What is your favorite story or tidbit about Grizzly Bear?
The band is completely democratic: they all get together at once to write songs from the ground up. On stage they perform in a row, with no member taking precedence over others. This idea seems pretty rare, and GB executes it really well.
What is your favorite song?
My favorite track has to be the live version of their song “Fix It.” It’s not on any of their albums though, so you are going to have to go to youtube if you want to hear it!
Can you give us some basic background about the band?
Grizzly Bear was founded in 2004 by 4 Brooklynites: Chris Bear, Ed Droste, Daniel Rossen, and Chris Taylor. They have written 3 albums together: Yellow House, Veckatimest, and Shields. GB is regularly cited as being among the most musically skilled groups active today. Each member is a classically trained musician, and their technical proficiencies with their instruments are superb.
Tell us why you love DJing on KRLX Radio.
Studying music is BY FAR my biggest hobby, and KRLX offers a great medium for sharing and discovering new music.