Introducing:
Bearings
For Fans Of: State Champs / Grayscale / Broadside
Having displayed great versatility on their 2018 debut, Blue in the Dark, Bearings continue to show variation as they tease us with songs from their forthcoming album. ‘Sway’, for one, is a spirited pop punk singalong, whilst ‘Dreams’ is a cheeky wink of emo-pop; both building anticipation for Hello, It’s You. We chat to guitarist Ryan Culligan about recording, early memories of music and why you can’t knock it until you try it.
Words: Renette van der Merwe
Photo: Brandon Dacosta (Header)
Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where the name came from, how long you’ve been going for and anything else new fans would want to know.
Hey, what’s up, I’m Ryan Culligan and I play guitar and sing some vocals for Bearings. We started the band back in 2014 at our music industry arts program in Ottawa, Canada. We’re releasing our second full length album through Pure Noise Records this November and we’re extremely excited. We just can’t wait to get back on the road and start playing shows again when the time is appropriate.
Going way back to the beginning, can you recall your very first memory of music?
There are so many memories from when I was younger first discovering music. One that stands out to me is driving with my dad and listening to ‘If I Had $1000000’ by Barenaked Ladies. Any time that song would come on we would both sing along.
“Bearings ultimately take pop punk and proudly ruffle its feathers. The band don’t follow the trend, which is a commendable attitude.”
Substream Magazine
Who’s on your wishlist of artists that you’d love to collaborate with and/or open for on tour?
Blink-182 has always been my biggest musical influence so anything with them would be incredible. I also think working with The 1975 on anything would be a dream come true.
Speaking of live shows, what’s your favourite story from a show so far?
The first show we ever played in the US was to one person. It was our first time playing a show outside of Canada and only one person showed up. We played our entire set to just him and even played some hardcore songs for fun to close the night. It ended up being a super fun night. Shoutout Jared Perryman.
Like you mentioned, your new album is out next week, what are some of the most fun and most challenging aspects of being the studio right now?
We recorded the album in Los Angeles with Courtney Ballard. It was such a surreal experience for us waking up every day in a place we always dreamed of being in. It was a super creative month. The only challenging part was driving from Toronto to LA there and back, haha.
Settle an argument for us (and the rest of the world) pineapple on pizza?
You know what, I used to say no, but I am recently a changed man. We got it on tour one night and I ate it without knowing there was pineapple. I was like “this is actually pretty damn good!” So I say hell yes.
Music
Inspiration
Rising to the challenge, Bearings have put together an electrifying collection of songs that best encapsulates the artists and music that inspire them as a band.
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