Our brave musicians
In September of 2020, musicians from around the world and from all corners of the musical genre landscape set aside their differences to face a common foe: Bears.
Specifically, these brave and talented souls agreed to “Walk Into A Bear” by writing original songs that were in some way connected to my book, A Libertarian Walks Into A Bear. A judging panel that included highly accomplished music branding executive Gabe McDonough and Grammy Award-winning Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche reviewed the work of 10 qualified entrants, and recognized the top achievers.
Please have fun getting to know the entrants, below (top three finishers are noted). You can also visit me on YouTube to check out their introductory videos and completed songs!
If you’re a musician and would like to take part in this very silly rite of passage by writing a book-related song, please email me: matt.honghet@gmail.com, with the subject line “A Musician Walks Into A Bear.” I will get you rolling, introduce you to the AMWIAB community, and help spread the word about you and your work!
Takeout4two
(new hampshire)
Band members Dorothy England and Paul Mazzola say “Life isn’t perfect, and neither are we! Our songs are often funny, sometimes thought-provoking, but always genuinely from our bellies (where we sing), and our hearts (where we care). Thanks for listening!”
Check out more of their work:
On YouTube!
Shawn legaspi
(Dublin, ireland)
Shawn Legaspi is an Irish pop/rock musician who sings and plays bass, guitar and piano. He has taken part in many school concerts, as well as a regional talent show with his band. His first single 'Whisper' was released on all major streaming platforms in August 2020. Shawn posts covers and original music regularly on both his Instagram page and YouTube channel.
Heather Johnson
Second PLace FInisher!
(Medford ORegon & Dominican republic)
Heather has been writing poetry and songs since elementary school. They are her way of connecting with the world and making sense of it. She is just one half of the musical duo Sail West, the other half being her husband, Nathaniel Johnson.
cosmic sleepovers
(iowa city, iowa)
As Cosmic Sleepovers, Mason Wang enjoys music and songwriting very much and does it every day. A longtime guitarist who has played in jazz combos, he is now expanding into new genres, learning about synthesis and audio engineering from his mentor. He puts out new tracks every two weeks or so to Soundcloud, YouTube, and Spotify, and also encourages follows on his Instagram.
jake tsakiris
(lebanon, new hampshire)
At age fifteen, Jake taught himself guitar. Since then, he has picked up piano, and loves to write music from his home. Jacob also enjoys serving as a worship leader at his church.
Check out more of his work:
On Instagram!
boys in the basemenT
tHird place finisher!
(south holland, Illinois)
Boys in the Basement (BITB) formed in 2019 and all members are childhood friends from south suburban Chicago. They have all been playing in local bands and writing songs for the past 20+ years and decided to form a "light rock" supergroup. Their self-titled debut is committed to being 100% banjo-free, algorithm destroying, south-suburban easy listening.
tall carL
First Place finisher!
(arnold, missouri)
Tall Carl is a rapper and producer from Arnold, Missouri. He lives in his mom's basement, and most of his lyrics are ghost-written by his cat.
niaseph
(nottingham, united kingdom)
Musician Niaseph says “when I was younger I never really understood creativity or the arts but now I understand it's probably the most personal way of expressing emotion and a person's view of the world. I have only been playing for a few years now, but I don't plan to ever stop.”
gutter punk
(fishers, indiana)
Gutter Punk does what others don’t. After nearly 10 years of producing and numerous projects, he has had quite the musical journey. From starting with dubstep back in high school, to graduating into his own brand of “Alternative Electronic,” it can be said with confidence that you never know what’s going to come next. But don’t take it from me, it’s about time you see for yourself.
isaiah gonzales
(albuquerque, new mexico)
Isaiah has been playing guitar and writing for the last few years. In an attempt to become better at this, he’s been pushing himself to write at least one song a week and post it to Reddit. He’s currently working on an EP.
Check out more of his work:
On Reddit!