Album Notes

Wake the Bear's latest album, Player Piano, is based on and inspired by Kurt Vonnegut's 1952 novel of the same name. The songs bring story lines and characters into relatable accounts of new machines, broken dreams, bourbon schemes and revolt.

A humble, dreamy lushness is crafted with acoustic guitars, keys, synths, layered voices and heart-swelling string sounds, all tied together by Cunningham’s emotive, vivacious lead vocals, which have the kind of effortless elasticity that only truly great singers can pull off. (CityBeat, October 2005)

From aliens, chickens and surviving the 80s – to a dog, a god, and a good many drinks – Wake the Bear wears his heart on his sleeve – without the cheese. Up-beat poppers. Low-key stoppers. All held together with stuck-in-your-head glue.

• Best New Artist Nomination, 2006 CEAs
• Best Songwriter Nomination, 2008 CEAs
• Showcase Slot, MidPoint Music Festival 2008, 2006, 2005
• Supporting slots for VHS or BETA, Andrew Bird, Adrian Belew, Bob Mould and more

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF:
Happy Chichester, Flaming Lips, U2, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, Wilco and many more.

PRESS
A textural bedroom magnum opus, as good as any one-man-band album you’ll ever hear.
- CityBeat Magazine, October 26, 2005

...lilting, falsetto melodies, acoustic lushness and an emotional vibe that’ll send tingles up your goosebumps. Chilled-out Arcade Fire, Promenade, Bright Eyes on helium...
- CityBeat Magazine, September 27, 2005