With an album due out early 2019, Sunshine Coast reggae-roots rockers Bearfoot are back with a new single, 'Luminate', and a swag of east-coast summer dates that kick off tomorrow in Sydney.
For vocalist Asher Chapman, the ska-tinged, roots-heavy tune is a reflection of events of his first trip to the land of the long white cloud (New Zealand).
"We had all piled into this van, driving from Christchurch to Takaka Hill, but due to an earthquake prior, the standard route to the festival (which would only be about five or six hours) was cut off, meaning that we had to take the longer inland route.
"Having left the airport at around 4pm that afternoon, due to that detour (where we saw amazing scenery) it was getting close to 1am when we saw the turn off for Takaka Hill.
"We're all tired, slightly delirious and have no idea where we are; we're in this van climbing up this windy road, which turns from smooth bitumen to loose gravel. Then all of a sudden, this rabbit appears out of nowhere, turns and looks at us, and instead of hopping off the road it races up it, so we follow it and the next thing we see is the signs for the festival.
"The long journey took us to a literal wonderland on top of a mountain, with no idea what to expect. The festival was a fantastic shock to the senses - a grass-roots festival gone mad, with music and art installations, and so many people dancing and losing themselves to the moment."
Ahead of the song's commercial release tomorrow, Bearfoot have shared with scenestr an exclusive stream of 'Luminate' today. Enjoy.
Bearfoot Tour Dates
Fri 30 Nov - Lazy Bones (Sydney)Sat 1 Dec - Rhythm Hut (Central Coast)
Sun 2 Dec - Moonshine Bar (Sydney)
Sat 8 Dec - The Triffid (Brisbane) - supporting Steele Syndicate
Mon 31 Dec - NYE @ Mooloolaba (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 26 Jan - Miami Marketta (Gold Coast)
Sat 2 Feb - The Beach Hotel (Byron Bay)
Fri 8 Feb - Baha Tacos (Rye, VIC)
Sat 9 Feb - Bar Open (Melbourne)
Sun 10 Feb - Sooki Lounge (Melbourne)
'Fri 8 Mar - Solbar (Sunshine Coast)
