Bob Bearfield is a singer/songwriter from Erie, Pennsylvania. Influenced by such artists as Aimee Mann, Alice in Chains, Depeche Mode, and Elton John, his songs might best be described as eclectically-influenced, mooding, brooding, yet thoughtful and tuneful, acoustic folk rock – or as was observed in a recent review by Matt Dinan, entertainment critic from Los Angeles, “This is not cookie cutter folk rock. It barely takes half a song to realize that Mr. Bearfield has a unique perspective of the world.”
Bob’s interest in music began at a young age, and he started teaching himself guitar at age 14. While his focus may have been misguided at the time, delving into hard rock and heavy metal, he realized his talent for writing acoustic-driven folk rock after a good friend introduced him to the Indigo Girls.
While Bob was studying psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree, he began performing cover songs in local venues. Though he felt awkward not playing original songs, his fan base grew and his own songs were increasingly requested. Songs such as “Headlights”, “Lullaby”, and “Sour Sugar” quickly became audience favorites, and Bob began headlining shows in Erie and Edinboro, and in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he lived for several years. In 2008, Bob was nominated for a Rock Erie Music Award for Erie’s favorite acoustic act.
Until recently, Bob worked as a mental health therapist, juggling his professional self with his inner artist. He loved his job, but couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that something was neglected, incomplete, or missing altogether.
“As I grew more successful in my professional career, the time I had left for music became too small,” he said. “I even sometimes felt guilty for not honoring music, which has given me so much. It’s my biggest passion in life, and I knew that I had to do something. My fans all think that I have the talent, and I have to know where this drive can take me.”
At age 32, as Bob gears up to release his first album and plan his first tour, he knows that it’s now or never. At a time when people are seeking authenticity and depth, a return to truer things, Bob Bearfield offers a reprieve from the over-produced and under-realized. His music speaks to the honesty we desire and need. Time and talent have converged.