What is your names?
Bear Bolton     

What is your genre of music?
I find this question quite difficult because I don’t think I have one particular genre! There are elements of blues, rock, reggae, folk, classical influence and intimate singer-songwriter balladry across the album. I tend to let the story dictate the sound rather than trying to make every song fit into the same genre. For me, the lyrics and the emotion are the most important thing, and each song has its own personality.

Give us a little bio about you.
I’m Bear Bolton, a singer-songwriter who has just released my debut album, Time To Revive, at the age of 40. I’ve had a professional life outside of music, but music has always been my real passion. I grew up in a family where singing, harmonies, piano and guitar were a constant part of life. Even so, I never really had the confidence to call myself a singer, let alone a songwriter. Over the last three years I’ve written the songs that became Time To Revive, all based on my own experiences of love, relationships, motherhood, separation, loss, friendship, reinvention and finding myself again.
It’s taken me until 40 to finally find the confidence to share my music. This is very much my second chapter.

What made you go into music?
Music has always been part of me, but I think it took some pretty significant life experiences to make me realise how much I needed it. During some of the hardest periods of my life, writing became an escape and a way of processing what I was feeling. I wasn’t necessarily sitting down thinking, “I’m going to write an album.” I was just writing because I needed to.
Turning 40 definitely helped with that mindset. I think you reach a point where you realise life is too short to keep waiting for the “right” time.

Who are your influences?
My biggest influence has been my step-dad. He taught me guitar from an early age and had the patience of a saint! His love for folk music became mine, and we still enjoy jamming together and creating music and memories. 

Are you a signed?
I’m currently an independent artist, which makes the whole thing feel even more exciting and terrifying! I’ve been able to make the music on my own terms and tell the stories I wanted to tell.

You released your new album  ‘Time To Revive’, tell us more about the album.
Time To Revive is essentially a second-chapter album written in the last three years in a very turbulent time of my life. It’s about love, loss, friendship, motherhood, separation, self-discovery, healing and ultimately finding joy again. There’s something in there for everyone!

Describe each track in two words and the album as a whole in one sentence.
Tequila Talkin’  – Summer joy!
Last Night – Reggae Euphoria
Me and My Mind –  Forbidden Fantasy
This Love – Peaceful devotion
Sunday Blues – Hangover Hilarity
Faded Pictures – Bittersweet Memories
Sentivo solo la pioggia – losing yourself
Mrs Robinson – Liberating Desire
Time To Revive – Second Chapter
The album in one sentence:

Time To Revive is an honest, uplifting journey through love, loss, motherhood, heartbreak and self-discovery, celebrating the courage to find yourself again and embrace your second chapter.

Who did you work with on the album?
There are quite a few people who made the album really special. My stepbrother and my nephew both contributed as musicians, which means a lot because we’ve always jammed together growing up. Ric Smithson, my current producer has been integral to the album. He has such a talent for all genres, turning my very basic demos in to fully produced tracks of a sound that I never thought was possible. 

What was the writing and recording process like? 
A concept or thought comes first for me, then I’ll take that and think what sort of vibe do I want to go with that story. Then the chords will come as I start embellishing the lyrics and melody.  Sometimes I’d be processing something difficult and writing became a way of making sense of it. Other times it was simply a funny or joyful moment that I wanted to capture. Recording is done at home or via a video link to my producer. 

Will we see a music video for any of the tracks and if so what can we expect from the creative process if it hasn’t been released yet. 
Yes! Last Night already has a particularly fun visual story behind it. We filmed the video on Lyme Regis beach in Dorset at around 5:30 in the morning, creating the feeling that I’d woken up on a Hawaiian island after the night before.

I’ve full music videos on my you tube channel for Me and my mind, and Time to revive. These were a lot of fun to make!

What else can we expect in 2026?
Hopefully lots more music, live performances and opportunities to get Time To Revive out into the world! I’m really excited to see how people connect with the songs. I’d also love to continue writing because I’ve definitely discovered that songwriting is something I don’t want to stop doing.
I’ve waited until 40 to start this chapter, so I’m not planning on wasting any time now!

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Honestly, if you’d asked me five years ago where I’d be now, I wouldn’t have predicted this!

In five years I’d love to have released more albums, played some amazing venues, collaborated with other artists and built a life where music is a much bigger part of what I do. But more than anything, I want to still be writing honest songs and telling stories that connect with people. I don’t think success necessarily has to mean being famous. If I’m able to make music that means something to people and gives them a reason to dance, cry, laugh or feel a little less alone, I’ll be pretty happy.

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘You’ve only got one go at this life’
That really is the message behind Time To Revive.

I spent years thinking I wasn’t confident enough, wasn’t ready, or perhaps that I’d left it too late. Then I realised there is no deadline on becoming who you want to be. I’ve just turned 40 and released my debut album. It’s never too late to do that one thing in life that you’ve never given yourself permission to do.  

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? 
1.setlist!
2. A smile. No matter how bad a day I’ve had, if you turn up smiling, people will immediately vibe with the you, and suddenly, the day gets better!
3. Tequila. Tequila gets you talkin!
4. perfume 
5. lipstick!

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes! I’m on social media and would absolutely love people to follow the journey.
Instagram