After a 6-year hiatus, Morning Bear awakened from hibernation with the release of “Splitting of the Wood” in September 2023. Now, the artist kicks 2024 off with the release of a beautiful acoustic track titled “A Simple Understanding”.
The brainchild of Denver-based singer/songwriter John Runnels, Morning Bear is an orchestral indie folk project that channels emotion through vivid imagery and intricate melodies. Characterized by highly dynamic compositions, Morning Bear’s vulnerability is showcased by delicate vocals and a textured musical landscape.
His new release provides an intimate glimpse into the mind of its creator, navigating through the profound challenges of loss, resilience, and self-discovery.
The catalyst for Morning Bear’s resurgence lies in the transformative journey of John Runnels. After facing a series of devastating events and losses, including the global pandemic, the loss of three close friends in separate tragedies, a severe injury, and battles with anxiety and depression, the artist emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. He decided to translate that into releasing new music, for our greateast pleasure.
“A Simple Understanding” is a continuation of Morning Bear’s return, showcasing him in an intimate and vulnerable performance, accompanied only by his acoustic guitar.
In the lyrics, Morning Bear delves into themes of self-loathing and finding hope in the darkest moments of life. He reflects, “People are often their own worst critic. ‘A Simple Understanding’ speaks to the self-loathing you feel when you have hit rock bottom. How do we find something to hold onto when we’re in the darkest points of our lives?“
