Backstory:
Rotten Bear was formed in the bustling college town of Madison, Wisconsin, during the winter of 2015. Founding members, lead vocalist Carrie Armstrong and bassist Danny “Deacon” Marks, met in an open mic night at a local dive bar. They found their musical tastes collided in the most harmonious way, prompting them to start a musical journey together. Later, they were joined by drummer Max Thomas and keyboardist Eli Johnson, forming the unconventional and audacious quartet that is Rotten Bear.

They began by playing in small venues around town, quickly gaining a following for their unconventional sound and raucous live performances. Their breakthrough came when they were discovered by a visiting record producer who was in town for a music festival. He was instantly captivated by their unique sound and offered them a record deal on the spot.

Genre:
Punk Rock fused with a touch of Folk

Title:
“Love Decay”

Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em C G D
When we met in the dark, under city lights glow,
Em C G D
Your eyes were stars, in a night worn so low.
Em C G D
But the passion we had, soon began to fray,
Em C G D
Like an old vinyl record, spinning love decay.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Love Decay, in the heart of the city,
Em C G D
Where dreams crumble, ain’t it a pity?
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve lost my way,
Em C G D
In the spinning rhythm of our Love Decay.

(Verse 2)
Em C G D
We danced in the rain, with no regard to time,
Em C G D
But the rhythm we had, slowly lost its rhyme.
Em C G D
Your touch, once warm, is now a cold array,
Em C G D
In the haunting melody of our Love Decay.

(Chorus)
Em C G D
Love Decay, in the heart of the city,
Em C G D
Where dreams crumble, ain’t it a pity?
Em C G D
In your arms, I’ve lost my way,
Em C G D
In the spinning rhythm of our Love Decay.

Fan Testimonial:
Fan Name – Jenny Thompson

Jenny stumbled upon Rotten Bear during one of their early shows in Madison. The raw, intense energy of their performance, combined with the deeply poignant lyrics, struck a chord with her. Their song “Love Decay” especially resonated with her as she was going through a tough break-up, and it became her anthem through those tough times. She says, “Rotten Bear is my favorite band because their songs feel like they’re telling my story, the struggles, the heartbreaks, the resilience. Their music is punk rock with a heart, and I love it!” She has attended every one of their shows she could since that fateful night and plans to continue supporting them as they take on the world.