Morning Bear has awakened from a long hibernation to release new music for the first time in 6 years. “Splitting of the Wood,” an introspective exploration of hard work and dedication in the face of adversity, was released exactly 6 years from the last single “You’re Right,” on September 8, 2023. Two additional singles followed, “Reap and Sow” and “Learning How.” Each song was recorded, produced, and mixed by a different Colorado producer across the state.

Morning Bear is an orchestral indie folk project based in Denver, Colorado. The nom de guerre of singer/songwriter John Runnels, the project formed in March of 2014. Morning Bear’s music takes listeners on a candid and emotional journey through battles with self-doubt, the challenges of risk taking, and of growing up.

Characterized by highly dynamic compositions, Morning Bear’s music is a synthesis of the calm and delicate stylings of artists like Bon Iver and Jose Gonzalez with the complexity and depth of the Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens. Featuring soaring vocals and atypical arrangements including cello, violin, piano and more, Morning Bear provides a textured landscape behind pop-influenced hooks.