Meet the Nominees: Best Bear Musician
Voting is now open for the second annual Bear World Magazine Awards presented by Bike Athletic in association with Growlr App and the Crown & Anchor.
Take a minute to get to know the nominees for Best Bear Musician. Then be sure cast your vote by April 30th!
Drake Jensen
Born in small-town Glace Bay Nova Scotia, Drake Jensen is no stranger to country music and humble starts. Raised on the likes of John Denver, Dolly, and Garth Brooks, Drake has spun all of these influences into his own true style. Never one to conform to any style or trend, Drake took terrestrial radio head on with his debut album “On My Way to Finding You” and was the first LGBTQ country male artists in the world to garner a top 40 hit across Australia with his punchy and powerful country saga of a good time song “Wherever Love Takes Us”. Big voice, big heart. Always open and honest, Drake Jensen continues to be an inspiration to the underdog. Proving that talent, drive, and being absolutely genuine always wins in the end.
Man on Man
Man on Man is the queer rock band made up of real-life boyfriends Roddy Bottum (Faith No More, Imperial Teen, Crickets) and Joey Holman (Holman). They started making music during the COVID lockdowns as a way to pass the time, but it has since become so much more. Their self-titled debut Man on Man was released by Polyvinyl Records in 2021 to positive reviews and a great reception from rock fans, many of which just happened to be bears. The band’s success was further bolstered by impactful music videos and gorgeous visuals which really served to highlight the message of the band and their music which combats homophobia, ageism and fatphobia through art.
Roulette Delgato
Roulette Delgado is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and plus size model, best known for his slow witty flow, fast flip, and unique singing voice. Roulette is no stranger to big crowds as he has opened for the likes of Ice Cube, E-40, Genuwine, and Baby Bash. His electrifying stage performance is known to bring the house down. His biggest hits and videos include “B.O.Y.” and “Bussin Back”.
Sneakyseabear
Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in New Jersey, Sneakyseabear has described himself as “living under the Lincoln Tunnel”. He has a long history of songwriting and music production kept behind the scenes while trying to make his presence known both online and offline, entering the content creation world through Instagram and TikTok, and making a noticeable spot in queer and plus-size fashion online communities. It wasn’t until the pandemic, however, that his electronic thoughts became a reality with SCREAM BACK, his first single.
Tom Goss
Tom Goss has been singing for more than 15 years, creating a large and varied body of work (nine albums, five EPs, 40 music videos) that tracks his development both as a man and as an artist. He has transformed the facts of his life—a troubled teen and college wrestler; a student studying to become a priest; touring the country as a gay singer-songwriter; falling in love and getting married; the heartbreak of infidelity and the challenges of an open marriage; and, now, being conned by a lover with a secret life—into songs of remarkable range, strength, and beauty. His songs have been featured on ABC, HBO, Disney+, and in several films. His music videos (including “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Breath and Sound” and “Bears”) have been viewed more than 20 million times.
Toska Bear
Toska Bear’s first album YEAR OF THE BEARD was released in 2020 and started to make waves in various queer and indie music scenes. His songs “Prom Queen Days,” “Time to Let Go,” and “Chemicals in Overdrive” have been featured on various queer radio stations around the world such as The Current Motion and OUT LOUD Queer Music Radio. Toska Bear’s sole drive since then has been to make his place as a bear in the queer music scene by blending elements of synth pop, alternative rock, and ambient soundscapes, and he has certainly done so with his subsequent releases.
Vote for your favorite Bear Musician HERE.
