Earth and the Next Society is the creative project birthed by guitarist and songwriter Michael Shields. Created as a platform of expression and to provide the voice of reason regarding the issues that are currently relevant in the modern times of disorder and uncertainty. Earth and the Next Society create music to remind us as human beings who all speak the universal language of music to look in ourselves and find our own inherit wisdom and act on it to help better ourselves as a society. This mantra quickly grew in popularity and Shields enlisted the help of an incredible entourage of fellow musicians that brought their own personal style to the collective, producing a distinctive sound that has its roots deeply embedded in the Golden Age of Rock music and beyond. Earth and the Next Society is comprised of Shields on vocals and lead guitar, Jimmy Mack on bass, David Bedell on drums and Tom McMillian on keyboards. 


The thing that sets Singing Bear apart from other musicians ... his Lyrics.  Like many he is beautiful with a great band and has a very captivating and magnetic stage presence and a wall dropping bitter sweet and powerful voice.  But honestly, what makes it different is the words ... the poetry.  Truthful, real, written by him. 

His live performances are magic because he allows himself to go beyond his recordings.  He freestyles new lyrics and speaks lucidly as if channeling from another time and space.  On stage, he is on fire, a presence, a spirit, a voice of the people, a muse, a witness, a visionary, a comedian, a star.  Yes, he jams the acoustic guitar, harmonica, keys and percussion with flawless skill and funky style. Yes, he has incredible music sensibility and can orchestrate his band with a sort of ESP.  Yes, the sings angelic and moves elemental, like liquid velvet.  Yes, he has all those talents and charms, but the things that everyone really comes for are the words ... the lyrics ... the poetry ... the vibe.

Singing Bear was named by his mother - Anthony Singing Bear - and he is part Native American but does not flaunt it.  In 2005 he moved to SF from Ohio where he had a band called "Forealious" ... since then he has been performing non-stop, and has performed as some of the largest festivals on the West Coast including a slot at Mystic Garden Party where he played just before Michael Franti and all with no management, agent, or promotional team.  He has sold over 3500 CDs by himself and continues to elude Labels and Managers with his covert style.  He recently teamed up with producer and writer Jesse Boleyn to record "Gold"  - Recorded at Renegade Studios (Jefferson Starship), Mixed by Chris Garcia (Santana, Dido, Katy Perry) and Mastered at Sonic Vista Studios (Lady Gaga, Grizzly Bear) ... - All Independently and Produced at the highest level ...  This new album introduces Bear to the world as an Independent World-Class Artist and is certain to become a classic.


Sound: a conduit of expression, healing and reconnection. Music is my prayer where inner and outer worlds meet. A gift and received and offered from the depths of my soul serving as a conduit for the greater good.

Anthony Singing Bear is following