Two Piece Tuesdays Presents: Bear Market Riot

Bear Market Riot is the “Power-Folk” duo of Kirk Nordby and Nick Motil. Formed in 2014 on the Central Coast of California, their energetic blend of sounds from folk to funk resonates with audiences of all ages. They are two heartfelt voices singing in harmony playing five instruments with their hands and feet, telling tales of adventure, equality, and romance. With a driving beat and layers of melody, Motil and Nordby create a sound greater than the sum of its parts.

Bear Market Riot won SLO New Times readers poll pick for “Best Band” the last two years in a row! In 2017 they were runner-up in the High Sierra Music Festival Band Competition. As the emcees of Whale Rock Music Festival and frequent radio guests, they’ve earned a reputation as energetic hype-men. They’ve opened for the Brother’s Comatose, Fruition, The Lil’ Smokies, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, Lukas Nelson, and Nicki Bluhm, among others.

Their first full-length album “Power-Folk Americana” is set for release with Spectra Records in 2019. The duo’s upbeat songs and catchy lyrics are complemented by Motil’s toe-tapping beats and Nordby’s sizzling harmonica leads. Self-produced through a successful Kickstarter campaign, the album tells spirited stories of relationships and our place in the social fabric.