In this episode, #250 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Andrew Davie from Bear’s Den and Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery to discuss their beautiful new collaborative EP Promiser — a stripped-back collection celebrating love, simplicity, and connection.
Quietly recorded over just five days in Andrew’s home studio and released via Communion Records, Promiser explores the art of restraint — capturing songs in one-take performances filled with birdsong, rain, and real human imperfection.
Listen to the full conversation below
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
As Andrew explains:
“We wanted to make something that didn’t need conflict or tragedy — songs that celebrate love in its simplest form.” — Andrew Davie, Bear’s Den
Drawing inspiration from the intimacy of records like Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska and Adrianne Lenker’s Bright Future, Promiser sees both artists embracing the beauty of limitation. The sessions also feature guest appearances from Emma Gatrill and Joshua Burnside, who added instinctive, emotionally charged one-take performances.
In this conversation, Bear’s Den and Ciaran Lavery reflect on the friendship and creative spark behind Promiser — writing songs without conflict, finding meaning in everyday love, capturing one-take sessions in Andrew’s home studio, and bringing the record to life on their fast-selling Irish tour.
“It could’ve been a lonely three weeks on tour — but it wasn’t. They drew me into their world, and that’s where this friendship started.” – Ciaran Lavery
“It’s rare to co-write with genuine trust already there — that’s what made everything happen so quickly.” — Andrew Davie, Bear’s Den
Bear’s Den have built a global following for their cinematic folk sound and emotional honesty.
Ciaran Lavery, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, is celebrated for his poetic lyricism and intimate storytelling. Together, they’ve created something special with Promiser — a record that captures the raw beauty of two songwriters in complete creative trust.
Promiser is out now via Communion Records.
About The XS Noize Podcast
With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a home for music’s legends and trailblazers has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including:
Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.
Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.
Be the first to comment