“Golden Bear Records offers top-notch recording and mixing in the peaceful locale of Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to high-end gear, instruments, and production talent, this über-cozy space includes a bunk room, private bathroom, full kitchen, and lounge to accommodate overnight stays... Bryan’s production space is seriously jaw-dropping!” ”
Bryan Vanderpool - Producer/Engineer
Bryan started his music career in the Boston where he spent his time recording bands in his college dorm at Northeastern University. It was there, in local folk clubs, that he met his wife Sarah. The two fell in love and ran away to Los Angeles to start their much celebrated folk/duo the Well Pennies. Over the next few years, the pair released an EP and two full length albums that were met with acclaim from Billboard Magazine, NYLON, RollingStone and many more, and earned them over 40 million plays online. They tour extensively all over the US performing in small , large theaters, alongside Youth Orchestras and also opening for Diana Krall as part of her "Turn up the Quiet World Tour" this past Summer.
Intending to build a recording studio away from the chaos of Los Angeles, Bryan and Sarah moved to Des Moines in 2016 and happily adjusted to mid-west living. "Des Moines is the perfect place to record music. The wide open sky and slower pace of life offers easier access to creativity without the pressures and the desperation of the music business."
Blake has been an Iowa native his whole life. After picking up a guitar in his early teen years he’s been obsessed with music ever since. “It’s been the one consistent throughout my life.” he says.
After a couple years studying design at Iowa State University he realized music was really all he could see himself doing for the long haul. He finished his time at university and immediately moved to Des Moines and found his way into a community of musicians and artists.
During that time he discovered recording and production and fell in love with this new side of music he had never experienced before. A pivotal experience was his first time in the studio. “Seeing a track go from a voice memo to a radio ready song is addicting, it’s like a drug.”
Now he spends his time wearing multiple hats as a studio musician, engineer and producer. You might also find him also gigging out and running live sound occasionally.
For over 50 years Vance has been privileged to work with the best that entertainment has to offer, from the finest singer of the great American song book (Tony Bennett) to guitar gods (Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin), big bands, trios, world music and rock’n’roll. Throughout this time, mostly acting in multiple capacities at the same time, he has always been able to make it feel effortless for artists, management, agencies, and to all who contribute to “getting it on!”
Working with such magnificent talent afforded him the opportunity to mix audio and coordinate production for award winning TV shows, film scores, and multiple record projects as well as travel the world tour managing, producing and mixing live shows.
Vance’s involvement with both the studio and the record label is deep routed, having known Bryan and his family for 30 years. The passion and attention to detail that comes out of GBR is unmatched, every day is met with enthusiasm and focus so that the recording experience is not just about the high quality professionalism encountered, but also, about the sheer joy of the creative process.