Since bursting onto the scene with his 2013 breakout hit “Bears,” Tom Goss has remained a trailblazer in the queer music movement; shaping the soundscape while unapologetically marching to the beat of his own drum. His work consistently celebrates self-love, authenticity, and unabashed queer joy.

Now, he’s back with “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear-themed anthology, which also includes fan favorites “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear.”

We caught up with Tom during the European leg of his tour to learn more about the new single and what’s next.

It’s been over a decade since you released “Bears.” How does “Bear Soup” reflect your growth as an artist?

Tom Goss:  I never want to take myself too seriously. I think it shows that I will continue to be playful as my sound evolves.

Has the musical landscape – and queer music specifically – changed since you released “Bears” in 2013?

Tom Goss:  It is a completely different world.  “Bears” was groundbreaking at the time because I was saying something people were afraid to say. Young Tom longed so much for the community that exists now. Older Tom is just happy to know that I made some stuff that helped people feel safer to be themselves. I am so grateful to be here and now.

What inspired the new single, “Bear Soup?”

Tom Goss:  I was thinking about fun ways to celebrate body positivity, especially within the bear ecosystem and it occurred to me that bears should have their own twerk anthem. Now it goes without saying that most bears have a lot more to twerk with than just their butts. I want folks twerk their bellies, their butts, and anything else that bounces or jiggles.

What exactly is a “Bear Soup”? 

Tom Goss:  To make bear soup, combine a pool with a gaggle of jolly bears, chubs, admirers, or anyone else that wants to get wet. Top it off with a dozen more glistening bodies and you’ve got yourself a meal!

How would you describe the sound of the single?
Tom Goss:  I worked with producer Maya La Maya to create something that you couldn’t listen to without getting down low. The soundscape was inspired by Cardi B, Ice Spice, Megan Thee Stallion, and Flo Milli.   Chris Conde provides the beef for the track.

How did the collaboration with Chris Conde happen? 

Tom Goss:  I met Chris when I was on tour in NYC. We hung out and spent hours sharing music, and jamming on the acoustic guitar. It was a very fun, and uncommon kind of gay dude hang. It felt fresh, fun, light, like college. We chatted about working together, and when “Bear Soup” started to take shape, I sent it his way.

He appears in the hilariously bold music video, too.

Tom Goss:  We worked with director Michael Serrato on the video. Michael himself is a part of the bear community and I know he wishes there had been videos like this, for him to watch, when he was growing up.

The video plays with sexuality and humor in equal measure. How important is it for you to balance both in your work?

Tom Goss:  So very important. I find the integration of kindness and humor to be the pinnacle of sexiness.

What do you hope listeners take away from this saucy new anthem?
Tom Goss:  I hope they smile and bounce, bounce, bounce, and jiggle all they got!

By Max Jimenez

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