The 2 Bears Explained

The 2 Bears
Origin:London, United Kingdom
Years Active:2009–present
Current Members:

The 2 Bears are a British musical duo formed in 2009 composed of Joe Goddard (of electronic band Hot Chip) and Raf Rundell (previously of 1965 Records). The duo produces original material amalgamating various styles including, house and soul and also host a radio show on Ministry of Sound Radio entitled Follow the Bears.[1] Critics offer various descriptions of The 2 Bears' sound including "pop-hip-house"[2] "liquid-bmore-house-step"[3] and "rave-garage".[4] The duo have produced remixes for several established artists including Santigold, Metronomy, Toddla T and the View.[5]

History

Raf Rundell, a former press officer, and Joe Goddard, one fifth of electronic music band Hot Chip, met while working together at the Greco-Roman soundsystem parties. Joe has told how the band originated from the suggestion of a friend who proposed that he, Rundell and Joe Mount (from the band Metronomy) form a band called 'The 3 Bears'. The band ultimately formed as a two piece without Joe Mount.

During their formative studio sessions Rundell and Goddard created the tracks "Mercy Time" and "Be Strong", which went on to appear on their first EP Follow The Bears, released by Southern Fried Records in early 2010. Follow The Bears was supported by a subsequent remix EP featuring contributions from Derrick Carter and Supabeatz. The 2 Bears went on to release a further two EPs on Southern Fried Records, Curious Nature EP in the latter part of 2010 and Bearhug EP in early 2011. Both were accompanied by further remix EPs with contributors including Maxxi Soundsystem and Midland.

The 2 Bears' first complete album Be Strong was released on 29 January 2012 and was preceded by the single "Work" on 2 January. The single was included on the XFM playlist. They also made a mix album, 2 Bears 1 Love which featured Wiley, Toddla T, and remixes from the 2 Bears.[6] Their second LP titled The Night Is Young was released in October 2014 on Southern Fried Records.

Discography

Albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
UK
[7]
AUS
[8]
Be Strong
  • Released: 30 January 2012
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
35 83
The Night Is Young
  • Released: September 2014
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: Digital download
53

Remix albums

TitleAlbum details
The Night Is Young (remixed)
  • Released: 6 November 2015
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
Bears in Space
  • Released: 11 May 2015
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download

Extended plays

TitleEP details
Follow the Bears EP
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: Vinyl, digital download
Curious Nature EP
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: Vinyl, digital download
Bear Hug EP
  • Released: 2011
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: Vinyl, digital download
Lambs Bread and Weepers EP
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: Digital download

Singles

YearSinglePeak chart positionsAlbum
UKUK DanceUK Indie
2011"Bear Hug"187 26 13Be Strong
2012"Work"
2014"Angel (Touch Me)"The Night Is Young
"Not This Time"

Notes

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Radio: Follow the Bears . Ministry of Sound . 9 December 2011 . dead . http://web.archive.org/web/20110213034832/http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/radio-djs/145/follow-the-bears/. 2011-02-13.
  2. Web site: Ottewill . Jim . 3 June 2011 . Review: The 2 Bears - Bear Hug EP . . 19 July 2011.
  3. Web site: Pelham . Duncan . 9 March 2011 . [insert bear pun here] ]. 19 July 2011 . Pelski.
  4. Ralph Moore, Mixmag, June 2011.
  5. Web site: Goddard . Joe . Rundell . Raf . The 2 Bears – Remixes by The 2 Bears on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free . Soundcloud.com . 10 March 2011 . 9 December 2011.
  6. Web site: The 2 Bears | Work . . 9 December 2011.
  7. Web site: 2 Bears songs and albums full Official Chart history. Official Charts Company. 17 March 2024.
  8. The ARIA Report: Issue 1147. https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20120320232829/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20120316-0000/Issue1147.pdf. dead. 21 March 2010. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 17 March 2024 . Trove.