The 2 Bears

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The 2 Bears
The duo performing, with their logo projected above
The duo performing, with their
logo projected above
Background information
OriginLondon, United Kingdom
Genres
Years active2009–present
Labels
Members
Websitethe2bears.co.uk

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 2-step, 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[edit]

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[edit]

Albums[edit]

Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[7]
AUS
[8]
Be Strong 35 83
The Night Is Young
  • Released: September 2014
  • Label: Southern Fried
  • Formats: Digital download
53

Remix albums[edit]

Title Album 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[edit]

Title EP 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[edit]

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
UK UK Dance UK Indie
2011 "Bear Hug" 187 26 13 Be Strong
2012 "Work" [A]
2014 "Angel (Touch Me)" The Night Is Young
"Not This Time"

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "Work" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 47 on the UK Physical Singles Chart Top 100.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Radio". Ministry of Sound. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  2. ^ Jim Ottewill, "Resident Advisor", 3 June 2011, "Source 1". Retrieved 19 July 2011
  3. ^ Pelski, "YouCanCallMePelski", 9 March 2011, "Source 2". Retrieved 19 July 2011
  4. ^ Ralph Moore, Mixmag, June 2011, "[Source 3]"
  5. ^ The 2 Bears (10 March 2011). "The 2 Bears – Remixes by The 2 Bears on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 9 December 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "The 2 Bears | Work". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  7. ^ "2 Bears songs and albums | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  8. ^ "The ARIA Report: Issue 1147" (PDF). The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 March 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Official Physical Singles Chart Top 100 - 25 March 2012 - 31 March 2012". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 May 2020.

External links[edit]