Deadbear is the moniker of Berlin-based producer and electronic musician Nick Donovan. He begins experimenting with electronic music as part of a university laptop orchestra and later works on interactive software, including an app commissioned for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.

Releases and collaborations

In 2013, Donovan releases his debut EP on Art is Hard Records. The record features collaborations with Alex Hewett of Egyptian Hip Hop and with /please/. He later issues a double single on Cascine’s CSCN label. The focus track, “Tongues,” combines fragmented vocals with drums, glockenspiels and electronic found sounds, and includes vocals from Japanese collaborator Qrion, who is associated with work with Ryan Hemsworth and her own productions. The B-side, “Oo Oo,” builds toward heavy distortion and sub-heavy bass beats.

Reception

Deadbear draws critical attention from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, The Wire, Virgin.com, XFM and NME.