The 2 Bears

The 2 Bears

The 2 Bears are a London-based British electronic duo formed in 2010, made up of Joe Goddard and Raf Rundell. Goddard is also known for his work in Hot Chip, while Rundell previously works at 1965 Records. The pair meet while working together on Greco-Roman soundsystem parties.

Their music draws on 2-step, house, hip-hop and soul, and critics describe the group in a number of ways, including pop-hip-house, liquid-bmore-house-step and rave-garage. They also host a Ministry of Sound Radio programme called Follow the Bears.

The duo receive national radio support in the UK from presenters including Fearne Cotton, Scott Mills, Nick Grimshaw, Greg James, Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Kissy Sell Out, Dev, Rob Da Bank and John Kennedy. They also record remixes for artists such as Santigold, Metronomy, Toddla T and The View.

Their early studio work includes the tracks Mercy Time and Be Strong, which appear on their first EP, Follow The Bears, issued by Southern Fried Records in early 2010 and later followed by a remix EP featuring Derrick Carter and Supabeatz. They then release Curious Nature EP in late 2010 and Bearhug EP in early 2011, each with remix releases that include contributions from Maxxi Soundsystem and Midland.

The group’s first full-length album, Be Strong, appears in 2012 and is preceded by the single Work, which enters the XFM playlist. They also release the mix album 2 Bears 1 Love, which includes Wiley, Toddla T and remixes from the duo. A second album, The Night is Young, is announced for Southern Fried Records.