The Two Bears

The Two Bears

The Two Bears are a London-based electronic group formed in 2010 and made up of Joe Goddard and Raf Rundell. Goddard is also a member of Hot Chip, while Rundell previously works at 1965 Records and is a former press officer. The pair meet while working together at Greco-Roman soundsystem parties. An early idea for a trio called The 3 Bears, involving Joe Mount of Metronomy, does not go ahead, and the project becomes a duo.

Style and output

The group makes music that combines 2-step, house, hip-hop and soul, and their sound is described in different ways, including pop-hip-house, liquid-bmore-house-step and rave-garage. They also host a radio show on Ministry of Sound Radio called

Follow the Bears

. Their work sits within electronic dance music and includes house and electronica elements.

Releases and remixes

During early studio sessions, they create the tracks “Mercy Time” and “Be Strong”, which appear on their first EP, Follow The Bears, released by Southern Fried Records in 2010. That release is followed by a remix EP with contributions from Derrick Carter and Supabeatz. Later in 2010 they issue Curious Nature EP, and in 2011 Bearhug EP; both also have remix EPs, with contributors including Maxxi Soundsystem and Midland.

Their first full-length album, Be Strong, follows in 2012. The single “Work” is issued before the album and appears on the XFM playlist. They also release the mix album 2 Bears 1 Love, which features Wiley, Toddla T and remixes from the duo. A second album, The Night is Young, is announced for Southern Fried Records.

Recognition and remixes for others

The Two Bears receive UK national radio support from DJs 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 produce remixes for Santigold, Metronomy, Toddla T and The View.