Bonnaroo Band of the Day: Boy & Bear

Bonnaroo Artist | Boy & Bear
Bonnaroo History | Newbie
Stage & Time | TBA

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with as many bands as we can from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2016 lineup. We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up, paying special attention to the smaller and lesser known acts on this year’s bill. Keep reading for your Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

LEARN

While still bubbling just below the surface of mainstream recognition stateside, Boy & Bear have long been a breakout success story in their native Australia. Formed in 2009 and originally conceived as something of a solo vehicle for frontman Dave Hosking, the project quickly came together as a full band, its various members fronting and performing in other groups around Sydney. After their early self-released tracks earned home country radio play, the band soon bagged a deal with Island Australia, and dropped a well-received debut EP followed soon after by their first full-length, Moonfire, recorded right here in Nashville. The LP helped the band land multiple ARIA and APRA awards back home, earning double platinum certification, and they subsequently found themselves supporting Mumford & Sons on their Australian run, along with burgeoning media and radio interest in the U.S.

Expanding on the indie, folk accessible sound of their debut, Boy & Bear released a followup, Harlequin Dream, in 2013, receiving similar accolades and launching an almost non-stop world tour cycle for a year straight. The band have played numerous American festivals before, and have even headlined local outings, but this summer marks their first time at Bonnaroo; a natural fit. They’re celebrating the release of their third album, last year’s Limit of Love, which they recorded in the UK with producer Ethan Johns, employing a totally analog, live-to-tape approach with almost no overdubs. The result is a warmer, more intimate, more collaborative effort than anything Boy & Bear have crafted to date, and as longtime fans of the group, we’re eager to see these wonderful new tunes translated live (they’re a live powerhouse, and must be seen in the flesh to truly appreciate). Check out a preview below!

LISTEN | “Southern Sun”