Boy & Bear are an Australian indie rock band that formed in Sydney in 2009. The band consists of Dave Hosking (vocals, guitar), Killian Gavin (vocals, guitar), Tim Hart (drums), Jon Hart (bass, vocals), and Matt Wright (keyboards). Over the past decade, Boy & Bear have released 4 studio albums, won 5 ARIA Music Awards, and toured extensively both domestically and internationally.
How did Boy & Bear get started?
Boy & Bear originated from an acoustic roots duo formed by school friends Dave Hosking and Killian Gavin. The pair began performing shows around Sydney, drawing influence from acts like Simon & Garfunkel, Fleet Foxes, and Grizzly Bear. In 2009, they expanded to a 5-piece band with the addition of Jon Hart, Tim Hart, and Matt Wright. The new full band setup helped evolve their sound into a harmony-rich indie folk style.
The name Boy & Bear comes from a story Dave Hosking heard about a boy trying to catch a bear to keep as a pet. He felt it represented the band’s youthful excitement starting out. Boy & Bear self-released their debut EP With Emperor Antarctica in 2009, before signing with Universal Music Australia in 2010.
Boy & Bear’s early years
Boy & Bear’s first major release was their 2011 debut album Moonfire. It spawned triple j hits like “Feeding Line”, “Milk & Sticks”, and “Part Time Believer”. Moonfire peaked at #2 on the ARIA Charts, achieving double platinum sales in Australia. This early success earned them 4 ARIA Award wins in 2011 for Best Group, Breakthrough Artist, Best Adult Alternative Album, and Single of the Year.
This launched into heavy touring over the next few years. Boy & Bear played major Australian festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, and Groovin’ the Moo. Overseas they performed at festivals like The Great Escape (UK), SXSW (US), and Canadian Music Fest (Canada). Their growing fanbase saw them sell out headline shows across North America, UK, Europe and Asia.
What is Boy & Bear’s musical style?
Boy & Bear’s musical style blends elements of indie folk, pop, and rock. Their songs are guitar-driven and built around rich vocal harmonies. Dave Hosking and Killian Gavin’s lead vocals have a yearning, folky quality reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel and Bon Iver. Their music also brings in psychedelic and 70s soft rock influences.
On their first two albums, Boy & Bear had an acoustic roots folk sound with subtle pop sensibilities. 2013’s Harlequin Dream saw them head towards fuller indie rock territory. Their 4th album Suck on Light continued this evolution with bolder electric guitars and synths. Lyrically, they move from personal storytelling to themes of connection and the human condition.
Characteristics of Boy & Bear’s music
- Tight vocal harmonies
- Melodic and anthemic songwriting
- Dynamic rhythm section
- Intricate guitar lines
- Keyboard textures
- Lyrical depth
What instruments does Boy & Bear use?
As a five-piece band, each Boy & Bear member plays an important role:
Member | Instruments |
---|---|
Dave Hosking | Lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar |
Killian Gavin | Lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin |
Tim Hart | Drums, percussion, backing vocals |
Jon Hart | Bass guitar, upright bass, banjo, backing vocals |
Matt Wright | Keyboards, piano, synthesisers, harmonica |
As lead vocalists, Hosking and Gavin handle the main melodies and guitar lines. The Hart brothers form the rhythm section with bass and drums. Wright provides keyboards for texture and atmosphere. Additional instruments like banjo and mandolin are used for a roots folk flavor.
In the studio
In the studio, Boy & Bear will expand their instrument palette even further. Their producer Tim Whitten often contributes extra guitar, banjo, percussion and backing vocals. Other session musicians provide strings, brass, pedal steel, and additional keys. This helps flesh out the full sound captured on their albums.
What are Boy & Bear’s biggest hits?
Some of Boy & Bear’s most popular songs and singles include:
Feeding Line
Appearing on their debut album Moonfire, “Feeding Line” was Boy & Bear’s first major radio hit. Its upbeat, singalong chorus helped it top the Triple J Hottest 100 in 2011. The song went double platinum in Australia.
Southern Sun
The lead single from 2013’s Harlequin Dream album, “Southern Sun” won the band another ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album. Its inspiring lyrics and anthemic vocals remain a fan favorite.
Walk the Wire
The title track from their 2015 EP, “Walk the Wire” was a Top 20 single for Boy & Bear. Its driving rhythm and bold chorus marked their transition towards more rock-oriented songwriting.
Hollow Ground
This emotive track from Suck on Light generated strong triple j airplay in 2019. The song’s lyrical message about finding strength resonated with many listeners.
The Perfect Storm
“The Perfect Storm” became Boy & Bear’s highest charting single when it reached #5 on the ARIA Charts in 2020. Its pop sensibilities helped bring them to a new mainstream audience.
What awards has Boy & Bear won?
Some key awards and accolades achieved by Boy & Bear include:
- 5 ARIA Music Awards from 13 nominations
- 2 WAM Song of the Year Awards (WA Music Industry Association)
- 3x Double Platinum certifications in Australia
- Gold certifications in Australia & New Zealand
- #11 in Triple J’s Hottest 100 Australian Albums of All Time poll
Their ARIA Award wins were all in major categories – Best Group (2011), Breakthrough Artist (2011), Best Adult Alternative Album (2011 & 2013), and Single of the Year (2011). These recognize both their artistic and commercial success.
Industry praise
Boy & Bear have also won acclaim from major industry publications like Rolling Stone Australia, who named them Band of the Year in 2011. Harlequin Dream featured in Triple J’s Best Albums of 2013 listener poll. Their consistent output has cemented them as one of Australia’s premier contemporary indie acts.
How has Boy & Bear’s sound progressed and changed over time?
Boy & Bear’s musical evolution can be traced across their 4 studio albums:
Moonfire (2011)
Their acoustic-driven folk debut established their core sound. Lead singles like “Feeding Line” and “Milk & Sticks” highlighted their flair for harmony-rich songwriting.
Harlequin Dream (2013)
Building on their folk roots, Harlequin Dream incorporated fuller band arrangements and pop melodies. “Southern Sun” and “Three Headed Woman” showed their focus on crafting anthemic indie hits.
Limit of Love (2015)
Limit of Love honed their indie pop sensibilities, with hook-filled singles like “Walk the Wire” and “Just Dumb”. Their sound became more layered and energetic.
Suck on Light (2019)
Suck on Light saw Boy & Bear embrace synths and electric guitars for a bold, rock-tinged sound. Yet their talent for emotive songwriting shone through on singles like “Hollow Ground”.
While their indie folk origins are still evident, each release has shown Boy & Bear willing to experiment and push their creative boundaries into new territory.
What touring and live performance milestones has Boy & Bear achieved?
As a renowned live act, Boy & Bear have built an impressive touring history over the past decade:
- 7 Headline Australian National Tours
- Performances at every major Australian Music Festival – Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Groovin’ the Moo etc.
- 3 Headline North American Tours
- 4 Headline European Tours
- UK Tour Supports – City & Colour, Bombay Bicycle Club
- SXSW Showcases in the US
- Canadian Music Week, The Great Escape & Lost Evenings Festival performances
- Australian Regional Touring – Red Hot Summer, Under the Southern Stars etc.
Their talents as live performers have taken them across Australia multiple times, plus expansive international touring. Boy & Bear have played major venues like The Forum (Melbourne), Qudos Bank Arena (Sydney) and Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Colorado). Fans are drawn by their energetic sets and on-stage charisma.
Notable support tours
As well as their own headline shows, Boy & Bear have opened for acts like City & Colour, Bombay Bicycle Club, Passenger and Tori Kelly. These supports have helped them connect with new audiences and gain exposure in worldwide markets.
What collaborations has Boy & Bear been involved in?
Throughout their career, Boy & Bear have collaborated with a range of other artists in different ways:
Augie March
In 2009, early incarnations of both bands played shows together in Sydney. After forming a friendship, Augie March’s Glenn Richards produced Boy & Bear’s debut EP. His influence shaped their early folk sound.
Hungry Kids of Hungary
Boy & Bear teamed up with fellow Brisbane band Hungry Kids of Hungary for a national tour in 2013. The joint headline shows allowed fans of both indie acts to enjoy an eclectic bill.
Sarah Blasko
Dave Hosking co-wrote the song “I Am Ready” with Sarah Blasko which appeared on her 2015 album. While a stylistic departure, it showed Hosking’s songwriting diversity.
Missy Higgins
In 2019, Boy & Bear opened for acclaimed singer-songwriter Missy Higgins on her national Australian tour. Their joining forces exposed each artist to the other’s varied audience.
Tim Hart
Drummer Tim Hart released his debut solo album Milling the Wind in 2020. It featured musical and vocal contributions from his Boy & Bear bandmates, blending their talents.
These collaborations have allowed Boy & Bear to showcase their talents alongside respected peers. Forming creative partnerships remains an important part of their musical growth and expression.
How has Boy & Bear’s music been used in TV/film and other media?
Boy & Bear’s songs have been featured in various television shows, films, and advertisements over the years. Some notable placements have included:
Television
- “Feeding Line” – Featured in Australian drama Offspring
- “Southern Sun” – Used in American series Suits
- “Part Time Believer” – Played in Grey’s Anatomy episode
- “Hollow Ground” – Appeared in commercial for Coastwatchers TV series
Film
- “Rabbit Song” – On soundtrack of film The Turning (2020)
- “Southern Sun” – End credit track for sci-fi movie Occupants (2015)
- “Part Time Believer” – Played in Australian movie Blinder (2013)
Advertising
- Tourism Australia campaign – “Feeding Line”
- Jeep Commercial – “Southern Sun”
- Mitsubishi Outlander Ad – “Suck on Light”
This multimedia exposure has helped drive further discovery of Boy & Bear’s music. Synch opportunities remain an avenue for them to reach broader audiences outside of traditional radio airplay.
What charity and advocacy work has Boy & Bear been involved with?
In addition to their creative output, Boy & Bear actively support various causes and charities in Australia and worldwide:
Australian Marine Conservation Society
In 2018, Boy & Bear publicly backed the Fight for Our Reef campaign run by AMCS. The campaign called for greater government protections to save the fragile Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
The Sound of Silence
Dave Hosking joined music industry figures in the Sound of Silence initiative shining a light on mental health struggles in the music community and beyond.
Love Hope Strength Foundation
Boy & Bear have partnered with the Love Hope Strength Foundation, joining their Get on the List bone marrow donor drives to assist blood cancer patients.
The Wayside Chapel
In Sydney, the band actively support youth homelessness programs run by the Wayside Chapel community organization.
The causes Boy & Bear advocate for reflect their personal values around community, mental health, and the environment. Their profile helps make a tangible impact.
How have Boy & Bear navigated challenges like lineup changes and the pandemic?
Like many long-running bands, Boy & Bear have faced challenges that threatened their momentum:
Early Member Changes
Boy & Bear started as Hosking and Gavin’s acoustic duo before becoming a five-piece band. Their original drummer and bassist left in 2011 prior to their ARIA Award wins. However the lineup stabilized with the Hart brothers joining.
Jon Hart’s Temporary Departure
Bassist Jon Hart took leave in 2015 to address personal mental health struggles. Close friend and producer Tim Whitten filled in on tour before Hart’s return. Being open helped maintain fan support.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The shutdown of live music during the pandemic was a huge obstacle. Boy & Bear leveraged streaming performances and their New Strings album to stay connected with listeners.
By adapting and allowing room for humanity, Boy & Bear have persevered through major challenges. Their focus stays on their music and continuing to build their story.
Conclusion
Over a fruitful career, Boy & Bear have established themselves as one of Australia’s finest contemporary indie acts. Their trademark vocal harmonies and accomplished songwriting continue winning devoted audiences worldwide. While their musical style progresses, a spirit of warmth and compassion shines through. Boy & Bear’s ability to craft resonant anthems while speaking up for good causes makes their talents particularly inspiring.