New on Traxx.fm Deluxe + House

The talented and creative English Dance music duo, known as The 2 Bears, has released “Work”, a brand-new, feel-good track from The 2 Bears’ debut album, “Be Strong”, scheduled for release in February 2012 on Southern Fried Records. The Franky Rizardo Remix of “Work” is featured in our Dance Express Spotlight this week.

Based in London, England, The 2 Bears shares a love of the London Dance party sound. In “Work” they seem to effortlessly combine styles including House music, 2-step, and Soul, and Franky Rizardo’s remix adds a deep House style to this already great Dance track.

Formed in 2009, The 2 Bears is made up of Raphael Rundell, also known as Raf, or Raf Daddy, and Joe Goddard. Their original musical concept was to get into the studio to record Raf’s vocals over Joe Goddard’s backing tracks, with the full intention of replacing Raf’s voice with hired talent to lend a sweeter and lighter touch to the tracks, but in the end, the duo decided to stick with Raf’s vocals, which is actually what helps to make The 2 Bears stand out in a good, creative way.

Rumor has it that Raf Daddy and Joe Goddard started making music together after a mutual friend motivated them. During a recent interview, Joe said, “That’s 100% true. A friend of ours said we had to start a band, and that we were big and hairy, so we had to call it The 2 Bears.”

Describing their collaboration, Joe added, “A massive part of the appeal of making music with Raf has been a deep education in House music. I thought I’d understood House music for a long time until I met Raf. It’s really such a huge part of his life. It’s been a fun thing to learn a new discipline, really getting to the heart of what makes house work.”

In addition to creating their own tracks, The 2 Bears have also produced remixes for artists such as Metronomy, Toddla T, and The View.

For upcoming tour dates, current news, and more on The 2 Bears, visit their official website at www.the2bears.co.uk.

by Jill Reyna-Jones