Two Bears North combines dark lyrics with cheerful melodies to create its unique indie-rock sound.
“It’s catchy and poppy and fun, but also passionate and energetic and hopefully inspiring,” said Sophie Heppell, lead singer and guitarist, about the band’s music.
She said the songs appeal to a wide demographic and while there is a lot going on in the music, it’s still accessible to general listeners.
The core members of Two Bears North are Heppell and Melissa Walker, bass. They met in Edmonton during music studies and have played in three different bands together, including Two Bears North.
“We had the same goals and dreams and work ethic,” said Heppell. “Being in a band is basically like being in a relationship, but with five other people.”
Over the years, Two Bears North’s drummer has changed and now includes Allyson McIvor on drums.
Two Bears North performs at the Cambie with Shobocan on Saturday (July 23) at 10 p.m. The show is part of the band’s Vancouver Island tour, which includes stops in Tofino and Victoria.
“It’s pretty high energy, really danceable upbeat songs,” said Heppell about the group’s stage performance.
Two Bears North released its debut album, Comeocean, in 2013. The release garnered the group five nominations at the 2014 Edmonton Music Awards and the People’s Choice award.
Heppell said the album was inspired by nature and running away from things. Both Heppell and Walker grew up on the west coast of B.C., but now live in Edmonton. Heppell said the album is inspired by a true story.
“For the first record it was like planting a garden. I would plant the seed and Melissa would water the garden,” said Heppell.
The band is currently working on a new album set for release later this year. She said the second album is like baking a cake. All the members came together to find the recipe and create it together.
Last year the group was among the top 12 finalists chosen to perform in the Peak Performance Project. In April the group released the single Let the Air Clear.
In 2014 the band signed with the German label DevilDuck Records and toured in Europe in the spring of 2015.
For more information about Two Bears North please go to www.twobearsnorth.com.
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