Boy & Bear are kicking off a bold new chapter today, dropping a double A-side single – ‘Where Does Life Begin’ and ‘Vertigo’ – and announcing the biggest headline show of their career, set for the Sydney Opera House Forecourt this December.
The two new tracks showcase the band’s ability to balance reflection with optimism. Lead single ‘Where Does Life Begin’ leans into nostalgia, capturing frontman Dave Hosking’s yearning for the “freedom of youth”.
Boy & Bear – ‘Where Does Life Begin’
“Sometimes the passing of time changes us in a way where we can feel like we’ve lost a part of ourselves,” Hosking explains in a press statement. “In our 20s we seem less inhibited and more confident about what’s in front of us, but the realities of life can eventually start to catch up. I liked the simplicity of the idea of watching people dancing from afar and feeling like maybe I no longer belonged there.”
By contrast, ‘Vertigo’ takes a more playful approach, with Hosking saying it explores “the awkwardness of life and time and change” – embracing uncertainty with humour and openness. Both tracks arrive with videos drenched in ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, directed by Jeremy Koren, aka Grey Ghost, and shot with vintage cameras and 8mm film.
Boy & Bear – ‘Vertigo’
The new material comes fresh from sessions in LA and Marrickville with producer Justin Stanley (Prince, Paul McCartney, Beck), and signals the first taste of Boy & Bear’s forthcoming album.
“It feels very exciting,” Hosking says of the new era. “I never get tired of releasing new songs into the wilderness. Of course, there are a few nerves but generally speaking it’s nice to have a new chapter of music out there.”
Boy & Bear’s Sydney Opera House Forecourt show on Saturday, 14th December will see the band bring their catalogue of beloved anthems together with new material, joined by special guests Hollow Coves and Darcie Haven.
“It will be a special moment to release the new album at this show, and get to play some of the singles for the first time,” adds bassist Dave Symes. “We always like to make a journey for our audiences, so there will be a good mix of old and new — and hopefully some special guests.”
Tickets for Boy & Bear’s Forecourt show are on sale now via the Sydney Opera House.
Further Reading
Boy & Bear Release Cover of Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel’
triple j’s Hottest 200 Of Australian Songs: The Complete List
triple j’s 100 Best Unearthed Discoveries: The Complete List
