Bear Hands

Wesleyan graduate Dylan Rau started indie electro quartet Bear Hands during an especially tumultuous time in his love life. Interpersonal drama and changing romantic tides served as his inspiration for writing dozens of new songs, and needing an outlet to unleash this creative fury, Rau called on his school friend Ted Feldman and fellow Brooklyn musicians Val Loper and T.J. Orscher to bring the band to life. Their first release came in the form of 2007's Golden EP, which quickly gained them attention both local and national. Lots of touring ensued, including opening spots for like-minded larger acts like Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, MGMT, and Mayer Hawthorne. More small-scale releases followed, as did international touring that included Brazilian dates with Chairlift. In 2010, their debut full-length Burning Bush Supper Club was released, followed by more singles and the 2012 EP Songs from Utopia, Vol. 1.