Best Bear
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2020
Music
Press
With bright percussion and sparkly riffs, the band’s two singles “T.M.W.Y” and “Through The Static” made quite the impression on listeners; there’s this inherent optimism to front person Jeanette Lynne (Blue) that makes you automatically smile. They just exude the type of positivity that you want to be around, and their show will be no expectation. - John Vettese
Discography
March 2020 - Single - "T.M.W.Y."
June 2020 - Single - "Through the Static"
Dec 2021 - EP - "It's Complicated" (Avril Lavigne Covers EP)
Photos
Bio
Philadelphia-based indie-pop band Best Bear — comprised of lead singer-songwriter/guitarist Jeanette Lynne (Blue), lead guitarist Gwen McFadden, drummer Charles D’Ardenne and bassist Storm Paul — first came together in late 2019. Since, they have released two singles and have been focused on writing songs for their first full-length album.
Marked by hooky introspective lyrics, twinkling guitars and pounding rhythms, Best Bear’s recent releases are in the same vein of Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975. Lynne notes Adrienne Lenker, Bad Bad Hats and The Beths as personal inspirations.
Having toured with Community Center — a rock band hailing from Baltimore, Maryland — for 3 years on bass/backup vocals, Lynne decided to pursue a long-held dream: having a band of her own. She moved back to her hometown of Philadelphia, put out ads for members and eventually found fellow bandmates through Philly’s tight-knit DIY network.
First came McFadden, a back-up vocalist and guitarist. D’Ardenne was next in the fold. A recent Philly transplant who made a name for himself in Cincinnati, Ohio’s scene under the moniker Comprador, he originally tried out on bass but after several practices switched to drums. After a few auditions, the trio found Storm and, all in agreement, he moved in as bassist. (Storm also recorded, mixed and mastered the band’s first two releases.)
The name Best Bear was coined from Lynne’s time with Community Center. While touring across the United States, she said that they would crash on people's floors, make friends with other touring bands, venue staff and strangers all over, and care for one another.
“Whenever we felt someone went above and beyond — the ‘MVP’ of a situation — we called them ‘Best Bear’”, Lynne said.
With CC’s permission, Lynne and fellow bandmates adopted the name. Their first single “T.M.W.Y” was released in March 2020. Lynne penned the lyrics, which grapple with letting go of past blockades and embracing herself in a new phase of life. Their second release, “Through the Static”, came months later in June.
In 2021 the band started recording their debut album at Retro City in Philadelphia, with hopes that it will be released sometime in 2022.
Band Members
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