Like Bear – Sounds of Oz

Melbourne songwriter and engineer Nayomi Pattuwage got her start working behind-the-scenes of the music industry. However, with her solo project Like Bear, she’s stepped into the spotlight. And aren’t we glad she did! “Usually Does,” her second single, is an optimistic piece of indie pop that should help you get through your working week.

“I wrote Usually Does two years prior to contacting James [Seymour, who produced the song], so I hadn’t touched on any production ideas since that acoustic demo,” Nayomi explained. “My biggest fear with resurrecting this song was that it had solidified into the acoustic demo that I knew it to be, and I wouldn’t be able to hear anything outside of what it already was. James just tackled it head-on. He is super easy to work with, and ridiculously quick – ideas pour from his fingertips.”

No matter how your week is going, I swear Like Bear’s new single “Usually Does” will make it better.

Image used with permission from Like Bear

This week has felt longer than most, but Melbourne’s Like Bear is helping us get through to the weekend with her cruisy new single “Drive.” It’s her first solo effort, but with more than seven years working as a songwriter and engineer, she’s no stranger to the music business.

The first thing that struck me about this track was its cool sound. Like Bear has one of those voices that draws you in and instantly puts you at ease. The song has such a great melody too. But tapping into the lyrics, which speak of looking to ourselves for what we need rather than seeking external validation, made me appreciate “Drive” even more.

Like Bear is usually a self-produced artist, but this time she called in the expertise of a long time friend, London-based producer Dan Villalobos, who designed the track’s synth and drum sounds.

“I had completed the verses, and [Melbourne artist] Maxon came in and threw a melody at me within seconds that felt completely strengthening and empowering, and it immediately formed the pre-chorus,” Like Bear said of “Drive’s” creation. “The chorus itself fell into my lap, fully realised – I feel like it was definitely one of the many moments musicians live for.”

If this song fires you up, you’re not alone. Like Bear has also used the song for fuel.

“Since writing ‘Drive’ I’ve actually used it to inspire and motivate myself. In the past I was very comfortable sitting in the back seat of a bunch of worlds external to my own, but you can’t live there forever. Eventually you need to take a look at your own planet and get to building or re-building that foundation.”

“Drive” establishes Like Bear as an artist to listen out for. I can’t wait to hear what she’ll release next.

Image used with permission from Like Bear

Tag: Like Bear

Like Bear Drops Sophomore Single, “Usually Does”

Like Bear Makes Strong Debut With “Drive”