A decade on from the release of the chart topping, ARIA-nominated album ‘Harlequin Dream’, Boy & Bear are preparing for the release of an EP comprised of achieved songs from the ‘Harlequin Dream’ studio time. The new EP, ‘Lost Dreams’ is set for release on Friday the 15th of September and we caught up with Boy & Bear’s Bass player and songwriter Dave Symes to ask him about the the anniversary of ‘Harlequin Dream’, ‘Lost Dreams’ and the bands extensive regional tour they are about to embark on this Wednesday.

You have just released your new song ‘Abraham’ which is a track you recorded when you were making your ARIA-nominated and fan favourite album ‘Harlequin Dream’. Where did the idea come from to dig into the archives?

There was a bit of luck in it really. As we made the decision to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Harlequin Dream, someone in the band (can’t remember who) remembered there were a few tracks that never got released from that time. Usually there’s a good reason why tracks don’t make an album but in this case, we felt like they had a vibe and although the band is writing very different music these days it felt like now was a good time to release them into the wild.

Tell us about ‘Abraham’, What inspired the writing of the song originally and what does the song mean to you?

My honest answer is I can’t really remember. I was definitely writing more from a sense of fantasy back then. Dreaming up different characters, usually always a reflection of myself in some way. I do though feel a sense of nostalgia when I listen to the track. I can hear the enthusiasm and the gusto in the performance which is so different to how I play and sing these days.

Did the song take on any changes during the re-discovery and release process or is the final 2023 product the original version from 2013?

Not at all. It’s the original version untainted.

Do you remember what the reason was for ‘Abraham’ not making it onto ‘Harlequin Dream’?

I think we just felt it wasn’t the right vibe. You always want to put your strongest foot forward and although the song definitely has a strength to it, I think in trying to balance the record we felt like we didn’t really need it. It would have also been quite an outlier in terms of mood and groove etc. It’s almost got a pinch of disco in there and that may have felt strange on the record.

“I think if people liked Harlequin Dream then they’ll probably enjoy these tracks”

— Dave Symes - Boy & Bear

‘Abraham’ is being released via your new ‘Lost Dreams’ EP which has two other tracks also recorded in the ‘Harlequin Dream’ days, what else can fans look forward to discovering on this new body of work?

They’re a real mix bag of songs. I think if people liked Harlequin Dream then they’ll probably enjoy these tracks. They definitely have a real sense of energy to them and youthful exuberance. We weren’t afraid to embrace our pop sensibility back then.

Boy & Bear are about to hit the road for a Huge regional tour which will see you playing a collection of new and old tracks. Is there one song that is particularly special for you to play live and that you always include in your live shows and if so, why?

We’ve recently been playing a song called ‘Long Long Way’. It’s off the ‘Suck on Light’ album. We had never played it in the past, but it’s been a nice additive to the set. I always loved this song and although it didn’t really do much in terms of public affection, it was always one close to my heart, so it’s been nice to be able to play and I think live it takes on a whole new life.

“I was so proud of the result in the end and proud of myself for being able to get through it and deliver something that I felt was pretty special.”

— Dave Symes - Boy & Bear

The band has won a bunch of awards including multiple ARIA’s and played festivals all over the world including Lollapalooza and Splendour in the Grass, so what’s been the highlight of your career so far both personally and professionally?

We’ve been really lucky. We’ve had so many great moments over the years. Winning the Aria’s was pretty special and completely unexpected. We were so green, we didn’t really know what we were doing but it seemed to be working and that was exciting. With saying that I think the highlight for me personally was finishing and delivering the ‘Suck on Light’ album. I had been through some personal struggles and at one point it felt like that album was never gonna happen. I was so proud of the result in the end and proud of myself for being able to get through it and deliver something that I felt was pretty special.

10 years is a long time in the music industry. Obviously, life has changed for you both individually and as a band collectively, so what has been the biggest change that you never contemplated or expected?

You think that as time passes, you’ll probably change too, and the band will start to mean something different to what it did initially but it hasn’t. I still feel the same about playing music as when I did when we started. I mean we’re a little older, a pinch wiser and have come to see some of the challenges of longevity in this industry but we are all still super energised and it still feels like a dream to me. So I’m pleasantly surprised by that!

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?

We lost a dear friend and colleague by the name of Greg Weaver. He was our tour manager and front of house engineer and we worked with him for a long time. He became such an important part of our lives both musically and personally and was one of the most gentle and loving human beings you’ll ever meet. We owe him for teaching us how to tour properly and for looking after us all on those long tours. He worked tirelessly and never complained and always had time for a chat and a laugh. He was very special and we were lucky to spend the time with him that we did.

What's next for Boy & Bear? What can we look forward to with 2024 rapidly approaching?

It’s the same old circuit really. Write, release, tour repeat! We’ve got a UK/Euro tour coming up early next year as well as some more home town shows which we’ll announce soon. But we’re also writing again, planning the next record and hopefully we’ll be back in the studio the second half of next year. So, lots to do.

BOY & BEAR – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

Tickets available from www.boyandbear.com

Interview by Michelle Symes

September 2023

Boy & Bear livin’ the Dream