The internet is often the place you go when looking for answers, and it was no different for an Australian band when looking for their name.
Boy & Bear are an Australian indie-folk band who got their name from an online band name generator. No, really.
"Basically we were stuck for time, we had a song we wanted to release, we spent six months without a name and when push came to shove, the internet provided a way forward," bass player David Symes says.
"One day we will have to think of a better story."
The Sydney-based band was unearthed across the radio waves of Australian music station Triple J in 2009. Two albums followed and a whirlwind international tour of 170 show dates in 2014, including two in New Zealand.
This time they're crossing the ditch with a third album under their belt, Limit of Love, released in October last year. Lead track 'Walk the Wire' has become a fast favourite for fans.
Mr Symes says they're looking forward to coming back. They have a connection to New Zealand with their popular cover of the Finn brother's 'Fall At Your Feet'.
"We've been trying to learn about Waitangi Day," he says.
A quick history lesson of what the day is all about and he's sorted.
"We're excited," he says, "it's amazing to be coming back."
Along with Mr Symes, Boy & Bear consists of vocalist Dave Hosking, guitarist Killian Gavin, and brothers Tim Hart on drums and Jon Hart on the mandolin and keyboard.
Limit of Love was a collaborative effort working with renowned producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Kaiser Chiefs) and was recorded live to tape -- no ordinary feat.
The band was a little nervous recording straight to tape, but clearly enough confidence and trust was mustered up to produce the crisp, clean band sound on the album.
"It's the best way to record," Mr Symes says.
"Everyone was bringing their A-game."
He describes it as a natural feeling to record live as it suited the "song-based" band. The album captures the essence of just "five guys playing" and performing, he says.
"You have to make decisions on the spot and decisions as you go."
There is no room for error but he is quick to point out that Mr Johns taught them to change their thinking. ("Was it really a mistake or just another way to play it?").
"He was really inspiring. He's an amazing producer and musician as well."
Boy & Bear have a sound that's been likened to 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen crossed with Fleetwood Mac.
Mr Symes is honoured when he hears this and says it fits with the 70s rock 'n roll influence on their music, although as individuals each band member has slightly different musical taste.
It seems this melting pot of influence and taste is doing good things. Limit of Love took out the top spot on Australia's ARIA music charts on its release.
In the zone writing music for Limit of Love (Facebook)
The album was made at a house rented on the coast of New South Wales. A song usually starts out with vocalist Dave Hosking and his acoustic guitar, and then becomes a collective effort, and somehow the music is "arranged and twisted" into a tune that just feels good for your soul.
Mr Symes rates song-writing as one of his favourite parts of the job. That and touring through America in a big tour bus.
Come June, Boy & Bear will be boarding one of those buses, but not before the UK and Europe whisks them away first.
The band is often blown away with the response they receive while touring.
"It's always exciting -- [a] different venue, different audience, different culture," he says.
Not bad for just five guys playing.
Newshub.
Boy & Bear will be performing in Hagley Park at Electric Avenue in Christchurch on Saturday 6. Tickets can be found here.
Boy & Bear with Luke Thompson and Eden Mulholland:
Auckland Powerstation -- Friday 5
Wellington Opera House -- Sunday 7
