CATBEAR is the alt-pop project of best friends Zoe and Sarah, shaped by the indie, synth-pop and electronic sounds of the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Their songs explore the emotional landscapes that keep us up at night – joy, anxiety, heartbreak, longing and hope – with a sound that moves between bright pop melodies and darker, moodier textures.
The pair began making music together in a rehearsal room in South London, initially playing DIY gigs and house parties before shifting focus toward synths and bigger production. Their first single, Beast of the Night, arrived in 2018 – a reflection on the self-destructive highs and emotional aftermath of the party lifestyle. Since then, CATBEAR’s sound has evolved across shimmering synth-pop, indie guitar lines, and cinematic synthwave – from the longing of Girl Crush to the moodier pulse of In The Night.
Their debut album, Into the Light, gathered together the singles that shaped the first chapter of CATBEAR. With 2023’s I Choose Love, the duo entered new territory – lyrically and sonically – exploring LGBTQ+ themes and darker, post-punk and darkwave influences. Subsequent singles have moved between upbeat indie pop and dreamy, immersive synthscapes that hint at an expanding creative vision.
Live performance has become a growing part of CATBEAR’s identity. After opening for ARXX and touring the UK with The Subways in 2023, the duo began to develop their live sound with intention – adapting their studio productions into something that thrives in the room and feeds back into their writing process.
Their music has reached listeners around the world, with millions of streams and a growing fanbase drawn to their blend of nostalgic soundscapes and emotionally direct lyrics. They’ve performed at festivals including The Great Escape and Bristol Pride, and shared stages with artists such as The Human League and Ladytron. Support from Arts Council England and Help Musicians has allowed them to continue building momentum, independently and on their own terms.
Everything CATBEAR releases is written, recorded and produced by Zoe, with artwork, merch, and even packaging sent out from her home in Brighton. It’s hands-on and completely theirs – from studio to stage to your doorstep.
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