Henry Lewis caught up with one half of the 2 Bears to talk about Skiddle's 16th birthday, his finest festival memories and more.

Date published: 12th May 2017

Image: Raf Daddy

One half of the 2 Bears alongside Hot Chip's Joe Goddard, Raf Rundell, aka Raf Daddy, slots perfectly into Skiddle's 16th birthday celebrations just perfectly.

With a penchant big beats and basslines, Raf's DJ sets have seen him conquer clubs across the UK and on Thursday 18th May, he is set to reign supreme on the festivals floor of Sound Control in Manchester come our massive birthday party. Not only this, last year the 2 Bears got behind our Macmillan Cancer Support campaign, where all proceeds from anyone buying their track 'Church' went to the charity.

Skiddle approached the duo following the immensely sad passing of one of colleagues Chris Glaba, who absolutely loved the track, and being the good sports that they are, got involved with the campaign.

It seems fitting then that Raf should DJ at our birthday party, where once again, the proceeds will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support. Ahead of the event we caught up with Raf to learn more about his finest festival experiences. 

Hi Raf how are you? What are you up to musically at the moment?

Fine thanks, i'm in the final throes of completing my magnum opus. An album that currently has 15 titles, Today it is called "A Man" yesterday it was called "STOP LYING" last week "Chateau Tasty".

What three things make for a great music festival and why?

A strong bladder, good friends, good weather.

Which festivals abroad do you like playing at the most?  Which countries are your favourite to play in and visit?

We did Electric Elephant in Croatia which was amazing. Boat parties in blue Adriatic waters are a wonderful thing, I also like being lost in the trees at Port Eliot or Green Man.

Are festival arenas a good place to try new out music?

Only if you are confident in your weaponry.

Do you party at every festival you play or do you have to tone it down sometimes?

If I partied at all of them I would be dead. I am only half-dead. Do the math, as our American brethren would say.

What is straight up the most memorable experience you've ever had at a festival?

There was a stage invasion at Lovebox a few years ago. In the end it got a bit scary and we had to stop but for a minute it was golden. 

What are your earliest festival memories, did you go to a festival as an artist or a punter first? Where did you first go?

My first festival was Glastonbury in 1994. I was 15. We saw Orbital, Bjork and The Beastie Boys. 

Who are the best acts you have witnessed at a festival?

I remember seeing Roni Size and Reprezent at Glastonbury in 1997, it was the year before New Forms came out. A muddy one and Roni Size, Krust and the rest came out in big black rain ponchos. Scary, intense and amazing. It felt like something big was about to happen -right enough it did. 

Daft Punk the same year in the same tent was pretty amazing too. 

Special mention to Hot Chip at Coachella a few years back as well. A career defining performance from Joe and the lads. 

Find Raf Daddy tickets

Do you have any plans to go to any festivals as just a fan this summer, without actually playing a set?

The only festival I will be visiting and not playing is the kid's school fete and Lewisham People's day. 

Finally, You have been involved with Skiddle personally with 'Church' being used to promote one of our campaigns for Macmillan Cancer Support - can you describe how you got involved? How much are you looking forward to playing at Skiddle's 16th birthday? 

I'm really looking forward to coming to Manchester. A midweek rave is always a vibe. 

Chris who worked for Skiddle was tragically taken by cancer last year. He was a fan of the 2 Bears and in tribute his colleagues started a campaign to get our tune 'Church' to Christmas number 1. We never made the top spot but we gladly gave all the proceeds to Macmillan.

Grab Skiddle is sixteen! tickets below