Chinese American Bear are a joyfully chaotic pop duo from Seattle — equal parts indie-pop, madcap energy and multilingual warmth. Their songs bounce between English and Mandarin with playful melodies, lo-fi instrumentation, and a kind of cosy weirdness that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The pair — married couple behind the band — mix twee, sweet-toned vocals with synths, guitar and occasional gongs thrown in for good measure.

They don’t seem to take it all too seriously — there’s humour, a sense of fun (yes, sometimes even dumpling hats and plushies at shows) — but there’s also real heart, identity and a cross-cultural spirit in their work. It’s pop music made by two people embracing their heritage, their DIY roots, and a genuine love of expression.

At the festival, expect something vibrant and delightfully off-kilter: a set that could shift from dreamy nostalgia to spiky, jangly energy, all while you’re half-singing along, half-grinning in confusion. Chinese American Bear feel like the kind of discovery that makes you glad you wandered off the beaten path.