Chinese American Bear

Based in Seattle, Chinese American Bear brings together Lingbo Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten, a married duo who write bilingual pop in Mandarin and English, at the intersection of C‑pop, indie pop and a light neo‑psychedelia with bright melodies and short choruses. The project grew out of an intimate, intercultural context: Tong was born in China and raised in the United States, Barsten previously played in several New York indie bands, and their early songs took shape while Barsten was learning Mandarin. Chinese American Bear began releasing music in 2020 and broadened their audience with the track “好吗 (Hao Ma)” in 2021. Their debut album, Chinese American Bear, arrived in 2022, followed by Wah!!! in 2024 and Dim Sum & Then Some in 2026. From record to record, Chinese American Bear refines a direct pop songwriting approach, often drawing on themes of childhood, language, family and food, while maintaining a colorful, slightly dreamy aesthetic. The duo has toured the United States, Europe and China, and also opened several shows for Poppy in 2025.