The road from Bear Hand’s origins can be traced back to their first album “Burning Bush Supper Club,” released to critical praise in 2010. However, it was their second album, 2014’s “Distraction,” that helped give them greater exposure. They enjoyed solid radio airplay, notching a Top 10 hit with “Giants” and a Top 20 single with “Agora,” the latter of which they performed on “Conan,” marking their late-night TV debut. Lead singer Dylan Rau recalls that experience as a bit surreal after seeing Ellen DeGeneres riding a bicycle while the band waited to play. While that was certainly a memorable experience, Rau considers a different moment more pivotal. “The second time we played together, we made a three-song demo,” said Rau.

“You’ll Pay for This” was recorded in a Westchester, NY home and a Brooklyn studio. It was co-produced by guitarist Ted Feldman and long time Bear Hands collaborator James Brown (Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Foals). Rau hopes to collaborate with other artist in the future. “I’d love to make some beats for rappers in my spare time,” said Rau. “I’m always looking to branch out and see what they have.”

Bear Hands also built an impressive live resume, touring with acts as diverse as Cage the Elephant, Passion Pit and Ben Folds (“they’re really great people,” said Rau), as well as securing slots on many of the major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Reading & Leeds, Outside Lands and Made in America’s Philadelphia edition.

That meant heightened expectations, further drive, and new responsibilities with the creation of their own record label, Spensive Sounds. Bear Hands became less a passion project and more a viable career path. The members attempted to adjust accordingly before finding their groove. “It’s kind of chaos over there,” said Rau of major record labels. “We’ve been happy to do that and not have to go through intermediary. It’s something that’s easier to do if you have an established fan base.”

Feldman and Rau, who’ve been songwriting partners since their time at Wesleyan University, extended a tour stop in California and holed up in a mountain cabin east of L.A for three days. The duo did nothing but write, and it was the turning point. “Hone the songwriting first,” said Rau, when asked about advice for new musicians. “Those are the kind of skills that you can hone yourself.”

Rau, who confessed that he usually writes music on guitar while watching TV, relished the lack of WiFi and the ability to narrow his focus. As a result, the concentrated, 72-hour sessions were extremely productive. “He is much more of a tech guy and it’s very difficult for me to get interested in it,” said Rau. “It’s complementary things. Very often we meet in the middle.”

Bear Hands will be at The Aquarium in Fargo on Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m.