Toro y Moi is a solo project of Columbia, South Carolina native and resident, Chaz Bear (f.k.a. Chaz Bundick). In 2009, Bear earned a BFA in Graphic Design from The University of South Carolina. Chaz Bear's methods are constantly evolving. While heavily influenced by his parent's vinyl and tape collection, his contemporary influences are Animal Collective, Sonic Youth, J Dilla, and Daft Punk. Toro y Moi started in 2007 as a bedroom project that quickly grew into live performance.