After captivating audiences with expressive electro-folk teasers, Bliss Carmxn has released their debut EP, Hold My Hand And I’ll Hold Yours. This four-track collection merges glowing pop aesthetics with an ethereal alternative atmosphere, creating a spellbinding dynamism reminiscent of Erasure’s drive, Perfume Genius’s gravity, Simon and Garfunkel’s simplicity, and Kacy Musgraves’s warmth.
The EP embarks on a journey through energetic moments and deeply evocative writing, beginning with ‘Hey Oh Hey’. This track, infused with plucky synths, crisp snare hits, and soaring vocal melodies, sets a sparkling tone for the project. Following this is ‘Hear’, a song rooted in a bouncy piano melody and infectious singalong qualities, showcasing Bliss’s knack for catchy pop hooks. ‘Big Enough’ shifts to a more reserved soundscape, highlighting the emotional depth of Bliss’s songwriting through rich arpeggios and swelling strings that evoke a sense of melancholy. Closing the EP is ‘Side’, a bright and breezy electro-pop anthem filled with vivid synth design and layered, life-filled vocals.
Bliss Carmxn describes the EP as a reverse relationship narrative: “The EP acts like a relationship in reverse. We start at the end and end at the beginning. It’s a vulnerable, fierce, soft, and joyful set of tracks that reminds us there’s always a new beginning when we draw a line in the sand.”
The creation of Hold My Hand And I’ll Hold Yours was a collaborative effort involving a diverse team of female, queer, and gender non-conforming artists. The EP features music and lyrics by Adam Kaasa, production by Rookes, engineering support from Ary Maudit, and mastering by Katie Tavini at Weird Jungle. It was recorded at Ten87 Studio and Strongroom Music Studios in London, with artistic direction by Pati de Souza Leão Müller and photography by Oli Raptor.
Bliss Carmxn is the musical project of writer and academic Adam Kaasa. Born in Canada and classically trained in piano, Adam spent their childhood singing in choirs. After relocating to the UK in 2017, Bliss Carmxn emerged, allowing Adam to embrace their queer identity and debut on the Berlin-based label Wicked Hag.
Bliss’s music has been featured in the award-winning television series Sunshine Eyes and appeared on a fundraiser album for LGBTQ Earthquake Solidarity early in their career. They have interviewed for BBC London Radio with presenters LionHeart and Salma El-Wardany and received acclaim from Berlin In Stereo’s “Tracks of the Week.”
Hold My Hand And I’ll Hold Yours is now available for streaming and purchase, inviting listeners to experience Bliss Carmxn’s unique blend of electro-folk and pop, and embark on a journey of emotional depth and musical colour.
Listen below:
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