The Sonic Journey of | THE EXISTence | -  An Interview with Sans Bliss

ALtYEG: Your upcoming LP, Behind Spines and Lifelines, will be played in full at this show. What can audiences at Festival Place expect from hearing these new songs?

Sans Bliss: Get ready for an immersive experience. We're playing the new LP from start to finish, so it's less a concert and more a journey through a story. We’ll perform the songs in the exact order they appear on the album, letting the narrative and emotional arc unfold just as we intended. As we move from track to track, we’ll add some banter to share the essence of each song and its place in the release. It's an opportunity to truly dive deep into the music and connect with the story we’ve woven.

ALtYEG: The band's music is noted for being introspective and intellectually resonant. How do you balance creating art that is personally meaningful with ensuring it connects and lifts the hearts of a live audience?

Sans Bliss: Our music is rooted in the shared human experience, and that's exactly how we bridge the gap. The 11 songs on this album tap into fundamental human emotions that we all understand. We use poetic lyrics and clever wordplay to draw listeners in, while the sonic elements create a pleasing, almost soothing backdrop. This unique blend of melancholy, solace and indie rock beats allows our music to resonate on multiple levels: intellectually, through the depth of the lyrics, and on a more basic, "feel-good" human level. It’s a mix that's both thought-provoking and emotionally uplifting.

ALtYEG: What's your favourite song on the album and why?

Sans Bliss: It's impossible to pick just one favourite—each member of the band has a different one for very personal reasons.

• Sarah loves “Half Close, Half Near” for its emotional vocal delivery and its cinematic lyrical aesthetic.

• Kegan initially gravitated toward "Fallen Signals" for the turbo-charged rock influence and the excellent bass lines. However, he's recently fallen in love with "Paint This Mood," finding it to be the band's peak thanks to its amazing arrangement.

• Curtis finds his rhythm in “Burning Flames,” loving its intense drum fills.

• Bex is particularly fond of “1971 Mystery” because of its intricate harmonies and the smooth, flowing feel that reminds her of classic bands like The Mamas & the Papas and Fleetwood Mac.

• Brayden is most proud of “Laguna Beach,” a track he personally laid down the drums for in the studio.

• For me, Sans Bliss, the standout track for is “Paint This Mood.” This song, with its eerie feel, is a raw exploration of confronting inner demons. It builds beautifully, showcasing the band’s collective depth and our ability to weave a tapestry of art and sound. For me, it's a testament to the therapeutic power of art—a shining masterpiece that I'm incredibly proud of and love how it bookends Behind Spines and Lifelines' complete LP.

ALtYEG: With six members, including dual vocalists and percussionists, your sound is inherently collaborative. How does this dynamic play out on stage, and what do you feel is the unique strength of this lineup?

Sans Bliss: With six members, our sound is a true collaboration, and it’s on stage where that dynamic really comes alive. We play to our individual strengths, creating a cohesive and powerful whole:

• Sarah's perfect pitch and strong vocals are our anchor.

• Bex complements and elevates Sarah’s delivery with her beautiful harmonies.

• Curtis provides the rock punch with his powerful drumming.

• Brayden adds an extra layer of texture with percussion and tambourine.

• Kegan's impeccable timing and groovy bass lines are the backbone of every track.

• I, Sans Bliss, add a jangly, folk-rock appeal to each song.

Together, we function as a single, holistic heart, with each member’s talent pumping through the core to deliver these art-rock sonic gems. Our unique strength lies in our ability to highlight our collective and nuanced abilities, creating a sound that is both intricate and deeply moving.

ALtYEG: Looking beyond this show, the band is described as having the drive to leave a lasting mark on the indie rock landscape. What is the most important legacy you hope THE EXISTence leaves?

Sans Bliss: The most important legacy we hope to leave is a simple one: we want our music to resonate with our listeners' hearts, minds, and souls. We hope that these tracks move people as they have moved us. More than that, we want to prove that amazing music can come from right here, in our own community and City (Edmonton), through the passion and talent of local artists. Our journey is a testament to the idea that with a shared vision and a dream, so much can be achieved. To express our emotions through the vibrations of music and amplify them for our audience is truly a dream come true. We thank the universe for this opportunity and a chance to share our souls through this art form of music.