Ottawa/ Gatineau-bassed indie folk/alt-country artist, Fliss has unveiled the brand new single, “Comfrey and Calendula”.
“Comfrey and Calendula” is the first single from her upcoming EP to be released in 2021, and is an introduction to her introspective and untethered songwriting style.
“Comfrey and Calendula is the most vulnerable song I have written to date. The process of writing it and performing it for the first time was extremely cathartic and healing for me. Now it’s time to put it out into the world.”
Check out the single below, and find out more about Fliss via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Felicity and my nickname and stage name is Fliss. I am a solo artist originally from Ottawa/Gatineau, but temporarily living in Edmonton. After my dream-pop band, Sparklesaurus, disbanded about a year and a half ago, I started focusing on my solo project, Fliss. I would say my sound walks the line between indie-folk and alt-country, maybe with some art-pop thrown in and rock n roll at times.
I am so excited to be releasing my first single, “Comfrey and Calendula”, on December 6, and a full EP next year. My greatest wish is that it provides comfort and makes listeners feel less alone. Especially marginalized folks and my LGBTQ+ family members, “out” or not. I think that’s ultimately what good art should do – express the human experience in some way that makes us feel connected. Comfrey and Calendula is a song of healing, and I think the rest of the EP also follows that thread. It’s very vulnerable and we’ve worked really hard on it and I really can’t wait for everyone to hear it! I can’t tell you how good it feels to be finally putting it out there.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I would say my music is very lyric and melody-driven, for the most part. Writing is one of my most favourite parts about music. I think my sound has a vintage feel with a nod to 70s folk-rock-country, while also staying modern and new. I love experimenting with alternative, weird arrangements, and interesting synth sounds. Some modern influences of mine are Aldous Harding, Big Thief, Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen, Orville Peck. Older influences would be artists like Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Karen Dalton, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Nicks, Hank Williams, The Velvet Underground.
How are you keeping creative during the pandemic?
Overall, I’m finding it pretty difficult to be creative. However, I do find that turning to other mediums and outlets other than music helps. I’ve started painting. I feel very powerful when I paint. And soothed. I can completely zone out for like 6 hours when I am really into a painting. I think it’s very beneficial for our minds to find that “flow”, wherever we can. It’s almost like a form of meditation. Sometimes stepping away from creating music for a second and focusing on something new can be really helpful. Also, taking long walks – like bundling up all cozy and taking a 2-hour trek through the snow – has been a huge saving grace for my mental health. I have a walking buddy so that’s really nice. I am trying to learn to trust the push and pull of creativity. It’s hard to know when to push yourself to be creative or when to take a step back and just trust that it will come eventually. You can still do things that will be constructive to your brain and body in the meantime, and will ultimately help in the creative process. We have to be gentle with ourselves, especially right now.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Comfrey and Calendula! It is my favourite song I have written and will be the first song I’ve released as a solo artist.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
Oh my god, I have so many! Ada Lea, Thanya Iyer, NYSSA, Lady Charles, Luna Li, Faith Healer, TOPS, Twist, fanclubwallet, Marlaena Moore, Men I Trust. Just to name a few!