The Newfoundland-based Brazilian duo blend bossa nova, folk, and East Coast influences on the first taste of their upcoming sophomore album.
Ana & Eric announce the release of “Autumn Bliss,” the first single from their highly anticipated sophomore album, Older Than Sadness, arriving in early 2027. Written by Ana Luísa Ramos and Eric Taylor Escudero, “Autumn Bliss” explores the relationship between memory, place, and music. The song reflects on how landscapes and experiences become part of who we are, and how memories continue to shape the present and the future.
“Autumn Bliss is a song about the ways in which places and spaces inhabit us. It is about how songs come alive and how memories inspire and shape the present and our future,” explains Eric. “The song itself is a testament to how different places come together in the creation of music.”
The track draws inspiration from Brazilian bossa nova through its harmonic language and rhythmic foundation, while its imagery and emotional landscape are deeply connected to Newfoundland. The result is a sound that exists in the meeting point between two cultures, reflecting the duo’s unique experience as Brazilian and Newfoundland-based artists.
“Autumn Bliss only exists where Newfoundland and Brazil meet, a space that has been little explored but is filled with ever-flowing beauty.”
The recording features contributions from several acclaimed Newfoundland musicians, whose collaborations expanded the original vision of the song. Darren Browne (bass and mandolin), Jacob Slous (drums), and the Strong Harbour Strings brought elements of jazz, classical, and folk traditions to the arrangement, adding new layers and textures to the track.
“The participation of such talented Newfoundland musicians helped make ‘Autumn Bliss’ sound unique,” says Ana. “They brought influences from jazz, classical, and folk music that resonated with our initial idea in ways we couldn’t have predicted. The song became larger, deeper, and more meaningful through these collaborations.”
“Autumn Bliss” was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Dean Stairs, with piano and arrangements by Daniel Bondaczuk.
Review
“Autumn Bliss” is a warm, reflective track exploring how memories and places become pieces of ourselves that we carry wherever we go. Opening with storm clouds gathering over the beach and pieces being brought in by the sea, the song creates vivid coastal imagery while reflecting on what truly matters in life.
Flowers, the sea, summer breezes, and autumn are woven throughout the track, with home becoming less about one place and more about everything collected along the way. The sentiment of carrying the sea, summer breeze, and home wherever you go beautifully reflects Ana & Eric’s connection between Brazil and Newfoundland.
By its closing moments, “Autumn Bliss” takes on a gentle, meditative quality through the repetition of “I can feel it.” With poetic imagery and a thoughtful sense of belonging, Ana & Eric offer a heartfelt reminder that home can be something we carry with us wherever life takes us.