Kai & Hollis

“Music for people who want to feel optimistic but don’t” - Kai Carter

Kai & Hollis are a Bristol-based duo making alt-pop earworms with a cynical smile. With a mellow blend of jangly guitar riffs, clarinet, minimal drumming, vocal harmonies and humorously introspective lyrics, they create compact songs that are knowingly relatable and playfully dark. Kai Carter’s songwriting attempts to express the sincere truth of being, through commentary on the absurdity of existence. His straight-talking internal monologue translates into a wry empathy, at times inspired by and reflective of the kindness and cruelty of nature. When paired with Hollis Robin’s DIY/punk background and sensitive, leftfield drumming, the songs take on an energy that invites the listener to laugh & question.

The band formed in 2024, releasing their debut EP ask in February 2025 and debut 11-track album colours in October 2025 to a sold out Bristol launch show. The album evokes a sense of simplicity & deliberateness with an undercurrent of closely harnessed tension, which is magnified by the awkward charm of their live performances.2025 has seen them perform at notable DIY and folk festivals including Fire in the Mountain, Smugglers Festival, Fanny’s Meadow & Land Skills Fair. Both artists are strongly involved in Bristol’s grassroots music scene, playing DIY venues with numerous projects and regularly running folk sessions for the community. Kai also co-runs Bristol Music Agency, an artist-owned cooperative.