Kai & Hollis

Kai & Hollis are a Bristol-based duo making alt-folk/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 that reflects nature's kindness and cruelty. When paired with Hollis Robin’s DIY/punk background and sensitive, leftfield drumming, the songs take on a potent energy that invites the listener to laugh & question.

Their upcoming debut album colours evokes a sense of simplicity & deliberateness with an undercurrent of closely harnessed tension, magnified by the awkward charm of their live performances. The band formed in 2024 and released their debut EP ask in February 2025. Their debut 11-track album colours will be released on 10 October 2025, with singles & videos due out in September. 2025 has seen them perform at notable DIY and folk festivals including, Smugglers Festival, Fire in the Mountain (lawn stage), Fanny’s Meadow & Land Skills Fair.