Hailing from Toronto, Canabliss is a self-taught musician and all-around creative. She expresses her natural artistic senses through her music, photography, and vibrant aesthetic. She’s a canvas of creativity— from her musical ideas to the artwork tattooed all over her, with her signature pink hair tying together her radiant palette.
A rising international force in the budding bass music scene, Canabliss’ sound floats between experimental and future bass, creating a distinctive, recognizable sound. Her teetering, bass-heavy style is contagious, awarding her a solid fanbase in just a few years; as well as support from renowned bass imprints like WAKAAN and SSKWAN. Her debut EP, Plasma, was released via WAKAAN earlier this year.
With her first release only a few years ago in 2019, Canabliss has gained support and recognition across the industry rapidly. She’s consistently booked at shows all around North America, joining large tours and performing at leading festivals. She’s performed across the festival circuit at events like Electric Zoo, HARD Summer, and Firefly, as well as joining Liquid Stranger and Rezz on tour.
The rapidly rising bass artist has seen tremendous success in such little time. With continuous momentum and a sound of her own, it’s only a matter of time before Canabliss becomes a leading name.
Canabliss x Respect My Region Exclusive Interview
Respect My Region had the opportunity to interview Canabliss at the 12th annual Electric Zoo festival in New York City. Continue reading to learn about her musical journey, being signed to WAKAAN, touring, what’s next, and more.
RMR: What was your first music-related experience and how long after did you begin creating your own?
Canabliss: I actually never thought I would create music or EDM. I went to an A$AP Mob concert and the whole beginning of the concert was a festival slash rave. And I was like, “this is pretty cool.” So, that’s what got me into it. That was probably four years before I started producing. I didn’t really believe in myself at first, and then I kind of built it up to, “you know what, I could do this. Why not?” So, I started producing and the rest is history.
Did you grow up in a musical family? Or did you just get into it by going to festivals?
My family wasn’t very musical, but when I was growing up, I took piano lessons. I took singing lessons for a long time. I went to shows and had a lot of friends that were really into it.
Do you feel like growing up in Toronto influenced your sound or your career in any way?
Honestly, not really. I think the biggest influence is when I started traveling. I went to this festival in Croatia that was all bass and drum and bass; that got me more into bass-y stuff, dubstep, and all that. That’s when I was like, “okay, this is the kind of stuff I want to make.” In Toronto, it was more random. I saw Hardwell and those kinds of artists. Toronto has a little bit of everything, but I don’t think the bass scene is that strong there.
Finding Bliss with Cannabis
I’m guessing your name is inspired by cannabis— how did the name Canabliss come about?
It started out when I was around 16, I started doing graffiti and my name was Bliss on that. I would take really creative smoking pictures and ended up posting a lot of them on Tumblr. I’d go to waterfalls with my bong, smoke, and take really cool pictures. So, I was like, ‘hmm, I should probably make my name kind of weed-inspired to relate to that.’ I was just sitting there one night and came up with Canabliss. I mixed together my graffiti name with cannabis. Even before I was a DJ, that was my Instagram handle.
Is weed a big part of your creative process?
Definitely. I still smoke a lot, but I used to smoke even more for like ten years, to the point where I was like, “okay, I should probably chill out a bit.” It’s definitely played a big role in my life in general. I just love smoking, relaxing, and working on music. It helps me focus.
Earlier this year you released your debut EP with WAKAAN. How does it feel to be supported by the industry-leading label and being a part of the WAKAAN family?
I’m really grateful for their support. I would’ve never imagined when I was starting out that they would just hit me up out of the blue. I was like, “hell yeah, I’d love to be a part of this.” They’ve just taken me into their family, and I’m very blessed and thankful for it.
The Canabliss Performance
You recently went on a couple of tours, including one with Liquid Stranger and one with Rezz. What was your main takeaway from touring around with these big artists?
Just seeing how tours function and how much goes into it. There are people behind the scenes that you wouldn’t really notice if you were just attending the show. It’s a big process to make it all happen. It’s inspiring to see how the visuals, the sound guys, the lighting guys, and everyone plays such a crucial part.
You’ve got a bunch of shows and festivals still lined up— lots of momentum. What are you most excited for?
I’m really excited for Wakaan. I’m also really excited for Rezz Rocks. I haven’t been to Red Rocks at all; I’m a bit nervous for that, but it’ll be fine. I’m playing a show with Ganja White Night which will be really cool. Those are the top fests I’m excited about.
Little Bits of Insight
What would you say has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Personally, I enjoy forest festivals. Those are my favorite to attend. The vibe and energy at those are really special. So, I really loved playing Infrasound and Summer Camp. Those were really special to me. I had a great time at those.
What are some things you’ve been listening to lately?
This question always messes me up because I listen to so much random music all the time. I’ve been listening to a lot of Jamie xx lately. I just went and saw ODESZA. I’ve always been a huge ODESZA fan. I’ll listen to random indie stuff.
In terms of other underground bass artists, IDHS is someone to watch out for. He’s from Toronto. He makes amazing music. I play a lot of his songs in my sets.
Listen To Canabliss “Bliss N’ Blaze [420 Mix]”
You have a ton of tattoos. Do you have a favorite? Any cool stories about any of them?
I have a Zelda tattoo— a Triforce. I love my fern. It’s a lot of sacred geometry. This forest is based on a painting that my grandparents had at their house— mountains and stuff. I always looked at it growing up.
My whole back is tattooed. I went to a tattoo convention, so the first few sessions of it, I did three days in a row and almost died. After that, I spaced it out here and there. I don’t even know how many I have, I lost count.
What’s next for Canabliss?
Quite a few shows. I have Firefly coming up, then Wakaan. Then, Rezz Rocks, the Ganja White Night show, and a few more. I have a song coming out, hopefully, sometime soon, called “Soul Call.” I have a lot of other stuff I’m working on, but maybe not announceable yet.
If you could be reincarnated into any animal, what would it be and why?
Probably a cat because they’re just hanging out and sleeping all the time. My cat has the best life. We all spoil him with so much love, and he’s just chilling all the time. Just a great life. I would enjoy being a cat.
Connect with Canabliss
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | SoundCloud | Bandcamp
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