Bliss 66
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 in Taylor, Michigan, United States |
| Founder | Aaron Schossau, Rob Harbin |
| Headquarters | Taylor , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Bliss 66 was an American rock ensemble consisting of six members, originating from Taylor, Michigan.
History
Formed in 1997 in Taylor, Michigan, Bliss 66 began under the names Utopia and subsequently Novicain, founded by guitarists Aaron Schossau and Rob Harbin. After securing a deal with Capitol Records, the group adopted the name Bliss 66 to prevent naming conflicts. The band members initially connected at a church camp. Their debut recording was an 11-track demo they produced themselves at Tempermill. They achieved regional recognition when their track "Do It Again" received airplay on Detroit’s 105.1 FM.
By summer 2000, Bliss 66 had signed with Capitol Records. Their composition "Not Quite Paradise" was included in the soundtrack of the movie Titan A.E.. Glen Ballard, who produced the Titan A.E. soundtrack, also produced their first full-length album, Trip to the 13th. This album was released in June 2001 after the band transitioned to Epic Records. The majority of the songs were penned by Schossau. Bliss 66 supported their album with tours alongside acts such as Fuel, Evan and Jaron, Athenaeum, Mayfield Four, Default, Smash Mouth, Shaggy, Vertical Horizon, and Seven Mary Three.
Despite receiving positive critical feedback, Trip to the 13th failed to generate a nationwide hit single, leading to the band's release from Epic Records. The album earned a nomination for Outstanding National Album at the 2002 Detroit Music Awards. In 2002, following the replacement of Schossau by guitarist Derek Dorey, Bliss 66 independently released their final album titled Life Is a Comedown, which was sold exclusively at live performances.
The group dissolved in 2003. Vocalist Cheyenne Goff went on to establish Paper Street Saints alongside bassist Don Patty and Charlie Grover from Sponge; this band secured a Detroit Music Award in 2007 for their album "Pride and Punishment" and remains active within the regional music scene. Additionally, Goff and Patty collaborated on Half Light Music beginning in 2009.
Aaron Schossau initiated a project called "Stolen" with Chad Dickinson; however, it ended prematurely. Subsequently, he contributed as a drummer and songwriter for Downriver Michigan’s pop rock band "The Koy" before pursuing other endeavors.
Jordan Barnett created the Supernovas and recorded what became known as the "pearl sessions," but internal disagreements caused the band's breakup. Barnett later embarked on a new musical venture named "The North."
Members
- Cheyenne Goff – lead vocals
- Aaron Schossau – guitar
- Jordan Barnett – keyboards, backing vocals
- Bob Cook – drums, percussion
- Rob Harbin – guitar, backing vocals
- Don Patty – bass guitar
- Derek Dorey – guitar
Discography
- Albums
- In Bliss (Demo, 1998)
- Trip to the 13th (Sony/Epic Records, June 26, 2001)
- Life Is a Comedown (Self-released, November 29, 2002)