May 23, 2025
Canadian Cassia Hardy goes solo with intimate new album ‘In Relation’
Cassia Hardy, known for leading the Edmonton-based band Wares, has released her first solo album, In Relation. The project took shape over nearly ten years and reflects her personal and musical growth. Some of the songs on the record didn’t fit Wares’ louder, guitar-driven sound, which led her to create something new. The final track, "See You Around," began as a quiet acoustic idea, one that showed Hardy’s shift toward a more reflective style.
"It's a difficult album," she admits. "I've lost friends, I've lost houses, I've lost places I work." But similar to its creation, it's also about community and resilience and a reminder that we're not alone in our experiences and emotions. "The other side of it is that we can talk about it together," Hardy reflects.
Writing from solitude
After Wares released Survival in 2020, the pandemic cut short Hardy’s plans to tour. That pause gave her space to slow down. In January 2022, she took part in a residency at Macaulay House in Dawson City, Yukon.
There, she found the quiet she needed to write most of the songs for the album. Her songwriting during that time was shaped by artists like Rae Spoon, Cindy Lee, and Simone Schmidt (Fiver). Hardy explored heavy themes, grief, friendship, home, and identity, through lyrics that are honest and raw.
There, she found the quiet she needed to write most of the songs for the album. Her songwriting during that time was shaped by artists like Rae Spoon, Cindy Lee, and Simone Schmidt (Fiver). Hardy explored heavy themes, grief, friendship, home, and identity, through lyrics that are honest and raw.
A different way to share music
Hardy has made a clear choice not to release In Relation on Spotify or vinyl. Instead, she offers it through Bandcamp and as a digital download using a QR code. The download comes with a printed zine that includes lyrics, photos, and essays from Edmonton writers Kyla Pascal and Rylan Kafara. It’s a slower, more intentional way to connect with listeners. For Hardy, it’s also a pushback against the fast pace and pressure of today’s music industry.
Built in collaboration
The album was recorded at Shed Sound in Edmonton with producer Matt McKeen. Hardy worked closely with Marek Tyler from nêhiyawak. They approached recording without rigid plans, allowing the mood and moment to shape the songs. This gave the music a loose, natural feel.
"Empress" from the album In Relation by Cassia Hardy Buy the single: https://cassiahardy.bandcamp.com/ Stream the single: ...
Live shows to follow
To mark the album’s release, Hardy will play at The Aviary in Edmonton on May 24 and at the Sled Island festival in Calgary this June. These shows offer a chance to experience the songs as they were meant to be heard—up close and unfiltered.