Electronic Pop Duo Boys Holding Hands Deliver Raw Emotion on Debut Album Things You Feel

“We wanted this album to truly sound like us… and we remember looking at each other after finishing and saying, ‘this is it.’”

Boys Holding Hands—comprised of real-life couple Ken Orlino and Micki Borneland—are redefining what intimacy feels like in digital pop. Their debut LP, Things You Feel, is a susceptible, genre-blending journey via love, distance, and sonic experimentation. Released in December 2024, the album marks a daring evolution from their 2023 EP Solace, which shortly amassed over 150,000 streams.

“Feelings and emotions are so central to our music… whether that be in a dance track or one of our more mellow songs.”

Feel the music deeper

With Ken’s classical coaching and Micki’s home and pop background, the duo crafts tracks that pulse with each euphoria and ache. “We dropped ‘The’ from the original title to open the aperture,” they clarify, “because this isn’t about capturing all emotions—just the ones that mattered most to us.”

A Global Soundtrack to Connection

“Sydney gave a huge spark to a couple of different songs on the album.”

From LA poolside demos to ferry rides in Norway, from Berlin preparations to Copenhagen mixing periods, Things You Feel is each a literal and emotional travelogue. Their artistic long-distance course of—what they name a “24/7 idea generator”—allowed house for spontaneous inspiration.

“We like to disconnect from music when we’re apart. Living life fuels our creativity.”

Unleash artistic sparks

Whether they’re FaceTiming in silence or merging concepts within the studio after weeks aside, the chemistry is palpable. “When we finally get in the same room, it’s ideas, ideas, ideas. Sometimes we have to reel it in!”

Track Highlights

“‘Until Moonlight’ was the hardest to make—it was our first demo and the most emotionally raw.”

The album ranges from introspective sluggish burns like “gtfo” to party-starting anthems like “Also Bad.” Each monitor is woven with lush synths, intimate lyrics, and cinematic manufacturing. Fan-favorite “All The Words I’ve Never Said” hits particularly laborious: “We keep its origin private, but everyone finds their own meaning in it—and that’s the magic.”

“Every hump led to unexpected breakthroughs. Our creative friction makes us stronger.”

What’s Next

The duo is about to carry out a 2-hour DJ set at SaucedRadio’s Manhattan location on May 3, teasing their upcoming single “Lips” (dropping May 9). Originally supposed as a remix of “Your Lips’ Taste,” the monitor has developed into its personal standalone launch—fusing ‘80s funk, ‘90s membership tradition, and futuristic electro pop.

“This album is our heart’s child—but we’re just getting started.”

Catch them this summer time at Distortion Festival and Copenhagen Pride. Stream Things You Feel now on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, and observe them on Instagram @boysholdinghands.