Reach for the sun _{by Madelaine Empson}

Solar Daze began in spring of 2022 when a group of like-minded musos started jamming ideas that they’d conceptualised but not yet had the chance to actualise.

“Things like beats that were made by producers and DJs, or having space for the musicians to improvise and express themselves”, bassist Peter Hamilton says. “We were trying to play things that would feel great on stage and great in an audience. A vibe that people took something from, whether it was like the incredible gigs we’ve been personally inspired by, or simply a fun show.”

This went on for a month or two until they had to sit down and come up with a name for their upcoming debut gig.

“We all liked the idea of something to do with the coming summer: fire and energy”, Hamilton continues. Starting off as Flame – stylised as FLAM3 as a bit of a joke that stuck – the neo-soul group knew an upgrade was in order and “reached for the sun” with Solar Daze. The now-six-piece is happily anticipating the release of their new single Don’t Fall on the 13^th of December, the second from their upcoming EP.

“We’re slowing down the pace to something a little more introspective. We’ve stripped back the instruments so that you can hear that it is a sentimental piece about family and life. We think the musicality meets the intentions we set and we hope the story speaks for itself”, Hamilton says.

Come get a sneak peek of the new single and party with Solar Daze – sharing the stage with their mates from Fuzz.Fm and Yawner – at Meow on the 12^th of December.