Solar Eyes
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Republic Media
Duo Solar Eyes will be performing on Saturday 27th June 2026 at Hare and Hounds in Birmingham as part of Music Venue Trust’s ‘Everywhere At Once’ Festival 2026.
Who is in Solar Eyes, how did you meet and what do you play?
So, it’s a 2 piece – Myself (Glenn Smyth) and my partner in crime – Sebastian Maynard-Francis. Then live Liam Connoly plays bass and we have different people drift in and out to play guitar.
What is your earliest musical memory?
I remember dancing round the living room, to A-ha – The Sun Always Shines On TV.
When did you begin songwriting?
About 14 I think, I had a song called ‘Please’ which was basically a cover of Radiohead ‘Street Spirit Fadeout’ – just a little A minor variation of that. Then I went for it properly when I was about 20.
You have your latest album which came out last year. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
Yeah it’s called ‘Live Freaky! Die Freaky! – it’s all about the Manson family and based on me being in the family but getting out. Cool album to be fair, has a dusty sound.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
So it was recorded at Courtyard Studio’s in Oxfordshire – with Ian Davenport(Supergrass, Radiohead…etc)
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
So I was just blown away by being in the studio where Radiohead recorded ‘High And Dry’ – I was looking behind the mixing desk the one day and there’s hundreds of these old drives. I was like what the hell are them, Ian was like oh they’re all the recordings from ‘Hail to the Thief’ – then I’m upstairs talking to their driver and there’s all the kit, ivor novellos and all sorts in this office. Blows my mind. So yeah the experience was great and one I’ll always remember.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
We used an U87 Neuman on the vocals, with a space echo. Which gives it a lovely sound. I used my Fender Jag and Blues JR throughout. Plus, Fender Jag bass. Lot of Fuzz. Lots of OD. Got a BOSS FRV-1 ‘63 Fender Reverb pedal for the spaghetti western sounds, with a nice boss tremolo too.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
A) A couple of Kisses – a beautiful tune, about all I need is your love. A man of simple pleasures really. Sounds like the Ronettes or something. Dreampop.
B) Set the night on fire – brutal, angry song written about hell by the devil. Wrote that in a field in Havent. Boiling hot day.
C) Mr Magpie – about my beautiful daughter and me missing her and just wanting to play a game we played called ‘Mr magpie’ – has a slight Turkish feel too.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Not really, I’m a bit prolific with the old songwriting and then when I get in the zone with the recording. I flow and I love it. So as soon as I got the idea about Manson, I was away.
Who designed the album artwork?
That’d be Buckeye – superb isn’t it. He does all our art, from posters to covers. We’re so lucky to have him. I’m his biggest fan
One of your tracks ‘Be Under No Illusion’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
It’s a funny one cos it’s in 7/4 rhythm and there’s not many songs in that time signature. Pink Floyd ‘Money’ the one everyone knows. But yeah I was just like – don’t f*** with me vibe, when I wrote it. Like I have a side that can come out and it’s about that really.
Do you have any visualisers?
Yeah we do, or have done for one gig. Looked amazing but can be a bit of a faff to put together. There’s a video on YT – of it, us playing ‘Take me to the Man’ – well cool.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
industrial, moody, grounded, real and blue
How do you look after your voice?
I don’t.
You will be performing on Saturday 27th June 2026 at Hare and Hounds 2 Birmingham as part of Music Venue Trust’s Everywhere At Once Festival. How did that opportunity arise and how are you feeling about the show?
The guys at Left Foot – Matt and Marta have been asking us for a while to do something. So, it felt like the right time. It’s my fave Brum venue and I can’t wait. It sounds like a good cause and it feels like something has to be done about venues now, maybe even in society as once they’re gone – they’re gone.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Invigorate and rejuvenate
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I have a cool little set up, all mini pedals – Fuzz face, Tube screamer, analogue delay, spring reverb. Fender Blues jr. I like real, I’m not really into these set ups these kids have now – direct to the sound man etc. I like mistakes and things that don’t sound quite right.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I’ve just finished reading ‘Skagboys’ by Irvine Welsh, the first in the series of the trainspotting series. So I’m in that frame of mind. As it goes I think I’d nail that, set in the mid 80’s – I’d make it a bit JAMC with a hint of Primal Scream.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
My influences are Portishead, Radiohead, BRMC, BJM, Death in Vegas, Ennio Morricone. I love Broadcast though from brum – who I’m sure you all already know. But if ya don’t – check em out.
What makes Solar Eyes happy and what makes you unhappy?
What makes Solar Eyes happy is when people get us, like genuinely. It feels all worth it.
What makes me happy, my family, friends, culture, travel, exercise, food. MUSIC. BCFC. Boxing.
But as Ecclesiates said – “eat well, drink well, be happy.”
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Republic Media
Solar Eyes latest single ‘Be Under No Illusion’ is out now.
Stream Here: https://open.spotify.com/album/2uQlox3RVU2029HmQyh7w5?si=NM-2XprdSwiG5694m6Fq-A&nd=1&dlsi=c1cd5c5b5f4347b8
The band will also play a one-off hometown date at Birmingham Hare & Hounds on Saturday 27th June 2026 for Music Venue Trust’s ‘Everywhere At Once Festival’.
Official Website: https://everywherefest.com/
