Formative Frequencies: Solis [US]

Three Tracks That Built Solis [US]’s Musical Identity…

Solis’ relationship with music began long before he found his way into progressive house. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, David Hammond first developed his musical instincts through jazz guitar, an early foundation that still informs the way he approaches melody in his productions today.

Over time, that background evolved into a sound built around a depth and movement that’s informed by a distinctly uplifting sense of melancholy. Rather than leaning entirely into the darker tendencies of progressive house, Solis [US] favours music with emotional nuance: tracks designed to resonate as strongly in headphones, on long drives or in quiet moments as they do on the dancefloor.

This all leads towards a Solis [US] defining trait: a strong ear for novel, memorable melodies which comes through clearly on Tisno. The two-track collaboration with Simply City balances melodic detail with the patience and depth of progressive house, resulting in a release that feels both distinctive and immediately recognisable.

To mark the occasion, we asked Solis [US] to look back at three tracks that proved formative in shaping his musical outlook, from the sounds that first caught his ear to the records that helped define the producer he is today.

solis [US] press pic

Pat Metheny
It’s For You
(1981)

I was once an obsessive lead guitarist — even building my own at one point.

I loved jazz and studied it because I figured improvising over key changes was the quickest path to writing good music.

My then-girlfriend introduced me to legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, and I absorbed his music, always deconstructing it to play along.

It’s for You especially moved me, and particularly its deeply emotional final guitar solo. This taught me that modulating between key signatures is the real secret to emotion.

BT
Flaming June (BT & PVD Original Mix)
(1997)

In 1997, a friend brought over Vorsprung Dyk Technik: Remixes 1992–1998 and played me BT Flaming June (BT & PVD Original Mix).

I had only heard four-to-the-floor beats in house and techno, so it hooked me instantly. I wasn’t sold on the stutter-edits, but that gorgeous piano and synth melody profoundly inspired me.

That became the cornerstone of my dedication to writing emotional dance music.

Paul Oakenfold
Global Underground 007
(1998)

By 1998, I was buying every Global Underground release, but Paul Oakenfold – New York quickly became a soundtrack to my life. My friends and I listened before going out, then again when we returned.

Tracks like Summersault, Leave Planet Earth, and Composure, alongside deep sexy house and breaks, showcased an incredible range of emotion and style.

That laid the foundation for my future DJ style – anything goes as long as it serves the musical journey.