Australian trio daste. have been on an upward spiral in 2024, moving effortlessly between continents, sold-out shows, and a stream of new music that feels as expansive as the skies that inspire them. Following three standout singles—"Around", "Colours", and "Atlas"—the group announced that their second album will be dropping in February 2025, and fans have been eagerly waiting to hear the unique and sonically expansive sound of the project..
The latest release from the aforementioned album, "Starwriter", is a lush, atmospheric track that captures the essence of daste.'s vision for their next chapter. Inspired by the cosmic, Starwriter was born out of a secluded writing retreat in the coastal town of Wooli, Northern New South Wales, where the trio could lean into their creative process in an unpressured, almost meditative environment. “One of the lines in the song that sparked the idea of Starwriter was ‘write your name in the stars like calligraphy,’ so we wrote to the idea of a legacy that was predestined in the stars,” Braxton Tahi shares. The line itself reflects the romanticism and self-assured tone that colors much of daste.’s work, yet here it feels particularly meaningful as the band contemplates their journey and the mark they’re set on leaving.
"Starwriter" combines depth and openness, drawing listeners in with airy, bright vocals that soar over a landscape of deep 808s and shimmering synths. The song builds a spacious, layered dynamic, balancing a dark, grounded bassline with lighter, celestial elements, giving the track an ethereal feel that holds true to its title. With a vibe that feels both introspective and expansive, daste. manages to create a soundscape where listeners feel both anchored and elevated.
Braxton reflects on the sense of purpose that permeated their sessions, explaining that, "we wrote a lot of the lyrics as if we were singing about daste. We had a lot of late nights working on our songs, live sets, promo pics, and merch. Putting time into daste knowing it would pay off someday was honestly more rewarding and valuable than finishing the project." This genuine passion is palpable in Starwriter, which feels as much a love letter to their shared journey as it does a standout single.
Upcoming Shows:
Tora Tour – main support (tickets)
November 29th – 170 Russell, Melbourne
November 30th – Liberty Hall, Sydney
December 6th – The Triffid, Brisbane
