Claira's Daze

Claira’s Daze are the cutest band in Orange County. Why so cute, you ask? They prefer to play charity shows rather than raging house parties. They go to church. Vocalist Katie teaches kindergarten music classes on the side. Drummer Jason and bassist Corey are twins (twins!). They brought a puppy named Little Miss Sunshine to the interview. They’re so sweet I think they gave me a cavity.

Aside from the upstanding morals and all-around adorableness, this band is also incredibly talented, especially for teenagers.

All four band members (lead guitarist Adrian couldn’t make it) met in high school. Katie was the one who was originally trying to put a band together, but Jason wanted no part of it. “I would always tell her no!” Jason says. “Until I saw her play. Then I was the one asking her!”

Katie’s stage presence is both vulnerable and strong, and she sings with an aching clarity. The whole band truly shines onstage. Their recorded tracks are excellent, but oh, my God, the first time I saw them live, I was blown away.

Claira’s Daze easily go from folk to upbeat dance songs, which makes the band incredibly entertaining. My favorite Claira’s Daze song is “October,” a catchy, heart-wrenching, country-twanged melody with the hook “I lost my name in the family tree for you.”

The next show on the band’s schedule is for the charity Invisible Children. “We play lots of charity shows,” Katie says. “We want to give back somehow.”

Corey starts laughing and interjects, “We’re not making any money, but we still want to give!”

Katie gives me a rundown of the current situation in northern Uganda, which many are calling a civil war. “The Rebel Movement kidnaps children from their homes in the night and brainwashes them to use them as soldiers. . . . About 120 kids are taken every month, one of which gets brutally murdered to set an example to the rest.” To avoid such a terrible fate, the children of northern Uganda often leave their homes at night and walk miles to a nearby city where there are “safe” places, like hospitals. In the morning, they walk back to their town to go to school. These children have hopes and dreams of a better situation, and that’s where the Invisible Children organization steps in. The money donated goes to improving the current conditions of the schools and to give the children a chance to live a life not completely destroyed by war.

Okay, so the mood of our interview took a sharp turn from fun to sullen, but at least the puppy was still there. - The OC Weekly

I thought I’d start the blog off with a band from the OC / LA area [that’s what their myspace says]
I just saw them tonight and wow.. they’re really unique and amazing.
They aren’t just another band out in the current indie scene.
Their sound is a mix of a couple different styles.

Looks like they’re also a fairly new band, started off in late 2005.
They’re fronted by Katie Chappell, who sings and plays guitar.
Twins Corey Jay and Jason Kaiser, respectively, play bass and drums.
and.. Adrian Sanchez is the lead guitarist.

Another aspect I thought was really cool of Claira’s Daze is that they consistently play charity shows. by the looks of their myspace, they’ve played shows benefiting St. Jude’s Children Hospital, recent California fire victims, the Fight Against Lupas, several breast cancer funds, and a few more.

I picked up their EP which only features four songs: October, Hear Me, Silent Films, and Overboard. I say only, because I wish it had more.. they leave you wanting more songs to listen to. During the show, Katie mentioned a full length being released sometime next year. - Indie Record News

Jamie Knight
Director of The Commercial Recording Arts Department
HB Academy of the Performing Arts

Claira’s Daze is 5 years ahead of any band their age.
Not only are they stellar musicians but they also
write great songs. The band has a firm grasp of the
“art of making music and continually expand their
fanbase. The band deserves my five star rating.

Katie has always been able to write a great verse
since she was fourteen years old. Now she has put it
all together and has revived the craft of the great
singer/songwriters

Adrian continues to explore new sonic territory on the guitar and is passionate about his guitar playing.
Don’t let his boy next door looks deceive you...He’s an outstanding guitarist.

Corey is the quiet twin that is also a great
songwriter.He has a firm love of all the great songs
and is able to perform a wide range of material. He
does a great job of providing a strong melodic bass
pulse to the music reminiscent of Paul McCartney.

Jason Kaiser is only eighteen years old but he rocks
like a seasoned veteran. My highest compliment for
Jason is that he makes everybody sound good. My only
regret is that he’s not in my band.

- Jamie Knight