Solas is an American musical group officially formed in 1996, playing Irish traditional music as well as original compositions influenced by the country, rock, and Americana genres. With several members who are prominent performers, both solo and in other constellations in the Irish traditional music scene, Solas has been described as a "Supergroup". Their name comes from an Irish word meaning "light".
Prior to their self-titled debut album’s 1996 release, the idea for a band was conceived by multi-instrumentalist Séamus Egan, an Irish champion flautist and multi-instrumentalist who had already recorded two solo albums and a soundtrack to a film. He was soon joined by his friends, vocalist Karan Casey, from Waterford, and fiddler Winifred Horan, from New York. Guitarist and vocalist John Doyle, previously a member of Susan McKeown & The Chanting House, soon joined the trio, along with Chicago-based accordionist John Williams.
After the release of their self-titled debut album and Sunny Spells and Scattered Showers, Williams would depart the band to focus on solo projects, being replaced by accordionist and concertina-player Mick McAuley from Cavan.