Here's Five: Big Thief Share Their Favourite Road Songs

Brooklyn-based outfit Big Thief are visiting our shores this weekend for one special double-headline show alongside US songwriter Spiral Stairs (aka Scott Kannberg of Pavement) at Auckland’s Tuning Fork. In the midst of an international tour in support of recent album Capacity, their tunes are evocative of wide open spaces and life on the road. Naturally we asked the travelling band to share their favourite road songs, to provide us with a glimpse into Big Thief’s current musical inspirations. They generously complied, check out drummer James Krivchenia’s selections and insightful commentary below…

1. iji - Parking Lot Palms

This is one of the ultimate cruisers. A perfect track - nothing quite touches on the 'tour feeling' the way this song does. It gets played mostly after shows where we have to drive for a bit into the night or to start off a long drive early in the morning. Brilliant songwriting, amazing band, kick ass shredding outro. Tears of joy.

2. Life Without Buildings - Sorrow

(Vocalist) Sue Tompkins is amazing. We listen to Life Without Buildings constantly. Any Other City is one of the few physical CDs we have floating around and it's starting to get worn out. Incredible music.

3. John Luther Adams - The Light That Fills The World

This might be the single most listened to record in the Big Thief universe. It's universally loved by everyone in the band. It's music that is beyond words and beyond emotional constructs. It contains everything within and allows space for the listener to bring their energy to the music. A most beautiful exchange!

4. Little Wings - So What

Kyle (Field) is a super big inspiration to us. Sometimes on the road you just want to swim in words and Little Wings provide an ideal river. Beautiful poetry, free love. So what.

5. twain - Hank and Georgia

The music of twain is with us almost constantly but his songs really come in handy on the road. They are so grounded yet out of reach, floating off in the corner of your eye. Profoundly grateful this record exists.

You can catch Big Thief performing alongside Spiral Stairs this Sunday 3rd December at Auckland’s Tuning Fork.