Here's Five: Dan Sharp's Favourite Tour Anthems

Currently wending his way across Aotearoa on a jumbo-sized tour, Katikati songwriter extraordinaire Dan Sharp is certainly no stranger to a long haul road trip. Toasting the launch of his new five song Water Went Away EP, which made it to an impressive number 12 on the official Top 20 NZ Albums charts, Sharp's sonic journey takes him this week from windy Wellington's Poquito Cafe and Bar (we hope you grabbed tickets as that show has already sold out) all the way to Invercargill's Southland Musicians Club. When you're on the road you need some quality sounds to keep you motivated — Sharp generously lifted the lid on his five favourite tour anthems, providing an eclectic selection of energising tunes and sharing his own personal insights into each track...

"I reckon I have not had a more eclectic and varied bunch of songs that have consistently been going around on the car stereo for a long time. Not your typical singalong list a la the car scene in White Girls, but more of a ‘show up to the next gig with energy’ kind of playlist! In saying that, I do love to belt out some Iris..."

Dan Sharp - Water Went Away Tour

Wednesday 5th May - Poquito Cafe and Bar, Wellington [sold out]*
Thursday 6th May - Le Cafe, Picton*
Friday 7th May - Wunderbar, Lyttelton*
Saturday 8th May - The Perc Club, Dunedin
Sunday 9th May - Southland Musicians Club, Invercargill*
Thursday 13th May - Common Room, Hastings
Friday 14th May - Smash Palace - Gisborne
Saturday 15th May - Mata Brewery - Whakatane
Thursday 20th May - Sweat Shop, Auckland
Friday 28th May - Totara St, Mt Maunganui

*Tickets available HERE via UTR 

1. The Band Camino - '1 Last Cigarette'

First cab off the ranks is this belter from one of my favourite American bands at the moment, The Band Camino. The modern production, smashed together with an almost pop-punk cheekiness, the claps, 80's arena drums that would make Def Leppard proud, as well as the ridiculously huge guitar hook in the chorus... Holy smokes. It swings and bounces so hard that it's become as essential as caffeine on a late drive.

2. Run The Jewels - 'Walking In The Snow'

Second track could have been any of about 10 Run the Jewels songs. I first connected with this band after a friend in London picked up their most recent album, last time I was there. I have been hooked ever since. The swagger, the technical ability, the crunchy political angling.. this particular version, with the pause after 'I Can't Breathe', the subsequent verse and the eventual return of the beat just raises the hairs on my neck. I love it when music feels super fun and playful, but I also love the feeling that this is essential.

3. Bon Iver 715 - 'CR∑∑KS'

Ok, little left turn here. This track could hardly be dubbed an anthem but it has an emotional pull that always reminds me of the impact I hope to achieve with my music. I want people to feel the way I feel when I listen to this song. The live versions are so much better than the album recording. I love that everytime I hear it, it is slightly different. He plays with the melody, inverts the vocoder chords differently. I would love to hear this live and just close my eyes and feel him tinker with the keys; the subtle and deft touch of a white, plastic key triggering some other-worldly bass tones, creating a rich bed for his hyper-tuned falsetto. My girlfriend makes me change this song too soon into my marathon listening sessions.

4. Abby Wolfe - 'Take It Slow'

This new track only came out last week and I think I account for a decent chunk of its plays after some big drives! Abby Wolfe has such a rich voice and the writing on this is so lush. Big fan. That chorus definitely has a relaxed driving feel, makes you want to sing while also empowering you not to get done for speeding. Nice!

5. Jon Hopkins - 'Emerald Rush'

Finally, I don't listen to a ton of instrumental/electronic music, but when I do it's either super ambient stuff or some kind of made-for-background lo-fi beats-y things. This track, Emerald Rush by Jon Hopkins scratches a different itch. I first clocked this track at about 1.30am driving home. I was close to getting back to my place after a show but was getting pretty tired. This came on and holy heck, I felt this massive lift and the energy was unreal. I should've qualified this whole piece by stating my car has a very above-average sound system. Mixes sound huge and it is probably my most enjoyable place to listen to huge tunes. When this came on for the first time it was almost religious. I actually couldn't sleep when I did make it home and I had this going in my headphones for another 30 mins. I think I sent it to about 3 mates right then as essential listening upon waking. Again, not for everyone, but if you want some noise that's going to hit you in the chest and make you want to move, this track is an absolute vibe.