With chilly October waltzing into our lives, it’s time for some pumpkin spiced lattes and hunkering under a blanket on the sofa listening to our favourite music.
Dan Davidson just announced the release of his newest EP, 1980 Something. This warm six-track is followed by the first leg of the1980 Something Tour starting Nov. 22 in Vancouver. It is followed by a later stop at Edmonton’s Starlite Room on Nov. 26.
The St. Albert recording artist remembers being a little kid in the 1980s listening to Bryan Adams, Corey Hart and Don Henley of the Eagles. They were legends and their energizing music largely influenced his choices.
“I was writing and experimenting with new sounds for 1980 Something and I started adding stuff – synths and '80s sounding drums. We mixed it in production, and it took on a life of its own. We got the nostalgic '80s brightness into these songs. We put it together in one record and it was exciting for me,” said Davidson.
At the start of his career, the young singer-songwriter was Tupelo Honey's lead vocalist and frontman for the nationally successful rock band. But by 2016, Tupelo Honey disbanded, and the rock musician shifted to country music. His songwriting took on the patina of country’s storytelling elements with rock’s quirky, electric vibe.
Through his signature sound, Davidson developed into one of Canada’s No. 1 charting indie artists. Since the release of his chart-topping song, Found, in 2017, the multiple award-winning, singer-songwriter-producer has enjoyed a hot career. He has released numerous singles, several EPS, music videos and played shows in China, Europe and Australia.
Two singles from 1980 Something were previously released. In May 2023, If Streets Could Talk became available and his current single is He Met a Girl, a romantic love song that moves from courtship to parenthood. Its music video was released Wednesday, Oct. 4.
“I was influenced by Don Henley’s The Boys of Summer with scenes of driving down the road with the windows down and wind blowing your hair," he said. "I remember the golden age. I know lots of my songs are about getting drunk and falling in love. But still there are feelings of youthful freedom.”
In his willingness to experiment, Spirit of 17, a co-write with Jason Blaine and Tim Hicks, reclaims that nostalgic sense of freedom everyone craves.
“It speaks to that feeling when dad tosses you the keys to the car for the first time.”
Throwback salutes past strengths while After Hours cracks open love’s double meanings and Won’t Forget brings out country resolve.
“In this album, I have less fiddle than I usually do, but I experiment with steel guitar, dobro and banjo. And there’s an '80s analogue synth in the background as added spice.”
As for the He Met a Girl music video, Davidson says, “This video is channelling those retro vibes that are so apparent on the branding from my upcoming record. I borrowed an old camcorder from the early '90s and actually filmed to tape. It looks terrible in the best way.”
