go wherever the song takes you

destination tracks for travel motivation

Author

David Wade
August 09, 2024

songs about places

There are so many brilliant and well-known songs inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful, brutal, memorable and unique places. From the balladry of ‘Warwick Avenue’ to the hoe-down stomp of ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM’, what about the tongue-in-cheek ‘Down Under’ to the Europop explosion of ‘We’re Going to Ibizia!’ or even the poignant rock of ‘Khe Sanh’ there isn’t a music genre in existence that hasn’t at least one tune playing tribute to geography.

This fortnight ‘The Sunrise Chaser’ will combine its author’s two main passions - music and sky chasing. Where will this musical journey around the world take us? And where should it take us?

As always we’ll have the usual moon update, this month is an exciting one, scroll down to find out more.

I’ve also collated all the songs mentioned in this edition on a playlist you can listen to here. If you have any suggestions for songs about places please submit them below and I’ll add them to the playlist. This might be used for something exciting in the future…so the more options the better.

predicting tip

Here is where I’ll share an additional or new tip to help with your sunrise and sunset chasing.

❝

If you struggle waking up in the morning to watch sunrise, one option is to set multiple alarms or a motivating song. This means if you aren’t able to rise on the first alarm you have a few options to get you going before you miss the best part of the day.

DW Around The World

what in the world…

Inspiration to improve your dedication

sky of the fortnight

Having just moved to Sydney, Australia’s beachside suburb of Cronulla, I was perplexed about how to link this to the themes of the edition whilst also sharing a sky of the fortnight. A quick search on Spotify threw up a song and band I’d never heard of, but as it fits with the rules I will present to you ‘Cronulla Breakdown’ by Pernice Brothers and below a video of an incredible recent sunrise from Cronulla’s Shelly Beach.

where to visit?

A selection inspired by Geroge Ezra’s song of the same name, ‘Budapest’ is known to have some of the most gorgeous architecture on earth. In the below post, ‘Hannah and The Sea’ takes us through a three-day itinerary in Hungary’s capital. It includes some breathtaking photos of sunset spots plus other unmissable places.

out the window

Whenever I travel somewhere I am often looking for places to stay that have a unique or mind-blowing view.

In his song ‘Free Smoke’ Drake talks about wanting to move to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Perhaps we woke up in the W Dubai - The Palm like Cassandra and got to experience a view like this…

@cgrifo

This hotel has the prettiest sunrise view in Dubai - Save this hotel for your next trip to Dubai ❤️ 📍W Dubai - The Palm #dubai #dubaitrav... See more

sky chaser kit bag

Items that can help you be a better sky chaser. 

Soundtrack your own sunrise and sunset adventures with a tiny portable speaker. This padlock-looking device from JBL will be the perfect accompaniment to your sky-chasing, it is also a great budget option. So you can be anywhere ‘Around The World’ and listen to your favourite tracks.

JBL GO 3 Portable Waterproof Speaker Black

The JBL Go 3 is a portable wireless speaker for the pool, park or on-the-go listening thanks to its durable, waterproof construction and compact design. This mini Bluetooth speaker boasts JBL Pro Sound, packing a loud punch and impressive bass, enabling you to carry the party in the palm of your hand.

This bold and stylish mobile speaker comes in a waterproof and dustproof design, complete with an integrated loop that makes travelling with tunes easy and fun, no matter where you are

bucket list

Sunrise and sunset spots from around the world I’m desperate to visit. Drop me an email (reply to this) to share your favourites for the chance to be featured. This is also a great way for me to highlight other wonderful creators you may want to follow.

sunrise spot

It’s sunrise and we’re going to be inspired by perhaps the most sung about city in the world. I couldn’t do this edition without at least one New York City reference. So whether it’s Frank Sinatra singing ‘Theme from New York, New York’, or Jay Z and Alicia Keys dualling on ‘Empire State of Mind’, perhaps you'd prefer Lana Del Rey’s ‘Brooklyn Baby’? Bobby Womack’s rousing ‘Across 110th Street’ is followed up by the melancholic ‘New York, I Love You, but You’re Bringing Me Down’ by LCD Soundsystem - any way you cut it, you’ll want to wake up early and head to Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken for the sunrise. Yes this place is in the neighbouring state of New Jersey but I think you’ll excuse this for a view of New York City like that. SincerelyMaureen sure didn’t regret listening to her alarm on this day.

@sincerelymaureen

Always worth it 🌅 #nyc #sunrise #newyorkskyline

sunset spot

We’re heading to the Mediterranean now thanks to Fleet Foxes and their magical ode to escaping to Greece for a trip to the island of Mykonos. Here you can spend last light at the majestic outdoors of La Negrita with a sunset view for the ages - beautifully captured by Helena.

blame it on the moon

This month is a big one. August is due to have a supermoon around the 19th/20th. So whether you’re ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ or flying ‘To The Moon and Back’, mark this one on your calendars now - check this website to confirm which day the full moon is happening where you are. Remember it is different depending on where you are in the world.

There are so many good songs about places. Is there one from where you live, or perhaps a song that mentions your favourite place? Drop me a comment through the link below to share it or DM me on Instagram as I love to hear from you.

Until next time, happy musical sky chasing

DW

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