There’s a lot to consider when thinking about what song your band takes the stage to, with walkout music often doing some heavy lifting to literally set the stage for the ensuing performance. Yet within the unobserved confines of the green room beforehand, anything’s fair game when it comes to finding music that’ll do the job of getting you pumped. Such is the subject English rockers Circa Waves are returning to alongside the reveal of a string of UK, European, and North American tour dates they’ll be hitting come January as they usher their latest collection of songs into the world.
Never Going Under is slated to arrive January 13 via Lower Third and [PIAS], with the record’s latest single “Carry You Home” dropping today as an emblem of the vigorous electronic-tinged indie-rock to follow. A day earlier, on the 12th, they’ll be embarking on a string of intimate album-release shows kicking off in Kingston upon Thames in support of the project—and lucky for us, their pre-show rituals won’t invite too much speculation.
Today, they’re also sharing with us a playlist of tracks each individual member of the band cites as an influence for getting hyped ahead of a gig. From indie-rock staples by Wolf Parade and Japandroids to the more contemporary sounds of Fred again.. and Kendrick Lamar, check out their picks below. Additionally, you can find a full list of upcoming tour stops here.
KIERAN SHUDALL
Fred again.., “Baxter (These Are My Friends)”
This was the first Fred again.. tune I heard. It used textures and sounds that soothed my soul like a warm bowl of tomato soup.
Smith Westerns, “Weekend”
Still one of my most referenced guitar tones when we’re making records. I loved this band.
Wolf Parade, “I’ll Believe in Anything”
The energy in this recording just gets me pumped. Proper emo indie. Gotta love an unusual voice as well.
JOE FALCONER
Candi Staton, “Young Hearts Run Free”
I can’t think of a more uplifting song to pick you up after being on the road for a couple of weeks! I am Mercutio coming down the stairs.
Japandroids, “Wet Hair”
I love this song! Proper raw, scuzzy energy that just sounds like a sweaty gig.
Phats & Small, “Turn Around (Hey What's Wrong with You)”
This started out as something we used to chant before going onstage to warm up the vocals. Now it's essential dressing-room listening.
COLIN JONES
AC/DC, “Thunderstruck”
First band I ever saw live when I was 10, and this song never fails to get us pumped. One of the best bands in the world.
Queens of the Stone Age, “The Way You Used To”
When this record came out it blew me away. The production, the songs—it was just amazing.
Smash Mouth, “All Star”
My karaoke song and one of the greatest songs in history. How can you not like this tune?
SAM ROURKE
Baccara, “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”
I can't remember when we started doing this, but disco has been a huge part of our warm up playlist for a while now. It's the perfect music to get hyped to without any of the macho bullshit that comes with other genres, and what better example than this banger.
Overmono, “Gunk”
I discovered Overmono recently and just can't stop playing them. We're not touring at the moment, so it's my go-to song when cleaning the flat—it's the only song that can help me summon the energy to do it.
Kendrick Lamar, “i”
I'm a big fan of the Isley Brothers song that this sample comes from, and I think the Kendrick version really takes it to a new place. It's hard not to dance around the dressing room when I hear that groove!
