'5 Awesome Things' with Dave Barnes!
Mr. Hot-Take himself dishes out his 5 faves!
It's a new month, and you know what that means… another installment of "5 Awesome Things!" In this segment, I ask interesting people to share five things that are unique, cherished, or indispensable to them at the moment.
This month, I’m excited to introduce someone you’ve probably anticipated, but you also had to know I wasn’t gonna give you right away… the incredible Dave Barnes! Dave is a Grammy nominated songwriter & singer, thoughtful friend & father, and benevolent funnyman. I’ve known Dave for over 20 years, and one thing I’ve learned about him is that when he finds something he loves, he becomes an evangelist for it, spreading the good news far and wide. He and I share that passion, which is why I was pumped to see what he can't live without right now.
So Dave, what are your '5 Awesome Things!?
“One of the coolest things in the absolute world is that one of my favorite singer/songwriters in the whole world is a friend of mine. Still absolutely blows my mind. A few years ago, i asked Emily Saliers, of the Indigo Girls, if she would mind writing out the lyrics to Mystery, a song she wrote for the Indigo Girls. I think it might be my favorite lyric of all time. Hot take, i know. We finally hung the lyrics in our piano room and i smile every time i walk by it. It reminds me not only of what a blessing my career has been and the company that i get to keep, but also of Annie. Double win.”
“The next one isn't as fun/interesting, but this is the item of clothing i've used the most by a long shot in my everyday life. When i started running a while ago, my dear friend Seth Philpott bought me my first pair of Adidas Ultraboost 1s, and i've pretty much only run in these shows for the last decade. Who knows how many of these things I've owned. They are by far my favorite and most comfortable pair of shoes. Pro tip - if you're going to run in them, buy them a whole size up.”
“This next one… and I can't believe i'm even typing this (and it's making me question a lot about my life) but my third item is LAFCO's Ski House Candle. I know. I know. But if we're being real, WHICH WE ARE, this candle is very very very involved in my life. Some guys get into watches, apparently i've gotten into this candle. Stop judging me and instead order this candle and join me.”
“The next one is my Patagonia Men’s Down Sweater. At some point, this also just becomes a functional list, right? I mean, that stuff we really use? I mean, is it "sexy?", probably not. Do i love it and is it probably the most worn thing i've ever owned over the last 8 years? Yep. Have i owned two in the same color? Yep again. Do they fix any holes and stuff for free? Again, yes.”
“Lastly, Harrison Scott Key's "How to Stay Married" is one of the best books i've read in a really really long time. It's as funny as it is profound, as spiritual as it is riveting. I bought 10 copies and put them in my car to give to people. I've never really read a book like this. As encouraging as it is a warning.”
Dave just released the Deluxe edition of his ambition album, ‘Featherbrained Wealth Motel’ and is finishing up the album release tour. Tickets for those shows, as well as his two Christmas shows are onsale now at davebarnes.com and you can follow along on Instagram @davebarnesmusic! You can also listen to Dave & pal Jon McLaughlin’s Dadville podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!