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Sail (song)

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"Sail"
Song

"Sail" is a song by American electronic rock band Awolnation. It was written and produced in Venice, California by group member Aaron Bruno, with Kenny Carkeet performing the audio engineering. The song was first featured on the band's debut extended play Back from Earth (2010) and was later featured on their debut album Megalithic Symphony (2011).

Released as a single on January 4, 2011, "Sail" is the band's most commercially successful song to date. It debuted at number 89 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart in September 2011, spending 20 weeks on the chart before dropping out. The single re-entered the Hot 100 a year later, becoming a massive sleeper hit and reaching a new peak of number 17. It has spent the second longest time inside the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with 79 weeks, only surpassed by Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive".

Commercial performance

In July 2010, Austin DJ Toby Ryan premiered the song on KROX-FM and the response from the listeners was positive.[1]

"Sail" debuted at number 89 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on the week of September 3, 2011.[2] The single spent twenty weeks on the chart before dropping out following the issue date of January 14, 2012.[3] It eventually re-entered in mid-2013;[4] its use in various television shows and advertisements exposed the song to a wider audience.[5] Following its appearance in a History trailer promoting Vikings, weekly downloads "more than tripled".[6] The song has since spent more than a year on the chart and peaked at number 17 on the Hot 100 in its 56th week on the chart, two years after its initial debut.[7] "Sail" was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in June 2013,[8] and as of January 2015, it has sold over 5.5 million copies in the US.[9]

"Sail" also peaked at number five on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 2011. The song was featured in the introduction of the 2012 film Disconnect. Due to its extremely unusual longevity, it has become the only song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend a year on the chart without entering the top 20 first.

In Australia and New Zealand the song peaked in September 2013 reaching number 27 on the Australian Music Chart,[10] and number 33 on the New Zealand Music Chart.[11] In the United Kingdom the song peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2014.[12]

Music video

The video for "Sail" opens with lead singer Aaron Bruno running to a house. He enters the house relieved to have escaped from the threat outside. He shuts the blinds. Bruno then finds a tape recorder, and starts singing into it. He enters a bathroom and looks into a mirror, still singing. A green strip of light enters the house and moves across it, scanning a spacesuit helmet and a military flight-suit. As the light climbs up the stairs towards him, Bruno hides inside a full bathtub. The beam scans him in the bath. Bruno is then depicted being pulled across the floor by an unknown force; he attempts to cling to a door-frame, but loses his grip. The scene is interspersed with shots of Bruno closing a door and playing the song's piano section. As the song's final chorus section begins, the house shakes. Lights and lamps turn on and off as gusts of wind blow. Bruno is pulled by the mysterious force outside the house, and he is subsequently levitated up into the sky as a set of floodlights flash on him. He drops the tape recorder.

A video recorded by YouTuber Nanalew two years prior to Awolnation's own video had nearly 150 million views, in comparison to the group's own video which has just over 4 million. On January 28th 2015, Nanalew's video was blocked from YouTube due to copyright issues, but returned several days later.

Covers, remixes and media appearances

A remix of "Sail" featuring American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul was produced by Sounwave and mixed by Ali.

American singer Macy Gray covered the song on her album Covered (2012).[13]

Australian blues singer Ash Grunwald covered the song on their album Trouble's Door (2012)

Heavy metal band DevilDriver have included a cover version of "Sail" on their album Winter Kills (2013).[14]

On The Voice, contestant Kat Robichaud performed "Sail" during week 2 of the live playoffs (2013).

It was covered by American singer Dev in 2013, and will appear on her upcoming album.

A remix of "Sail" by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly was released on April 22, 2014 along with a video uploaded onto YouTube.

In May 2014, Jess Glynne covered the song in a mashup with Beyoncé's "Partition".

"Sail" was used as the soundtrack for a YouTube video of proximity wingsuit flying "Grinding the Crack" by extreme athlete Jeb Corliss, uploaded in August 2011, which went viral receiving in excess of 25 million views.[6] The song was played in a November 2011 episode of The Good Wife.[15]

"Sail" was also featured in the 2012 film Disconnect. A So You Think You Can Dance contestant danced on it in May 2012.[16] The song was then used in a BMW commercial launched during the 2012 Summer Olympics.[6] In 2013, the song was used by TV channel History in a trailer for the show Vikings and in the trailer for The Counselor (2013).[6] It was also featured in an episode of The Vampire Diaries.[17] "Sail" was played during the final scene of "Dog Soldier", the fifth episode (season 1) of A&E's crime drama Longmire.

Christie's Auction House used "Sail" in a video preview for their May 2014 sale. The video shows a professional skateboarder Chris Martin gliding through Christie's Rockefeller building storage and passing by the art of Richard Prince, Andy Warhol and On Kawara, among others.[18][19]

A video of "Sail" played on a tuned Tesla Coil is on YouTube. The chords are amplified by the placement of the coil in a large hall during a science fair.[20]

Formats and track listings

  • Digital download (United States)[21]
  1. "Sail" – 4:19
  2. "Sail" (Innerpartysystem Remix) – 5:26
  3. "Sail" (Dan the Automator Remix) – 4:34
  4. "Sail" (Unlimited Gravity Remix) - 5:49

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[57] Platinum 70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[58] Gold 15,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[59] 6× Platinum 480,000*
Italy (FIMI)[60] Platinum 0‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[61] Platinum 15,000*
Sweden (GLF)[62] 3× Platinum 120,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[63] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[64] Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[65] 6× Platinum† 5,500,000[9]
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[66] Platinum 1,800,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

† Since May 2013 RIAA certifications for digital singles include on-demand audio and/or video song streams in addition to downloads.[67]

Release history

Country Date Format Label
United States[21][68][69] January 4, 2011 Alternative radio Red Bull Records
June 6, 2011 Active rock radio
June 13, 2011 Digital download
Germany[70] September 23, 2011
United Kingdom[71] September 25, 2011
France[72] September 26, 2011
Spain[73] September 27, 2011
United States[74][75] October 29, 2012 Hot AC radio
Contemporary hit radio

References

  1. ^ Ugwu, Reggie (October 1, 2013). "AWOLnation: How 'Sail' Took the Scenic Route to Hot 100 Juggernaut". Billboard. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  2. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100 – September 3, 2011". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100 – January 14, 2012". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Molanphy, Chris (June 29, 2013). "The Slow Hit Movement: Year-Old Songs On The Pop Charts". NPR. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  5. ^ Hooper, Ryan Patrick (March 28, 2012). "'Sail' by AWOLNATION Soars to Platinum Status". Red Bull. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d Fekadu, Mesfin (April 28, 2014). "How 'Sail' sold: Story of Awolnation's Aaron Bruno". Businessweek. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  7. ^ a b "Awolnation Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  8. ^ "AWOLNATION's Sail goes triple platinum". Red Bull. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  9. ^ a b Trust, Gary (January 27, 2015). "The Biggest Hot 100 Hits to Peak at Nos. 25-1". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  10. ^ "AWOLNATION - SAIL (SONG)". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  11. ^ "AWOLNATION - SAIL (SONG)". charts.org.nz. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  12. ^ "Top 40 Official Singles Chart UK (Week-ending 18th January 2014)". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  13. ^ Bush, John. "Covered – Macy Gray". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved August 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: templatestyles stripmarker in |work= at position 1 (help)
  14. ^ Florino, Rick (July 31, 2013). "DevilDriver 'Winter Kills' Album Review — 5 out of 5 stars". Artistdirect. Rogue Digital. Retrieved August 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: templatestyles stripmarker in |work= at position 1 (help)
  15. ^ Toepfer, Susan (November 21, 2011). "'The Good Wife' Season 3, Episode 9, 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot': TV Recap". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  16. ^ "So You Think You Can Dance". Red Bull Records. May 30, 2012. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  17. ^ "The Vampire Diaries Songs: Music From Season 4, Episode 22". Wetpaint. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  18. ^ http://christiesauctions.tumblr.com/
  19. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWj5wYO8kkI
  20. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3D_uG2ET2s
  21. ^ a b Heaney, Gregory. "Sail – AWOLNATION". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved August 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: templatestyles stripmarker in |work= at position 1 (help)
  22. ^ "Awolnation – Sail". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  23. ^ "Awolnation – Sail" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
  24. ^ "Awolnation – Sail" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
  25. ^ "Awolnation – Sail" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  26. ^ "Awolnation Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  27. ^ "Active Rock – October 25, 2011". America's Music Charts. Mediabase. Retrieved January 16, 2012. {{cite web}}: templatestyles stripmarker in |work= at position 1 (help)
  28. ^ "Alternative Rock – June 21, 2011". America's Music Charts. Mediabase. Retrieved January 16, 2012. {{cite web}}: templatestyles stripmarker in |work= at position 1 (help)
  29. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 19. týden 2014 in the date selector. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  30. ^ "Awolnation – Sail". Tracklisten. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  31. ^ "Awolnation – Sail" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  32. ^ "AWOLNATION – Sail". Charts.de. Media Control. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  33. ^ "Chart Track: Week 46, 2013". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  34. ^ "Awolnation – Sail" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  35. ^ "Awolnation – Sail". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved September 2, 2013.
  36. ^ "Awolnation – Chart History: Portugal". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  37. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  38. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201436 into search. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  39. ^ "Awolnation – Sail". Singles Top 100. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  40. ^ "Awolnation – Sail". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  41. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  42. ^ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  43. ^ "Awolnation Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  44. ^ "Awolnation Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  45. ^ "Awolnation Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  46. ^ "Awolnation Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 14, 2013.
  47. ^ "Awolnation Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  48. ^ "Alternative Songs: 2011 Year-End Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  49. ^ "Rock Songs: 2011 Year-End Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  50. ^ "Årslista Singlar – År 2012" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Swedish Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  51. ^ "End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Streaming Tracks 2013". ARIA. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  52. ^ "Årslista Singlar – År 2013" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Swedish Recording Industry Association. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  53. ^ "End of Year 2013" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  54. ^ "Best of 2013 – Hot 100 Songs". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  55. ^ "Rock Songs: 2013 Year-End Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  56. ^ "Rock Songs: 2014 Year-End Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
  57. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  58. ^ "Austrian single certifications – Awolnation – Sail" (in German). IFPI Austria.
  59. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Awolnation – Sail". Music Canada.
  60. ^ "Italian single certifications – Awolnation – Sail" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved January 12, 2015. Select "2015" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Sail" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  61. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Awolnation – Sail". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  62. ^ "Awolnation - Sail" (in Swedish). Grammofon Leverantörernas Förening. Retrieved December 24, 2013.
  63. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Sail')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  64. ^ "British single certifications – Awolnation – Sail". British Phonographic Industry. Select singles in the Format field. Select Gold in the Certification field. Type Sail in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  65. ^ "American single certifications – Awolnation – Sail". Recording Industry Association of America.
  66. ^ "Certificeringer - Awolnation - Sail" (in Danish). IFPI Denmark. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  67. ^ "RIAA Adds Digital Streams To Historic Gold & Platinum Awards". Recording Industry Association of America. May 9, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  68. ^ "Alternative". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  69. ^ "Going For Adds: Active Rock (Week Of: June 6, 2011)". Radio & Records. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  70. ^ "AWOLNATION" (in German). 7digital (GER). Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  71. ^ "AWOLNATION". 7digital. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  72. ^ "AWOLNATION" (in French). 7digital (FRA). Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  73. ^ "AWOLNATION" (in Spanish). 7digital (SPA). Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  74. ^ "Going For Adds: Hot AC (Week Of: October 29, 2012)". Radio & Records. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  75. ^ "Going For Adds: CHR/Top 40 (Week Of: October 29, 2012)". Radio & Records. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
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