We take you behind the scenes and explore the making of one of our favorite tunes with The Song Remembers When…
In July 2018, Dan + Shay would score their fourth number one with “Tequila,” the first single from the duo’s self-titled third album. Written by Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon, and Jordan Reynolds, they had the idea of writing about tequila in a nostalgic way. Dan said that it also happens to be their go-to drink when he and Shay Mooney are on the road.
The writers wanted to turn the idea around and not do what people would expect. They wanted something sentimental, not a party song, so they came up with the idea that the taste of it brings up memories of an old flame. Dan said that leading the song with the piano and Shay’s vocals really helped to bring it to another level.
Not only would it reach number one for two weeks, “Tequila” would go on to be certified double platinum. The song earned Dan + Shay their first Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. And, “Tequila” also swept the Single and Song of the Year categories at the ACM Awards in 2019.