Dan + Shay are not taking anything for granted as they look forward to a more promising 2021. “This whole year caused us to reflect,” Dan tells Apple Music. “The rug got swept out from under us, and it was like, dude, we're so lucky to do what we do. That we get to stand onstage in front of fans who bought a ticket to our show because they like our music or it makes them feel a certain way—that's a special thing.” That time to reflect allowed the country-pop duo to reminisce and put themselves in a happy place. Thinking about their memories tied to Christmas inspired them to write two new holiday songs, “Christmas Isn’t Christmas” and “Take Me Home for Christmas,” both of which are featured in this exclusive Apple Music playlist curated by the duo themselves. Dan + Shay also included a bright mix of contemporary pop heavy hitters from the likes of Ariana Grande, Luke Combs, Justin Bieber, and Harry Styles, whose unfettered artistry they both admire. “I really like this kind of gritty, really great storytelling songwriter kind of vibe,” Shay says. “Harry Styles has been able to do that. To obviously have the success with One Direction, and then also have what I would consider to be a very credible record, but also being able to bridge that gap of being widely popular.”
