Anna Sun

"Anna Sun" was written by lead vocalist Nicholas Petricca and New York-based singer/songwriter Nick Lerangis, along with the help of their 8-year-old neighbor Jake Young. The song is named after their professor from Kenyon College (who now teaches at Duke University) and is meant to symbolize youth.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EnWgv4dOaY |title=WALK THE MOON on Last Call with Carson Daly 4/1/11 |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-04-05 |access-date=2011-06-30}}

The band's self-released album I Want! I Want! was recorded by Chris Schmidt and Ben Cochran at Soap Floats Recording Studio in their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.

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According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Universal Music Publishing Group, "Anna Sun" is written in the time signature of common time, with a moderate tempo of 72 beats per minute. It is composed in the key of B♭ major and the melody spans a tonal range of G₃ to B♭₄.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0112147|title=Digital Sheet Music – Walk the Moon – Anna Sun|date=10 December 2012|publisher=Universal Music Publishing Group. MusicNotes.com|access-date=1 July 2015}}

"Anna Sun" received positive reviews from critics. In their review of the Walk the Moon album, Dani Beck and Derrick Robertson called the song "sunny, easy, carefree electronic pop" and noted that it was one of the few highlights in a mostly negative album review.{{Cite web|url = http://diymag.com/archive/walk-the-moon-walk-the-moon/|title = They're drifting between The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club in a sea of meaningless tunes with no depth whatsoever.|date = 8 October 2012|access-date = 28 June 2015|website = DIY|last = Beck|first = Dani}} James Christopher Monger, writing for AllMusic, called "Anna Sun" one of the best moments on Walk the Moon and that it "hold[s] fast to the band's talent for crafting synth-heavy, fat, and percussive dancefloor gems".{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/walk-the-moon-mw0002370087|title=Walk the Moon – Walk the Moon {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|last=Monger|first=James Christopher|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=September 10, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727144313/https://www.allmusic.com/album/walk-the-moon-mw0002370087|url-status=live}} Dulce Rosales of recultured.com noted that while "the lyrics are somewhat repetitive, the simplicity helps hook listeners and causes them to sing along even after a single listen".{{Cite web|url = http://recultured.com/music-review/music-review-walk-the-moon-self-titled-major-label-debut/|title = Music Review: Walk the Moon - Self-Titled Major Label Debut|date = |access-date = 28 June 2015|website = recultured|publisher = |last = Rosales|first = Dulce}} Brian Benton of MVRemix.com was critical on the length of the song, saying that "it’s five and a half minutes long, when it could be just as effective in three".{{Cite web|url = http://mvremix.com/rock_blogs/2012/07/walk-the-moon-walk-the-moon-album-review/|title = Walk the Moon – Walk the Moon album review|date = 4 July 2012|access-date = 28 June 2015|website = MVRemix|publisher = |last = Benton|first = Brian}}

"Anna Sun" was named the song of the summer in a 2011 Esquire article "30 Summer Songs Every Man Should Listen To".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.esquire.com/the-side/music/summer-songs-2011-walk-the-moon#fbIndex30 |title=Walk the Moon – Summer Songs 2011 |magazine=Esquire |date=2010-07-30 |access-date=2011-06-30 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229232443/http://www.esquire.com/the-side/music/summer-songs-2011-walk-the-moon |archivedate=2012-02-29 }} Additionally, the single was also named song of the summer by MTV and Seventeen,{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/05/30/song-of-the-summer-anna-sun-walk-the-moon/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531052650/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/05/30/song-of-the-summer-anna-sun-walk-the-moon/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |title=You Voted Walk The Moon's 'Anna Sun' As The Official Song Of The Summer! |publisher=MTV |date=2012-05-30 |access-date=2015-06-22}} as well as one of the best songs of the year by Amazon.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000862301 |title=The Best Songs of 2012: Amazon Picks |publisher=Amazon |date= |access-date=2015-06-22}}

In an article from Kenyon's Her Campus, Professor Sun was said to have "immediately liked it" the first time she heard it. She further gave her opinion: “The song is about Kenyon life. It has nothing to do with me, so I thought ‘sure, use my name for the chorus,’” she said.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hercampus.com/school/kenyon/anna-sun-anna-sun|title=Anna Sun on Anna Sun | Her Campus|date=8 October 2012}}

"Anna Sun" first appeared on Billboard{{'s}} Hot Singles Sales chart at number seven on March 10, 2012. On March 24, 2012, the song debuted at number thirty-nine on the Alternative Songs chart.{{cite magazine| url = http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2012-03-24/hot-modern-rock-tracks | magazine = Billboard | access-date = August 31, 2015 | title = Top Alternative Songs Chart: Mar 24, 2012 - Billboard Chart Archive}} {{subscription required}} It reached its peak at number ten on July 21, 2012 after spending 18 weeks on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/alternative-songs/2012-07-21|title=Alternative Songs – The Week of July 21, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=August 31, 2015}}

Similarly, "Anna Sun" entered the Hot Rock Songs chart at number forty-six on April 14, 2012.{{cite magazine| url = http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2012-04-14/rock-songs | magazine = Billboard | access-date = August 31, 2015 | title = Top Rock Songs Chart: Apr 14, 2012 - Billboard Chart Archive}} {{subscription required}} On August 4, 2012, the song peaked at number twenty, giving Walk the Moon their first top twenty hit on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-songs/2012-08-04|title=Hot Rock Songs – The Week of August 4, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=August 31, 2015}} "Anna Sun" managed to obtain some success on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, peaking at number eighteen on September 15, 2012. The song experienced its highest peak on the Adult Alternative Songs chart, reaching number three on October 27, 2012.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/alternative-songs/2012-07-21|title=Adult Alternative Songs – The Week of October 27, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=August 31, 2015}}

Outside the United States, the song became a minor hit on the UK Singles Chart, debuting at number eighty-two on its first week. It also appeared on Belgium's Ultratip Flanders chart, where it reached number eight.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/weekchart.asp?cat=st&year=2012&date=20120804 |title=100 Ultratip 04/08/12 |publisher=Ultratip |access-date=August 31, 2015}} On Billboard's Mexico Ingles Airplay chart, the song peaked at number forty-six.

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="We wanted to get it out there and make a music video people could watch again and again." |source=—Patrick Meier discussing his goal for the "Anna Sun" music video.}}

The music video for "Anna Sun" was directed and produced by Patrick Meier of Contrast Productions. It was recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio and was filmed from August 31-September 1, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/events/147509428610900/|title=Walk the Moon ANNA SUN Music Video *IMPORTANT INFO* - Please Read!!|publisher=Facebook}}

The video includes original choreography from Kim Popa, the executive director of the local Cincinnati based dance troupe Pones Inc.{{cite web|url=https://ponesinc.wordpress.com/about-us/pones-inc-staff/|title=Pones Inc Staff|access-date=30 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703100849/https://ponesinc.wordpress.com/about-us/pones-inc-staff/|archive-date=3 July 2015|url-status=dead}} After meeting with the band, she decided that the vibe should be "the intangible feeling of being a kid...then maintaining that whimsy into adulthood." Popa said that she was inspired by ceremonial African dances as well as Michael Jackson moves from her childhood when designing the dance moves. At one point during the video, dancers can be seen wearing bodysuits and leotards, reminiscent of 80s aerobics.

According to bassist Kevin Ray, the first half of the video was shot 22 times. However, only the third take was used.{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/videos/2012/08/walk-the-moon-reveal-who-anna-sun-is|title=What Inspired Walk the Moon's One-Shot Wonder "Anna Sun"?|publisher=Fuse TV|access-date=July 3, 2015}}

File:Anna Sun music video.jpg

The video begins with a 2 and a half minute long take, shot inside the Mockbee building in the brewery district of Cincinnati.{{cite web|url=http://www.soapboxmedia.com/videos/0607walkthemoonsummersounds.aspx|title=The Boys of Summer|publisher=Soapbox Cincinnati|date=7 June 2011|access-date=30 May 2015}} The camera follows lead singer Petricca as he walks through the labyrinth of rooms, encountering numerous partiers. At one point during the shot, Petricca plays the keytar. Eventually, Petricca finds a room full of dancers before engaging in a group dance. After the dance, Petricca opens a door, which leads him to a different outdoor location.

The second part of the video consists of jump cuts between Petricca singing while directly looking at the camera and more party goers, covered in face paint, preparing for battle. including a young boy, presumably a younger version of Petricca. The partiers prepare for battle, before they eventually continue partying. At the end of the video, the young boy runs back to the door that was used to transport Petricca to the new location. The boy paints the word Anna along with a drawing of a sun on the door.

Petricca noted that the tradition of wearing face paint during their live performances evolved from the video.{{cite web|last=Gokhman|first=Roman|url=http://thebaybridged.com/2012/06/08/interview-walk-the-moon-discuss-growing-up-and-having-the-song-of-the-summer-two-years-in-a-row/#.VWejjanhuZ4|title=Interview: Walk The Moon discuss growing up and having the "song of the summer" two years in a row|publisher=The Bay Bridged|date=8 June 2012|access-date=28 May 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512042404/http://thebaybridged.com/2012/06/08/interview-walk-the-moon-discuss-growing-up-and-having-the-song-of-the-summer-two-years-in-a-row/#.VWekr6nhuZ5|archivedate=12 May 2015|url-status=live}}

MTV Hive called the video a "hilariously choreographed, neon-colored and awesomely shot in one take" production.{{cite web |author=Jill Menze |url=http://read.mtvhive.com/2011/04/22/thoughts-on-walk-the-moon/ |title=Walk the Moon Get Their Neon Kicks | MTV Hive |publisher=Read.mtvhive.com |date=2011-04-22 |access-date=2011-06-30 |archive-date=2011-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425131434/http://read.mtvhive.com/2011/04/22/thoughts-on-walk-the-moon/ |url-status=dead }}

• "Anna Sun received numerous remixes, two of which were by Fool's Gold and by Trouble Productions.
• The TV show Vampire Diaries used "Anna Sun" in the first episode of season three.{{cite web|url=http://vampirediariesonline.com/music/vampire-diaries-music-episode-3-01-the-birthday-song-list/|title=Vampire Diaries Music – Episode 3.01 – The Birthday – Song List - Vampire Diaries Spoilers and News|publisher=Vampirediariesonline.com|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224141201/http://vampirediariesonline.com/music/vampire-diaries-music-episode-3-01-the-birthday-song-list/|url-status=dead}}
• Clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters added "Anna Sun" to their video rotation in May 2011.{{Cite web|url = http://www.alterthepress.com/2015/04/atp-essential-listening-walk-moon.html|title = ATP! ESSENTIAL LISTENING: WALK THE MOON|date = |access-date = 28 June 2015|website = Alter the Press!|publisher = |last = Jones|first = Lauren}}
• The song has been covered by Australian indie rock band The Griswolds,{{Cite magazine|url = http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/06/the-griswolds-acoustic-ep-exclusive|title = Stream The Griswolds' Acoustic EP -- exclusive|date = 6 April 2015|access-date = 28 June 2015|magazine = Entertainment Weekly|publisher = Times Inc.|last = Vain|first = Madison}} YouTube personality Joey Graceffa,{{Cite web|title = Anna Sun - Single by Joey Graceffa|url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/anna-sun-single/657060969|website = iTunes|date = June 2013|access-date = 2015-06-28}} as well as being performed in a duet with independent rapper Hoodie Allen and guitarist Kina Grannis.{{Cite web|url = http://www.fuse.tv/2013/04/hoodie-allen-kina-grannis-collab|title = Hoodie Allen & Kina Grannis Perform New Collabo "Make It Home" & Walk the Moon's "Anna Sun"|date = 30 April 2013|access-date = 28 June 2015|website = Fuse|publisher = |last = James|first = Nicole}}

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{{Track listing

| headline = CD/digital download – Extended play (EP){{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/anna-sun-ep/id498498103|title=Anna Sun EP by Walk the Moon|publisher=iTunes Store (US)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220185105/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/anna-sun-ep/id498498103|archivedate=February 20, 2012|access-date=May 22, 2020}}

| title1 = Tightrope

| length1 = 3:30

| title2 = Anna Sun

| length2 = 5:21

| title3 = Next in Line

| length3 = 3:59

}}{{Track listing

| headline = 7-inch vinyl{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Sun-Walk-Moon/dp/B007CTGOMU|title=Walk the Moon - Anna Sun - Amazon.com Music|website=Amazon.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226160204/https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Sun-Walk-Moon/dp/B007CTGOMU|archivedate=February 26, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2015}}

| title1 = Anna Sun

| length1 = 5:21

| title2 = Anywayican

| length2 = 3:43

}}{{Track listing

| headline = Digital download{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/anna-sun-single/id530010095|title=Anna Sun – Single by WALK THE MOON|publisher=iTunes Store (NZ)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007191924/https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/anna-sun-single/id530010095|archivedate=October 7, 2015|access-date=May 22, 2020}}

| title1 = Anna Sun

| length1 = 5:21

}}{{Track listing

| headline = Austria, Germany and Switzerland digital download{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/at/album/anna-sun-single/id542140959|title=Anna Sun – Single von Walk the Moon|publisher=iTunes Store (AT)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004123533/https://itunes.apple.com/at/album/anna-sun-single/id542140959|archivedate=October 4, 2016|access-date=May 22, 2020}}

| title1 = Anna Sun

| length1 = 5:21

| title2 = Anna Sun

| note2 = Radio Edit

| length2 = 3:38

}}{{col-2}}{{Track listing

| headline = Austria, Germany and Switzerland digital EP – Remixes{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/at/album/anna-sun-remixes-ep/id542497649|title=Anna Sun (Remixes) – EP von Walk the Moon|publisher=iTunes Store (AT)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925232800/https://itunes.apple.com/at/album/anna-sun-remixes-ep/id542497649|archivedate=September 25, 2016|access-date=May 22, 2020}}

| title1 = Anna Sun

| length1 = 5:21

| title2 = Anna Sun

| note2 = Radio Edit

| length2 = 3:38

| title3 = Anna Sun

| note3 = Fool's Gold Remix

| length3 = 2:59

| title4 = Anna Sun

| note4 = Instrumental Version

| length4 = 5:21

| title5 = Anna Sun

| note5 = Video

| length5 = 5:24

}}{{Track listing

| headline = UK and Ireland digital download{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/anna-sun-single/id552053903|title=Anna Sun – Single by WALK THE MOON|publisher=iTunes Store (GB)|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622162032/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/anna-sun-single/id552053903|archivedate=June 22, 2015|access-date=May 22, 2020}}

| title1 = Anna Sun

| length1 = 5:21

| title2 = Anna Sun

| note2 = Fool's Gold Remix

| length2 = 2:58

}}{{Track listing

| headline = Digital EP{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/anna-sun-ep/1473879146|title=Anna Sun – EP by WALK THE MOON on Apple Music|publisher=Apple Music|access-date=May 22, 2020}}

| title1 = Anna Sun

| length1 = 5:21

| title2 = Anna Sun

| note2 = Radio Edit

| length2 = 3:38

| title3 = Anna Sun

| note3 = Fool's Gold Remix

| length3 = 2:59

| title4 = Anna Sun

| note4 = Instrumental Version

| length4 = 5:21

}}

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Credits adapted from the liner notes of Walk the Moon.{{cite AV media notes|others=Walk the Moon|title=Walk the Moon|year=2012|type= inlay cover|publisher= RCA Records}}

;Locations

• Recorded at Doppler Studios and Maze Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
• Mixed at The Ballroom Studio, Los Angeles, California
• Mastered at Marcussen Mastering, Hollywood, California

;Personnel

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• Nick Petricca – vocals, keyboards, percussion, songwriting
• Kevin Ray – bass, vocals, songwriting
• Sean Waugaman – percussion, vocals, ray-gun, songwriting
• Eli Maiman – guitar, vocals, songwriting
• Chris Robinson – songwriting
• Adrian Galvin – songwriting
• Nick Lerangis – songwriting
• Adam Reifsnyder – songwriting
• Ben Allen – production
• TJ Elias – assistant engineer
• Will Thrift – assistant engineer
• Mark Needham – mixing
• Will Brierre – mixing assistant
• Stephen Marcussen – mastering

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2012|certyear=2019|artist=Walk the Moon|title=Anna Sun|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=October 2, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

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{{reflist|3}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDVW81bXo0s "Anna Sun" music video] on YouTube

{{Walk the Moon}}

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Category:2010 songs

Category:2012 debut singles

Category:American dance-pop songs

Category:Electropop songs

Category:RCA Records singles

Category:Walk the Moon songs