Quarantunes: A playlist by Dan Croll (and his ‘Guide to L.A.’)

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Dan Croll

Dan Croll’s move from the U.K. to L.A. inspires his poignant new album “Grand Plan.” On the eve of its release, the songwriter talks about cabin fever, Reddit rabbit holes and his “Guide to L.A.” in today’s edition of QUARANTUNES.

THE LATEST FROM DAN CROLL

Dan Croll has spent two years acclimating himself to life in Los Angeles — and crafting the pop finery on his new album “Grand Plan,” which documents his transition from Liverpudlian to Angeleno.

The album, his third, arrives Friday, full of Croll’s typically sharp observational songwriting and the warm production of Virginia-based Matthew E. White, with whom he spent a month recording. If any Southern California newbie could be entrusted with making a “Los Angeles album” without tripping over the usual clichés, it’s Croll. Autobiography has scarcely felt so relatable.

Beyond rolling out single after affecting single in recent months, Croll has been doing weekly shows on Instagram Live and has even created the “Dial Dan” hotline for anybody struggling with the quarantine. Every Monday, he takes calls, texts and WhatsApp messages from fans all around the world.

Moreover, to accompany “Grand Plan,” the songwriter has also created “Dan Croll’s Guide to L.A.” — an interactive map charting not only his favorite places in the city but the locations that inspired the songs on the album, with explanations of what birthed them. (Just click on the red pins.)

What’s the old line from “The A-Team?” Yeah … I love it when a plan comes together.

HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MANAGE THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ EDICT?

Holding up all right, though I feel like the cracks are starting to show and cabin fever is finally settling in. I’ve mostly been keeping at bay by running and cycling, eating and drinking, and trying to learn Spanish. I’ve also been entering some Reddit rabbit holes to offset all of the dark shit happening, mainly things like “Perfect Fit, which I find insanely satisfying and relaxing, and also Eyebleach, because who doesn’t love animals? For anyone also struggling with it all there’s a support group.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN THIS IS OVER?

Driving around America, playing shows, hugging people.

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PLAYLIST?

Just a mixture of old and new, mostly American, that influenced the album and jump across the pond!