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Bing Crosby. Andy Williams. Sinatra. Elvis. Every year, these icons bring the Christmas classics to life, filling our ear buds with peace and joy. And of course, traditional favorites are constantly redone by relevant artists of every genre, bringing the sounds of the seasons to each new generation that hears jingle bells and sleigh bells in the snow. Up and coming artists are looking to leave their mark too with their own rendition of the classics- or perhaps they have a new recording all together. So while you’re blasting out that coveted Christmas playlist, here are a few more tunes to add to the festivities. (In no particular order)
- Delta Rae – Silent Night
Carolina meets California with this six part, close knit harmony group whose version of Silent Night will have you hitting repeat so much that silence won’t be anywhere in sight. Big Machine’s next power players just released their stunning EP, The Blackbird Sessions, which features their next single, “No Peace In Quiet”, as well as a chilling version of “Seven Bridges Road”. And the New Year’s champagne cork is popping in celebration early as they were just picked to be a part of CMT’s new campaign, #18of2018.
Fore more information on Delta Rae, visit: www.deltarae.com
- Pentatonix – Hallelujah
For a song that’s been covered by some of the biggest names in music and is not even necessarily a Christmas song, the acapella stylings of Pentatonix will make it seem as if it’s never been done another way. And if you are feeling super festive, check out The Sing Off alumni’s two holiday albums, That’s Christmas to Me from 2014 and A Pentatonix Christmas, released just two years later. The latter hit the top of the Billboard 200 and Billboard Holiday Albums charts last year and spawned an NBC TV special of the same name that also featured Reba and Kelly Clarkson. To watch the Christmas special performance, click here.
For more information on Pentatonix, visit: www.ptxofficial.com
- Two Story Road – Mary Did You Know/Breath of Heaven
Two Story Road has two new singles out as part of their first full length album and they are burning up Music Row. This fiery husband and wife duo, comprised of Brandon and Jamelle Fraley, were brought together thru their love of music after separately touring with some of the biggest artists in town. In addition to being a perfect romantic match, their blended vocal power on “Mary Did You Know/Breath of Heaven” radiates much like the Star of David must have on that miraculous night that they sing about. You’ll be downloading this for sure.
For more information on Two Story Road, visit: www.twostoryroad.com
- Amanda Winter – Christmas Before You
Spunky Amanda Winter has reason to celebrate! She just dropped her first Christmas EP, produced by Grammy award winning producer, Kent Wells. Breathing fresh air into classics like “Little Drummer Boy” and “O Holy Night”, Winter also conveys an unusual, but much needed message in her original recording, “Christmas Before You”. The story centers on the eventual pairing of a child yearning for a family and a childless couple looking for a miracle. And having been raised in the foster care system since 18 months, the blonde beauty knows all too well what that feels like. As an adult supported by love and a powerful set of lungs, she is determined to shine as a beacon of light for those in similar situations.
For more information Amanda Winter, visit: www.amandawintermusic.com
- Boo Ray/Elizabeth Cook — All Strung Out on Christmas Lights
2018 may be the year vinyl makes a strong comeback and you better believe, Boo Ray is at the heart of old school (and environmentally friendly) record pressing thru his partnership with Kindercore Vinyl in Athens, GA. His recently released album, Sea of Lights, was recorded on the same 2 inch tape machine that Dylan recorded Nashville Skyline on. In fact, he may have channeled some of Dylan’s magic when he found a gold mine in gem and best friend Elizabeth Cook. Their fun, flirty Holiday duet, “All Strung out on Christmas Lights”, is the quintessential song for cutting a rug in the kitchen after consuming a few poinsettias of course (and we don’t mean the plant).
For more information on Boo Ray, visit: www.booraymusic.com
For more information on Elizabeth Cook, visit: www.elizabeth-cook.com
- Mark MacKay – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Even California Country Rockers can stop tearing up the stage long enough to quiet down and serenade us with the golden days and the smooth sounds of an electric guitar. Multi instrumentalist and songwriting extraordinaire Mark MacKay brings his cool, calm, and collected composure to a Holiday classic with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. His spring album, Trials and Tribulations, led him all across the states this past year playing shows with country boys like Love and Theft and Joe Nichols . And if the fates allow, we’ll be hearing much more from Mr. MacKay in the coming year, who was also named one of the top 100 National Acts to Watch by Music Connection in 2016.
For more information on Mark MacKay, visit: www.markmackayofficial.net
- Nu-Blu – Shine
Imagine if you were one of the wisemen searching for the baby in the manger, with only the Star of Bethlehem to guide you? Now imagine being the star. That’s exactly what bluegrass phenomenon Nu-Blu does in their new holiday single, “Shine”, which is also the title of their first holiday EP. Written by respected writers Kristy Jackson and Megan Conner and taken from the viewpoint of the star, “Shine” showcases a tender and poignant roots arrangement from the quartet, who can be just as spunky as they can romantic. Fun, upbeat tunes like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” can be found on the EP, along with heartfelt ballads like “What Child Is This?” And don’t forget about their fully released album, Vagabonds, that has served as the foundation for their North American tour this past year.
For more information on Nu-Blue, visit: www.nu-blu.com
- Home Free – Angels, We Have Heard On High
Angels, we certainly have heard on high when it comes to the five pitch perfect voices that belong to Home Free. Following acclaimed success with their 2014 Full of Cheer album, The Sing-Off winners released the deluxe edition, Full of (Even More) Cheer a year ago which houses five originals and nine new renditions of hit classics like “White Christmas” and “Away in a Manger”. The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard country albums chart, making Home Free a household name. And their live shows are just as impressive as the recordings. The quintet is wrapping up their 20 city holiday tour within the next week, just in time to celebrate Christmas with their families
For more information on Home Free, visit: www.homefreemusic.com
- Peter Hollens – Any Christmas Song He Has Ever Recorded and Released
When NBC’s competition show The Sing Off hit the small screen in 2009, the enchanting (and at times almost forgotten) style of acapella was reborn. And a soon to be internet sensation by the name of Peter Hollens quickly became one of the favorites in Season Two among fans and judges as leader of his University of Oregon collegiate group, On The Rocks. Elimination did not stop Hollens from finding success on the Internet and on YouTube as a madly talented vocalist, writer, and producer with his critically acclaimed covers and video editing skills. And if you weren’t in the Christmas spirit before, you definitely will be now that Mr. Hollens hosts quite the impressive Holiday collection. From “Mary Did You Know” to “O Come O Come Emmanuel”, Hollens proves that the voice is and will always be perhaps the purest instrument ever created. And when he wants to expand on his own multiple part harmonies, he just asks friends like David Archuleta and Jackie Evancho to join him and even his equally talented wife, Evynne. His album, A Hollens Family Christmas, is available now and features “December Song”, “What Child Is This” and “Amazing Grace”, a duet with Home Free.
For more information on Peter Hollens, visit: www.peterhollens.com
We hope you enjoyed our list and will add these songs to your parties, your cookie baking in the kitchen, and especially your quiet times by the fire!