Country Christmas 2020
Your one stop spot for all the country music Christmas news for 2020
THE HOLIDAYS ARE “LIT THIS YEAR” WITH FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE
Add a splash of Old Camp to your cup of eggnog … Florida Georgia Line gets the holiday buzz on with their first-ever seasonal release. “Lit This Year” (BMLG Records) is available now at all streaming platforms and digital retailers.
“BK, Corey [Crowder], and I had a good time writing this one,” shares FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. “We felt like we were writing the modern-day version of ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer’ meets Christmas Vacation. The only thing that would make this Country Christmas song any better is if we could shoot a video and feature ‘Cousin Eddie.’”
“Get your holidaze on, y’all,” adds FGL’s Brian Kelley. “This is a new one for us. T and I always felt our first holiday song would come at just the right time – we’re excited for fans to have something FGL to cheers to the season with!”
Proving their party-starting spirit is a gift that keeps on giving, Hubbard and Kelley penned and produced “Lit This Year” alongside Corey Crowder. FGL sings, “Got some good ole Christmas spirit in this cup right here / That Christmas tree ain’t the only thing getting lit this year,” as they toast to a special kind of yuletide cheer. The festive two-stepper is overflowing with warm-and-fuzzy fun wrapped in a twangy mix of banjo, guitar, and brotherly harmony.
“Get your holidaze on, y’all,” adds FGL’s Brian Kelley. “This is a new one for us. T and I always felt our first holiday song would come at just the right time – we’re excited for fans to have something FGL to cheers to the season with!”
Proving their party-starting spirit is a gift that keeps on giving, Hubbard and Kelley penned and produced “Lit This Year” alongside Corey Crowder. FGL sings, “Got some good ole Christmas spirit in this cup right here / That Christmas tree ain’t the only thing getting lit this year,” as they toast to a special kind of yuletide cheer. The festive two-stepper is overflowing with warm-and-fuzzy fun wrapped in a twangy mix of banjo, guitar, and brotherly harmony.
Maddie & Tae: ‘We Need Christmas’ EP available now
Platinum-selling duo Maddie & Tae’s latest release celebrates the festive season. The We Need Christmas EP is available now via Snakefarm Records in the UK.
The six-track project features two originals, “Merry Married Christmas” and title track “We Need Christmas”, plus beloved holiday favourites including “This Christmas”, “Holly Jolly Christmas”, “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”.
“I think more than ever, as we say in We Need Christmas, we really need all the joy and hope and love that the holiday season brings,” says Maddie Font. “There’s just something about Christmas that kind of silences all the chaos for a couple of days where you just get to quiet down with your loved ones. We’re so excited to celebrate Christmas this year and really cherish that quality time that we didn’t get as much of this year with quarantining and everything. And,” she adds, “we get to blast our own Christmas songs for our families!”
We Need Christmas from Maddie & Tae is the perfect soundtrack to a wonderful and peaceful Christmas, which we could all use this year!
We Need Christmas Track Listing:
1. This Christmas (Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor)
2. Holly Jolly Christmas (Johnny Marks)
3. O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
4. Merry Married Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr)
5. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector)
6. We Need Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matthew West, AJ Pruis)
Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Derek Wells
The six-track project features two originals, “Merry Married Christmas” and title track “We Need Christmas”, plus beloved holiday favourites including “This Christmas”, “Holly Jolly Christmas”, “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”.
“I think more than ever, as we say in We Need Christmas, we really need all the joy and hope and love that the holiday season brings,” says Maddie Font. “There’s just something about Christmas that kind of silences all the chaos for a couple of days where you just get to quiet down with your loved ones. We’re so excited to celebrate Christmas this year and really cherish that quality time that we didn’t get as much of this year with quarantining and everything. And,” she adds, “we get to blast our own Christmas songs for our families!”
We Need Christmas from Maddie & Tae is the perfect soundtrack to a wonderful and peaceful Christmas, which we could all use this year!
We Need Christmas Track Listing:
1. This Christmas (Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor)
2. Holly Jolly Christmas (Johnny Marks)
3. O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
4. Merry Married Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr)
5. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector)
6. We Need Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matthew West, AJ Pruis)
Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Derek Wells
GABBY BARRETT’S TAKE ON CHRISTMAS CLASSIC “THE FIRST NOEL” AVAILABLE NOW
Putting her own heartfelt stamp on a Christmas classic, Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett is celebrating the upcoming holiday season releasing her rendition of “THE FIRST NOEL,” produced by Ross Copperman.
“I’m so happy to release my first Christmas song today,” says Barrett. “Christmas is one of my absolute favorite days of the year, and my faith is the cornerstone of my life, so being able to share both with ‘The First Noel’ is a gift. I feel so blessed to do what I do every day, and I hope that this song adds something special to your holidays.”
LISTEN TO “THE FIRST NOEL” HERE
This week, Barrett made headlines with an ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE of her smash Country and current Hot AC #1 hit “I Hope” on the CMT Awards. Billboard raved, “the singer-songwriter treated her performance of her smash 'I Hope' like a well-deserved victory lap” and CMT called the clip “positively explosive.” Barrett then won Breakthrough Video of the Year, presented to her by Taylor Swift. Tonight, she’ll take the stage for a performance at the iHeartCountry Festival – watch from home HERE.
“I’m so happy to release my first Christmas song today,” says Barrett. “Christmas is one of my absolute favorite days of the year, and my faith is the cornerstone of my life, so being able to share both with ‘The First Noel’ is a gift. I feel so blessed to do what I do every day, and I hope that this song adds something special to your holidays.”
LISTEN TO “THE FIRST NOEL” HERE
This week, Barrett made headlines with an ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE of her smash Country and current Hot AC #1 hit “I Hope” on the CMT Awards. Billboard raved, “the singer-songwriter treated her performance of her smash 'I Hope' like a well-deserved victory lap” and CMT called the clip “positively explosive.” Barrett then won Breakthrough Video of the Year, presented to her by Taylor Swift. Tonight, she’ll take the stage for a performance at the iHeartCountry Festival – watch from home HERE.
LADY A ADD CHEER TO HOLIDAY ALBUM WITH RELEASE OF ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE
MULTI-PLATINUM trio Lady A will help fans celebrate the holidays this year, with the release of ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE (BMLG Records), album available this Friday, October 30. After the timeless record initially landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart for its "variety of musical styles from the simple acoustic-guitar-and-strings arrangement to the horns and sleigh bells” (USA Today), the trio expands the collection to 16-songs including four brand new tracks. Fans can pre-save ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE before its release here.
“We’ve always loved the holiday season, but it has become even more magical now that we’re parents,” Hillary Scott shared. “So, we thought we’d add on a new, original song that was inspired by our kids and our take on a few of our favourites, which has brought us so much joy. I think we could all use a little extra holiday cheer this year!”
The four additional songs reinvented for ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE were produced by Dann Huff and include "Wonderful Christmastime,” "Christmas Through Your Eyes,” "Little Saint Nick” and "That Spirit Of Christmas.” It is “Christmas Through Your Eyes” that sparked the project, written by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, the track perfectly captures the true spirit of the season.
ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE Track List:
1. "A Holly Jolly Christmas"
Johnny Marks
2. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector
3. "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
Walter Afanasieff, Mariah Carey
4. "I’ll Be Home For Christmas"
Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram
5. "This Christmas"
Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor
6. "The First Noel"
Traditional – Arranged by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott
7. "On This Winter’s Night"
Tom Douglas, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott
8. "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"
Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
9. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin
10. "Silent Night (Lord Of My Life)"
Traditional – Arranged by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott
11. "Blue Christmas"
Bill Hayes, Jay Johnson
12. "Silver Bells"
Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
13. "Wonderful Christmastime” **
Paul James McCartney
14. "Christmas Through Your Eyes” **
Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
15. "Little Saint Nick” **
Mike E. Love, Brian Douglas Wilson
16. "That Spirit Of Christmas” **
Parnell Davidson, Mable John, Joel Webste
**New Tracks
“We’ve always loved the holiday season, but it has become even more magical now that we’re parents,” Hillary Scott shared. “So, we thought we’d add on a new, original song that was inspired by our kids and our take on a few of our favourites, which has brought us so much joy. I think we could all use a little extra holiday cheer this year!”
The four additional songs reinvented for ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE were produced by Dann Huff and include "Wonderful Christmastime,” "Christmas Through Your Eyes,” "Little Saint Nick” and "That Spirit Of Christmas.” It is “Christmas Through Your Eyes” that sparked the project, written by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott, the track perfectly captures the true spirit of the season.
ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT DELUXE Track List:
1. "A Holly Jolly Christmas"
Johnny Marks
2. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector
3. "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
Walter Afanasieff, Mariah Carey
4. "I’ll Be Home For Christmas"
Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram
5. "This Christmas"
Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor
6. "The First Noel"
Traditional – Arranged by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott
7. "On This Winter’s Night"
Tom Douglas, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott
8. "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"
Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
9. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin
10. "Silent Night (Lord Of My Life)"
Traditional – Arranged by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott
11. "Blue Christmas"
Bill Hayes, Jay Johnson
12. "Silver Bells"
Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
13. "Wonderful Christmastime” **
Paul James McCartney
14. "Christmas Through Your Eyes” **
Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
15. "Little Saint Nick” **
Mike E. Love, Brian Douglas Wilson
16. "That Spirit Of Christmas” **
Parnell Davidson, Mable John, Joel Webste
**New Tracks
Cory Marks to Release Holiday Track, “Jingle My Bells” on Oct. 23
After a breakthrough year that garnered over 23 million worldwide streams and a critically acclaimed debut album, WHO I AM, Country rocker Cory Marks heads into the holiday season with his rendition of The Tractor’s popular 90s holiday hit, “Jingle My Bells.” The new track is part of the compilation project “Christmas with Better Noise Music” and is now available for pre-save and can be found HERE.
Produced by Kevin Churko at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Marks’ rendition of “Jingle My Bells” carries the same rowdy feel as the original but kicks it up a notch with a supercharged tempo and a whole lot of fiddle, “I’ve heard of The Tractors and grew up to their big hit ‘Baby Likes To Rock It.’ After hearing the production Kevin put on this track ‘Jingle My Bells’ I thought it would make a good ol’ Country Rockin' Christmas song and Kevin thought it was right up my alley. I’ve always loved Christmas and I want people to feel good and ready for the holiday season. I think that's exactly what this song does,” Marks says of the project, “I'm honored to be on Better Noise Music's first Christmas compilation. Merry Christmas everyone!”
In addition to preparing for the holiday season, the singer has been hard at work offering live performances for his fans each week through his social media accounts. Fans can tune in to watch Marks each Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST on his Instagram page for his “HUMPDAYLIVE” series as well as his #ItsFiveOClockSomewhere series taking place each Friday at 5 p.m. EST on his Facebook page. Marks is also set to headline the North Bay Capitol Centre’s ‘STREAMATHON 10-20-20’- an online telethon airing on the venue’s Facebook page from 6-9p EST Oct 20th, to raise money for the Centre in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canadian born star and former hockey player and soon-to-be licensed pilot launched his rise to fame with his crossover success with the track, “Outlaws & Outsiders” (featuring Country music icon Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, and Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe). Shortly after its release, the song became a global hit, with over 21 million streams worldwide. It trended globally on the Shazam discovery charts, ranking among the greatest songs of all genres - including songs by Black Eyed Peas, Billy Joe Armstrong, and G-Eazy - illustrating the appeal of Country-Rock music that transcends beyond genre lines.
Produced by Kevin Churko at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Marks’ rendition of “Jingle My Bells” carries the same rowdy feel as the original but kicks it up a notch with a supercharged tempo and a whole lot of fiddle, “I’ve heard of The Tractors and grew up to their big hit ‘Baby Likes To Rock It.’ After hearing the production Kevin put on this track ‘Jingle My Bells’ I thought it would make a good ol’ Country Rockin' Christmas song and Kevin thought it was right up my alley. I’ve always loved Christmas and I want people to feel good and ready for the holiday season. I think that's exactly what this song does,” Marks says of the project, “I'm honored to be on Better Noise Music's first Christmas compilation. Merry Christmas everyone!”
In addition to preparing for the holiday season, the singer has been hard at work offering live performances for his fans each week through his social media accounts. Fans can tune in to watch Marks each Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST on his Instagram page for his “HUMPDAYLIVE” series as well as his #ItsFiveOClockSomewhere series taking place each Friday at 5 p.m. EST on his Facebook page. Marks is also set to headline the North Bay Capitol Centre’s ‘STREAMATHON 10-20-20’- an online telethon airing on the venue’s Facebook page from 6-9p EST Oct 20th, to raise money for the Centre in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canadian born star and former hockey player and soon-to-be licensed pilot launched his rise to fame with his crossover success with the track, “Outlaws & Outsiders” (featuring Country music icon Travis Tritt, Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, and Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe). Shortly after its release, the song became a global hit, with over 21 million streams worldwide. It trended globally on the Shazam discovery charts, ranking among the greatest songs of all genres - including songs by Black Eyed Peas, Billy Joe Armstrong, and G-Eazy - illustrating the appeal of Country-Rock music that transcends beyond genre lines.
RUNAWAY JUNE ANNOUNCE WHEN I THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS EP
Christmas comes early this year as Country’s favourite female trio Runaway June have announced their When I Think About Christmas EP out October 16th. This five-track EP will feature three Christmas classics in addition to two Runaway June Christmas originals. Following their appearance on the ACM Awards last week where they presented the efforts of ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Relief Fund, Runaway June are ready to flaunt their country roots with versatility by showcasing on this EP their organic three-part harmonies paired with their genuine excitement to spread holiday cheer.
“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” says Naomi, Jennifer, and Natalie. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music and we’ve got some fiddle so why not!”
Displaying their authentic love for the season expressed through the artistry and talent that fans, critics, and radio have all embraced, Runaway June poured their passion for the holidays into this project. Penned by songwriters Sam Hollander and Martin Johnson, “Christmas On The Radio” is an original song described by the band as an “ instant classic,” exuding cheer and anticipation of holiday music and traditions soon to come. Their other original and title-track of the EP “When I Think About Christmas” was co-written by Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, and Tiffany Goss. Described by Wayne as a song that “feels like it’s been around for a hundred years,” Cooke croons with hints of classic Country mixed with Christmas touch. The legendary Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Pussycat Dolls, and more) produced four of the five tracks and co-produced "Christmas On The Radio" with Martin Johnson and Brandon Paddock. Including classics such as “O Holy Night” that is like an art piece with its Appalachian sound along with the up-beat fireside version of “Let It Snow," Runaway June are ready to get their fans in the Christmas spirit.
When I Think About Christmas EP Track-listing:
1. Christmas On The Radio (Runaway June Original – Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
2. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
3. O Holy Night (Traditional Holiday Song)
4. When I Think About Christmas (Runaway June Original – Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)
5. Let It Snow – (Julie Styn, Sammy Cahn)
This EP comes while their current single “We Were Rich” continues to climb the charts. “We Were Rich” came shortly after the trio made history with their record breaking single “Buy My Own Drinks” that marked the first time a female trio has broken into the top five on the Mediabase Country chart since The Chicks in 2003. According to Music Row, “I don’t know which I like better, the deliciously well written lyric or the breath-taking harmony-vocal perfection. I fell hard for this little slice of American life.” With their current single mixed with these Christmas originals and classics, Runaway June has made it a mission to trigger a warm sense of nostalgia. “We Were Rich” is a subtle reminder during this time of chaos in the world that it is the little things in life that matter most while these Christmas songs are a nod to Christmas traditions and holiday spirit.
For more information on Runaway June, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out their website here.
“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” says Naomi, Jennifer, and Natalie. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music and we’ve got some fiddle so why not!”
Displaying their authentic love for the season expressed through the artistry and talent that fans, critics, and radio have all embraced, Runaway June poured their passion for the holidays into this project. Penned by songwriters Sam Hollander and Martin Johnson, “Christmas On The Radio” is an original song described by the band as an “ instant classic,” exuding cheer and anticipation of holiday music and traditions soon to come. Their other original and title-track of the EP “When I Think About Christmas” was co-written by Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, and Tiffany Goss. Described by Wayne as a song that “feels like it’s been around for a hundred years,” Cooke croons with hints of classic Country mixed with Christmas touch. The legendary Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Pussycat Dolls, and more) produced four of the five tracks and co-produced "Christmas On The Radio" with Martin Johnson and Brandon Paddock. Including classics such as “O Holy Night” that is like an art piece with its Appalachian sound along with the up-beat fireside version of “Let It Snow," Runaway June are ready to get their fans in the Christmas spirit.
When I Think About Christmas EP Track-listing:
1. Christmas On The Radio (Runaway June Original – Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
2. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
3. O Holy Night (Traditional Holiday Song)
4. When I Think About Christmas (Runaway June Original – Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)
5. Let It Snow – (Julie Styn, Sammy Cahn)
This EP comes while their current single “We Were Rich” continues to climb the charts. “We Were Rich” came shortly after the trio made history with their record breaking single “Buy My Own Drinks” that marked the first time a female trio has broken into the top five on the Mediabase Country chart since The Chicks in 2003. According to Music Row, “I don’t know which I like better, the deliciously well written lyric or the breath-taking harmony-vocal perfection. I fell hard for this little slice of American life.” With their current single mixed with these Christmas originals and classics, Runaway June has made it a mission to trigger a warm sense of nostalgia. “We Were Rich” is a subtle reminder during this time of chaos in the world that it is the little things in life that matter most while these Christmas songs are a nod to Christmas traditions and holiday spirit.
For more information on Runaway June, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out their website here.