A new Christmas single is set to be released by a group of determined musicians who refused to let restrictions limit their dreams.
‘A Christmas Wish’, out Friday 4th December, is the result of a remote collaboration between singers Joe Gibson, Elaine Boyle and talented local artists. Each person recorded their sections in isolation at Full Tilt Studios. The single, according to project leader Gibson, is proof of what people can do if they believe.
See a preview here:
The story in ‘A Christmas Wish’ is also very topical for this year – the lyrics deal with a couple a couple that just want to get home for Christmas.
Local praise for the track comes from DJ Paul Mc Devitt of Highland Radio, who said: “what a beautiful song filled with such warmth, brilliant vocals and lyrics and a song that’s going to bring us home every Christmas”
DJ Jimmy Stafford added that it’s “My song for Christmas 2020, especially for the year that’s in it”.
The story behind the creation of the song is also apt to the spirit of this year – of people working together to pursue a passion or goal, while staying apart.
Gibson explains: “Having spent over 10 years performing 3-4 nights a week, while at first, I embraced the space it was soon difficult to go without getting to play for people. So for my own sanity, I took to writing and recording new material. Without going into too much detail basically, music is getting me through a very difficult time yet again.
“In August, this melody pops in my head, I made a rough draft and before I know it it’s November and I need a bonus track for an upcoming EP. So I started jamming it for a while and the words just mould toward a Christmas theme and then the verses change to the point where this would work as a duet. Elaine Boyle agrees to come on board to sing the female lead. From that point, Elaine has a long career in the country music scene and we often would gig as a duo around local bars.”
A touch of Christmas magic came into play to bring the plan to fruition, Gibson adds:
“The thing that blew me away most is that it was very last minute lots on the spot decisions and especially my great friends. In no time at all, they made arrangements to record and send me the tracks I needed. With restrictions in place, none of the musicians on the track could meet or rehearse, so I recorded the scratch take sent it to Steven O’Carolan in Derry to lay down Accordion, Maria Doherty in Buncrana to record the Glockenspiel and Piano, myself and Elaine, Kevin Monaghan(Bass), and Marty Grieve(Drums/Percussion) all recorded in Full Tilt Studios Letterkenny isolated in a room on different days.
“To hear all of these parts come together not knowing if they would work or not was a tense moment, but it was wonderful to experience every second of it. The linchpin to the project is Tommy Conway the recording engineer without his experience and guidance I’m sure it wouldn’t have been possible.
“The Story of the Song “A Christmas Wish” is whether or not we will get home for Christmas but the Story of the making of the song is what musicians and people can do if they believe it will work.”
Stream ‘A Christmas Wish’ on Spotify now: https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ho1wYsNRgyGrWiUL92BFo?si=ZGrgUux4SXmdujia4aULpQ
Click here to stay tuned to Joe Gibson Music on Facebook for the video launch and release details this Friday 4th December.