Music
Critically Acclaimed Artist Rehya Stevens Delivers Her Second Christmas Album, “‘Tis the Season”
Following the success of her all-original 2018 Christmas album Celebrate, her upcoming album ‘Tis the Season embraces more of the unbridled fun displayed in her most popular seasonal song, “Jingle Jangle,” which secured seven placements in various feature films and tv shows including Noelle (Disney +), The War with Grandpa, Black Christmas, Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen (Hallmark) and more. “If Celebrate is the album you enjoy with a glass of wine by the fire, ‘Tis the Season is the album you play in the morning over a cup of coffee while baking cookies, wrapping gifts – and the whole family is hanging out together with bed-hair,” says Rehya. The powerhouse singer-songwriter calls it her ‘romancing the madness of the holiday season’ album. “It’s sheer joy and celebration,” she says. ‘Tis the Season slips eight all-new, original Christmas songs under the tree along with 3 covers of beloved classics.
Compared to Rudolph’s bright-red nose, “The Old Red Sleigh” is blinding; the track is decorated with a bouncy western rhythm section, barbershop-style vocal arrangements and gritty hollow-body guitars by Gene Siegel. “Marry Me for Christmas” harkens back to the Brill Building era of Carole King/Gerry Goffin with a modern twist; the girl proposes to the guy while singing, “You’re looking so tight, Mr. Right – like the star of a movie show / And I’m all dressed up in white / tonight, there’s no better place to go.” “Christmas is Coming Soon” features lush chamber orchestration with lyrics that seemingly fuse the stylings of “The 12 Days of Christmas” meets a festive ole’ Irish drinking song. The 60’s inspired “Santa, Won’t you Hurry” blazes in the spirit of the love-sick holiday hits “All I Want for Christmas is You” (Mariah Carey) and “Baby, Please Come Home” (Darlene Love), while “Wonderland of Winter” nestles in blissful poetry as an ode to winter’s wonders with a gentle harp, lush strings and a kid’s choir to chase away your bah-humbug blues.
Stevens welcomes a stellar cast of collaborators on this new collection with Grammy-nominated producer/co-writer Tom Keane (Chaka Khan, Chicago, Barbra Striesand, Nathan East, Mack Keane), Jon Kubis (DWTS, Showtime at the Apollo, Quincy Jones, Dolly Parton), Michael NOMAD Ripoll (Tommy Sims, Walter Afanasieff, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban) and Gardner Cole (Madonna, Amy Grant). With the title track already gracing the screen in Noelle (Disney +), and Victoria’s Secret 2020 in-app holiday ad, ‘Tis the Season is jingling merrily down the lane for all to enjoy this Christmas and many more to come.
Purchase and Stream ‘Tis the Season on all major streaming platforms on November 12th
About Rehya Stevens:
Rehya Stevens is not only a gifted and highly praised singer-songwriter, she’s also an insightful observer when it comes to a vast spectrum of human emotions. Granted, it’s a rare artist who can fully plough through the tangled web of feelings and experiences encountered during the often confounding journey that encompasses life’s entirety, but Rehya has been given the gift of not only perception, but also sensitivity, and with that – the ability to make music that is readily relatable to everyone fortunate enough to find it.
Rehya is especially adept at writing music that enhances the joys of the holiday season – and in so doing, rekindles the sentiment and kinship that’s so integral to that precious time of year. It’s especially important now, given the distancing, distrust and trepidation that have become so commonplace of late. Thankfully, Rehya’s music provides a formidable space to reinforce the bonds of brotherhood and fellowship that are so essential, not only at Christmas, but every day of the year.
No stranger to musical success, Rehya’s previous holiday album Celebrate, garnered a number of accolades, including nine film/tv and ad placements (combined) in Noelle (Disney+), The War with Grandpa (theatrical release), Black Christmas (theatrical release), Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen (Hallmark), All Rise (CBS), The 12 Dates of Christmas (HBO MAX), Victoria’s Secret and more.
Hollywood Music in Media awarded her stand-out track “Jingle Jangle” ‘Best in Holiday’ in 2019, and her smooth jazz single “Happy Holiday” reached #2 on the Billboard charts in 2018.
“I think the love of music has always driven me to figure out what makes me, and what makes other people tick — emotionally and spiritually,” she figures. “It’s allowed me to express our common yearnings, and, in turn, offer what I hope is a valuable form of therapy through music.
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Album Review
“Every Rain” by Luke Borchelt evokes a soulful tapestry of nostalgic life with introspective memories
Emerging singer-songwriter Luke Borchelt steps into the spotlight, making waves with his highly anticipated debut album, “Every Rain,” a heartfelt ode to life’s quiet moments, comprises a nine-track odyssey that bridges the intimate charm of the Chesapeake Bay roots with the universal resonance of timeless authenticity. This collection demonstrates Borchelt’s unique blend of country upbringing and modern soundscapes, creating nostalgically grounded and refreshingly innovative music.
Spanning just over 32 minutes, the album “Every Rain” is a masterful exploration of life’s imperfections, love’s intricacies, and the enduring impact of personal history. It begins with “Same Old Square,” Borchelt immerses listeners into a euphoric country classic drenched in youthful memory love, capturing the unassuming joy of revisiting familiar places with someone special, driven by heartfelt lyrics and strumming guitars and small-town life with his signature lyrical authenticity. The title track, “Every Rain,” follows with soulful yet melancholic undertones co-written with producer Warren Russell. This centerpiece delivers a vivid mosaic of imagery of life’s imperfections, malfunctioning trucks, and overgrown gutters, embracing the therapeutic warmth of resilience through life’s storms.
Subsequent tracks such as “Itchin’” and “Frostbit Hands“ further broaden the album’s emotional spectrum. The former ventures into unexplored realms with folk-pop soulfulness, while the latter is a modern acoustic classic work reflecting on lost friendships and the reconciliation of past errors with hopeful renewal in personal growth. “Victoria“ shifts the focus to a romantic-soaked ballad influenced by dreamy organ strums, catchy beats, and an uplifting soundscape to paint vivid snapshots of budding memories of romance, evoke late-night calls, and sweet red wine, rendering it an undeniable highlight of the album.
Borchelt’s artistic versatility is manifested in blending enchanting lyrical narrative with sonic sophistication shines in “Accent,” a nostalgic acoustic vibe co-written with Jordan Rager and Mark Irwin. Meanwhile, “Maryland Life“ and “Car Heat“ are poignant tributes to Borchelt’s upbringing and childhood memories, encapsulating his roots with soul-stirring melodies. The album concludes on a hauntingly beautiful note with “Orland, ME,” a heart-wrenching portrayal of heartbreak. Borchelt’s trembling vibrato leaves an indelible mark, lingering long after the final note fades.
Crafted meticulously, “Every Rain” constitutes an intimate adventure through Borchelt’s world. It traverses a landscape of memories characterized by shimmering melodies and genuine authenticity. Each track provides a glimpse into his creative vision, cementing his place as a compelling new voice in modern folk and soul. Luke Borchelt’s “Every Rain” promises to be a valuable addition to diverse musical playlists, appealing to listeners craving introspection and emotionally evocative depth. Don’t miss the chance to experience this profoundly remarkable debut.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Luke Borchelt’s Album “Every Rain“ on Spotify.
Artist Spotlight
Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”
The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.
Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.
The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.
Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.
Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.
For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
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