Sounding Board

“MARY, DID YOU KNOW?” - STEPHANIE OWENS

Stephanie Owens first holiday single. “Mary, Did You Know?” was written by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry and produced by Owens. The Christmas ballad showcases piano and cello instrumentals.

“I’ve always wanted to release a Christmas song. I love celebrating Jesus’ birth because it changed everything, and Jesus is everything to me. ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ has always resonated with me in a special way because of the rich, storytelling lyrics that reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.” Stephanie continues, “The holidays will undoubtedly look a little different for everyone this year in these times of uncertainty, but one thing remains true - God so loved the world that He sent His Son, Jesus, and we can find hope, peace, joy, and love in Him.”

“CHRISTMAS MUST BE TONIGHT” - VICTORIA BAILEY

Victoria Bailey got in the holiday spirit this year with the release of her single “Christmas Must Be Tonight,” a cover of a song originally released by The Band in 1977.

“I love Christmas so much, and it’s been a dream come true to track a holiday song,” says Bailey. “The Band is one of my all-time favorites, and this song is so special to me. I wanted to put a ‘Victoria’ twist on it. My band and I recorded it live around one mic, acoustic, in the studio. There was so much beautiful energy in the room with the back-up vocals and string instruments, and it truly did feel like Christmas! It turned out exactly how I wanted – raw and live – and it just really represents who we are as a band and who I am as an artist.”

“THE FIRST NOEL” GABBY BARRETT

Putting her heartfelt stamp on a Christmas classic, Gabby Barrett has released her rendition of “The First Noel.”

“I’m so happy to release my first Christmas song today,” said 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.”

“MARY’S VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS” - KAREN WALDRUP

Karen Waldrup is releasing “Mary’s Very First Christmas”, on November 20th on all streaming sites.

The song was written, and produced by Wood Newton, Mike Loudermilk, and Daniel Johnson on their new label Mary’s First Christmas Records, and is co-owned with Karen. The lyrics are based on the account from the gospel of Luke in the Bible.

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“GREEN & GOLD” - JESS JOCOY

“Green & Gold” is a love song, but it is also a song of longing. It’s a song that looks at the stressful rat race that has become the holiday season and wishes it would all just take a deep breath of crisp winter air and remember that it’s meant to be enjoyed, especially with someone

“WON’T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” - HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH FEAT. ABIGAIL HODGES

To recognize the sacrifice of military service members and their families as the holiday season approaches, Hootie & the Blowfish have released “Won’t Be Home For Christmas” featuring Abigail Hodges.

The song opens with David Hodges’ earnest plea “Dear Santa Claus / I write to you because / I don’t want toys this year / I just want my daddy here.” The duet portrays the dynamic between a young daughter at home and her deployed father brought to life by lead singer Darius Rucker’s lead vocals. “As much as I cringe at the word, I suppose it’s a song about escapism,” said Jocoy. “ We have these ideas in our heads about “silent nights” and “peace on earth,” but in reality, it’s the capitalist dream. “Green & Gold” is about finding solace in the little moments that make the season so special and trying to make them last as long as possible; even if that’s just for one night.”

“LOVE ONE ANOTHER” - LERA LYNN

Nashville songwriter, Lera Lynn has released a holiday EP that’s title track “Love One Another” is the perfect seasonal anthem for giving back.

“When I wrote the lyrics for “Love One Another,” I was looking for a timeless and universal holiday message,” said Lynn. “Now, for America, the message seems more ‘timely’ than ever.”

“IT’S JUST NOT CHRISTMAS” - JESSICA LYNN

Jessica Lynn, is ready to bring everyone into the holiday spirit with her new single, “It’s Just Not Christmas”, out Nov. 20th. This Christmas ballad describes the longing that many experience while spending their holiday season without their loved ones. The track displays a struggle that many may face this holiday season as the pandemic continues to restrict social gatherings. While this holiday season may be a lonely one for many Lynn hopes this tune will help keep everyone company.

“WHITE CHRISTMAS IN THE SAND” & “THERE’S NO NEED FOR MISTLETOE” - JERROD NIEMANN

Jerrod Niemann is doubling down with the holiday tunes this year. “White Christmas in the Sand” finds laid back inspiration in a breezy, beach side holiday. Serving up a warm, lighthearted twist on traditional Christmas music, the reggae-infused tune is sure to put a tropical getaway at the top of everyone’s wishlist. In wistful contrast, “There’s No Need for Mistletoe” channels heartbreak with a traditional Country sound and lyrics that reflect on a former flame during what should be the “most wonderful time of the year.”

“I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” - CHRISSY METZ

Chrissy Metz releases her first ever holiday song with a heartwarming rendition of the Bing Crosby classic “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – available now at all digital service providers.

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas is not only nostalgic but incredibly special to me because it’s my Mom’s favorite Christmas song,” says Chrissy. “This year it takes on a whole new meaning as we all more than ever want to be with loved ones, especially during the holiday season”

“CHRISTMAS WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR” - GARY LEVOX

Gary LeVox, most well-known and beloved as lead singer of Rascal Flatts, released “Christmas Will Be Different This Year” featuring Stephan Moccio (Big Machine Records). The thoughtful holiday track, that is especially poignant this year, was co-written by LeVox with Natalie Hemby and Moccio. The GRAMMY and Academy Award nominated composer/producer and Decca Records recording artist Stephan Moccio, who also produced the song, is featured as the pianist on the track.

“Years ago, I had a friend that was playing the fiddle and steel guitar for the Oak Ridge Boys,” said Niemann “He mentioned they were working on a Christmas album and wanted to know if I had any songs. Over the next few days, I wrote both ‘White Christmas in the Sand’ and ‘There’s No Need for Mistletoe’ and sent them off for them to check out. I have no idea if they ever actually heard them, but I’m so glad those great guys helped give me a reason to dive into writing my own holiday music.”

“EGGNOG” - CARRIE CUNNINGHAM

With flirty lyrics like everything about you makes me believe, you’re the one I want beneath the Christmas tree, maybe one of us’ll wrap the other one up tonight, “Eggnog” is sure to be a fan-favorite this holiday season.

“I grew up listening to all kinds of music,” Carrie explains. “Even though I am mainly known for being a country artist, Motown music has always resonated with me - I am super excited to have written a Motown style Christmas song. I love being able to dive into my creative side and not put any boundaries on what I can do.”

“IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER” - TERA LYNNE FISTER

Tera Lynne Fister’s “If We Make It Through December” resonates the sounds of a Christmas Country classic. Slow-tempoed and smooth instrumentals, the song is about a family trying to financially make it through the holidays, which is something that many can relate to this year. The song features Tera alongside artists Kennedy Fitzsimmons and Cassandra Sotos. The song is set to release on Nov. 27.

“HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS” - MOLLY LOVETTE

Molly Lovette is set to release her version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” on Nov. 20th. Festive instrumentals paired with Lovette’s sweet vocals and Country twang add a special something to the Christmas classic and is sure to be a favorite on playlists this holiday season.