Christmas

Indie holiday songs, unlike their mainstream counterparts, are often an unpolished celebration of the quirky, the imperfect, and the raw. Maybe it’s an odd take on a Carol or a rousing ode to jingling bells sung by a motley choir. To truly understand what makes these songs stand out, we must first look at the world of indie music itself. Indie artists, who thrive on identities of authenticity, willingness to take risks and creative freedom, often take traditional holiday tropes and turn them upside down. For example, Dolph Chaney sings a rocking version of “Jingle Bells” to Van Halen’s Panama. These artists carve their own paths, making holiday tunes that feel like a moment of honesty amidst the well-worn path of commercial jingles and grand orchestras.

So, what does it take to craft a great indie holiday song?

The heart of it is emotion, not necessarily the big, grand gestures associated with festive anthems. It is not simply about snow, ice, and a blanket of white, Indie songs lean into subtlety, sometimes with a melancholic twist that contrasts with the usual holiday cheer. Picture a song with hushed vocals that almost sound like they’re being whispered just for you, with soft guitar strums or synths that pull at your heartstrings in a way that’s intimate, not loud. This feeling of quietude is what gives the song an unrelenting emotional weight. It’s not about being in your face; it’s about creating a space where the listener feels like they’re a part of something private, something personal. It’s a kind of vulnerability that mainstream holiday tunes often lack. Of course, there is also the sarcasm, picture of the Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping” or The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” as examples of mixing the dark with the season of light. The Killers twisting the convention of Santa Claus with “I Feel It In My Bones” is a delightful dark take on the rules imposed by that red suit-wearing perhaps not-so-jolly Kringle.

Just because a holiday song is quiet does not make it unimportant. Take a song like Sufjan Stevens’ “Christmas in the Room”. Here, Sufjan’s delicate falsetto paired with minimalistic instrumentation creates a sense of emotional distance, yet closeness at the same time. The song doesn’t scream “holiday” but gently reflects on love, loss, and the passing of time — which, when you think about it, is what the holidays are all about. This blend of melancholy and nostalgia is a defining feature of the best indie holiday tracks: they understand that the holiday season is often complex, not just filled with cheer, but tinged with reflections on the year gone by.

Another key element for an indie holiday is quirkiness. Indie music, after all, is about breaking norms, and holiday songs should reflect that characteristic. Where mainstream holiday music might rely on brass bands, bells, and bells (again, just in case you missed it), indie artists will look to different sound textures: distorted vocals, electronic flourishes, offbeat rhythms. They play with expectation. A holiday song that’s anything but “sugary sweet” — one that challenges conventions, and presents an alternate universe where the holidays aren’t just a simple happy ending, can be far more impactful.

The lyrical themes of indie holiday music also elevate it above typical holiday fare. Instead of the generic joy and family love, these songs may dive into topics like loneliness, isolation, or the bittersweet nature of reunions. Kathleen Edwards sings about simply surviving the holidays, which flies in the face of how we are “supposed” to feel during the holiday season. Come on, isn’t the relief when it’s all over demonstrate the truth in the lies we tell ourselves about forced cheerfulness.

Think of the way indie artist Phoebe Bridgers reinterprets festive themes — there’s always a sense of both humor and sadness woven through her lyrics. Embracing the positive and negative side of the human condition does not take a holiday during the holiday season.

Sure, there can be some room for reflection on personal growth, the complexities of relationships, and how the holidays can bring those things into sharp relief. This makes indie holiday songs so relatable, as they tap into the messy realities that many people face during the season. This realism is a much-needed counterpoint to the consumer-driven holiday cheer that often drowns out any feelings of uncertainty or sadness.

A final note on what makes a great indie holiday song is the power of uniqueness. A truly great indie holiday song sounds like nothing you’ve heard before. It doesn’t rely on the same old cliches or harmonic progressions. Instead, it experiments with sound, emotion, and form, creating something that feels new yet timeless. I know that sounds oxymoronic, and perhaps it is. It may not be a song you’ll hear on every department store playlist, but that’s precisely why it stands out.

We can imagine that what makes a great indie holiday song is its ability to feel — to evoke something real in pain, in joy, in anticipation, in being let down. Maybe a good holiday indie tune gives us a few minutes of genuine emotion, whether joy, melancholy, or nostalgia. It’s about being authentic and true to oneself, embracing imperfections, and telling a story that feels real, even within the fantastical world of holiday music, where we sing about flying reindeer, jolly old elves, snow creatures, and toys.

In popular music, certain songs become more than there frames of sound to become cultural phenomena. Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is undeniably one such song. Released in 1984, this track emerged as a powerful anthem of compassion and a call to action, rallying the global community to address the famine crisis in Ethiopia. On Christmas Day, 2023, we explore the genesis of the collaboration, consider it’s impact, and ponder the enduring legacy of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” as a positive example by some in the music industry for reach for an opportunity to create music in order to inspire social change.

The catalyst for the creation of Band Aid and its subsequent anthem was the devastating famine that swept across Ethiopia in the early 1980s. Witnessing the horrifying images of starvation and suffering on their television screens, Bob Geldof, lead singer of The Boomtown Rats, and Midge Ure, Ultravox’s frontman, felt compelled to channel their concern, grief, and empathy into action. The result was the formation of Band Aid, a collective of some of the most prominent British and Irish musicians of the time.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” penned by Geldof and Ure in a whirlwind of creativity. The songwriting process was fueled by a desire to craft a poignant yet accessible message that would resonate with listeners and inspire them to contribute to the relief efforts. The lyrics, though simplistic in structure, carried a profound emotional weight, urging people to reflect on their own fortunes and consider the less fortunate, particularly those directly affected by the Ethiopian famine.

The recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was a momentous event that brought together an unprecedented gathering of popular musicians. On November 25, 1984, a constellation of pop stars, including all of the members of Duran Duran, Bono of U2, Boy George of Culture Club, Phil Collins of Genesis, George Michael of Wham!, Bananarama, and Sting of The Police, members of Status Quo, Spandau Ballet, Kool and the Gang, Heaven 17, among others, converged at SARM West Studios in London to contribute their vocals to the charity single. The collaborative effort resulted in a rich tapestry of voices, each lending its unique timbre to the song’s emotional resonance.

Produced by Trevor Horn, the musical arrangement seamlessly blended pop and rock elements, providing a catchy and uplifting backdrop to the poignant lyrics. The opening piano riff, the iconic chorus, and the heartfelt solos all contributed to the song’s timeless quality. Moreover, the collective nature of the project reinforced the idea that music could be a powerful force for unity and positive change.

Released on December 3, 1984, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” achieved immediate success, soaring to the top of the charts in multiple countries. Beyond its commercial success, the song became a symbol of solidarity and compassion, raising awareness about the Ethiopian famine and inspiring a global movement for charitable giving. The song sold over two million copies around the globe and raised more than $24 million dollars.

The accompanying music video, featuring clips of the recording sessions and footage from Ethiopia, served as a visual reinforcement of the song’s message. Viewers were confronted with the stark reality of the famine, prompting a visceral emotional response that transcended geographical boundaries. The visual impact of the music video further fueled the charitable momentum, prompting viewers to take action and contribute to the cause.

One of the key aspects of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was its explicit call to action. The song urged listeners to “Feed the World” and implored them to recognize the shared responsibility of the global community in addressing issues of poverty and famine. This call to action resonated with millions, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and encouraging individuals to make a tangible difference through charitable donations.

While “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” remains a revered song for many people, it has not been immune to criticism. Some have argued that the song perpetuates a Eurocentric and paternalistic perspective, portraying Africa as a monolithic entity in need of Western saviors. The line “Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you” has been particularly scrutinized for its potentially insensitive implications. Some critics have noted that the “over the top” approach in the music leaves little sonic space for introspection and reflection. The bombastic arrangement, capitalistic enterprise and self-righteous nature of the effort have also drawn criticism.

In response to these critiques, it is essential to acknowledge the historical context in which the song was created. Band Aid’s intention was not to perpetuate stereotypes or reinforce a colonialist mindset but rather to urgently address a humanitarian crisis using music to convey the need for action. Nevertheless, the criticisms underscore the complexities inherent in using music as a tool for social change and the importance of approaching such endeavors with sensitivity and cultural awareness.

Despite the criticisms, the positive impact of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” cannot be understated. The song’s success catalyzed the Live Aid concerts in 1985, which raised substantial funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The ripple effect of Band Aid’s initiative also inspired subsequent charity singles, such as USA for Africa’s “We Are the World.” These collective efforts demonstrated the potential of the music industry to mobilize significant resources for humanitarian causes, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of music and social responsibility. Band Aid and Live Aid combined raised about $150 million dollars for the famine relief effort in Ethiopia.

Band Aid II was formed in the 1989 to re-record the song. Band Aid II’s version of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was produced by the legendary songwriting and production team Stock, Aitken and Waterman and took the song in a different direction. The follow-up was released on December 11, 1989, it topped the UK Christmas charts for 3 weeks. The line-up featured some of the biggest British stars of the late ’80s. In 2014, Band Aid 30, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure relaunched the project with music artists in an effort to draw attention to the Ebola crisis in Western Africa.

Despite the criticisms that have been leveled against the song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid stands as an example of the transformative power of music in addressing pressing global issues. Born out of a genuine desire to make a difference, the song became a rallying cry for compassion, unity, and social responsibility. Its impact affected the charts, influencing a generation of musicians and listeners to recognize the potential of their art to effect positive change.

While acknowledging the song’s imperfections and criticisms of it, we believe it is crucial to view “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” within the historical context and empathy of its creation. The song’s enduring legacy lies not only in its music but also in its ability to galvanize people to contribute to the greater good. As we reflect on the song’s influence over the decades, it serves as a reminder that music has the power not only to entertain but also to inspire, challenge, and, ultimately, change the world.