Home for the Holidays: Flo Olavarria, carolesdaughter, Ladytron, The Delines, Shuttle, Anamaria Ferentz, Ruxley, Wyldest, VISSIA, Harry Barker, Laura Alden

It’s official, the holidays are here and whether you’re a reluctant scrooge or a merry little elf, we have just the soundtrack for you! From melancholic ballad to straight-up festive bangers, there’s something for everyone in this special one-off playlist.

Pop-rock artist Flo Olavarria brings festive joy with her single ‘I Gave My Heart to Santa’. Co-written with Julie Lavery and self-produced, the track promises to be a holiday favorite, capturing the joyful spirit with a heartwarming twist. In this upbeat Christmas bop, Flo narrates the tale of a girl entrusting Santa Claus with her heart after enduring heartbreaks. The lyrics weave a fun, cheeky, and captivating story of love lost and newfound hope against the backdrop of twinkling lights and Christmas magic. With a fresh blend of pop and rock influences, ‘I Gave My Heart to Santa’ showcases Flo Olavarria’s exceptional songwriting, connecting with listeners on a personal level and celebrating the joy of the holiday season.

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Certified alternative pop artist Carolesdaughter (aka Thea Taylor) ushers in the holiday season with a haunting rendition of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’. Thea takes a melancholic approach to the classic Christmas hit, infusing it with eerie harmonies and suspenseful instrumentation that gives a lo-fi twist to the well-known track. The visualizer enhances the moody atmosphere. The artist shares her inspiration, stating, “I wanted to put a dark carolesdaughter spin on the classic.” As she sets the tone for the festive season with this unique take, fans can anticipate more from carolesdaughter in 2024, following her impactful debut EP and chart-topping singles.

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Liverpool’s electronic pop pioneers, Ladytron, surprise fans with the festive gift of ‘All Over By Xmas’, two decades in the making. Adorned with their signature analogue synths and wintery sleigh bells, the track is an instant classic, a majestic glam stomp in the holiday tradition of ‘Stop the Cavalry’ and ‘Pipes of Peace’. Following their 2023 acclaimed album Time’s Arrow, Ladytron orchestrates the season with an uplifting soundtrack. The surprise release coincides with the announcement of their first UK show in 2024 and a headline slot at the Schellraiser Festival in June. In a remarkable year, Ladytron’s creativity and commitment shine through in this holiday gem.

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The Delines gift fans a festive treat with their new Christmas release, ‘Christmas In Atlantis’. Recorded in 2022 for the BBC Gideon Coe show, the track is the band’s first foray into the holiday genre. Released in the race for Christmas Number 1, the single not only features the titular track but also two exclusive songs not part of their upcoming album. Following the success of their acclaimed third record, The Sea Drift, The Delines continue to make waves with their retro soul vibe, offering a Christmas soul jam that adds a new dimension to their already impressive discography. The band, led by novelist-songwriter Willy Vlautin, is gearing up for a 2024 tour alongside their upcoming fourth LP.

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Shuttle’s ‘December’ is a dream-pop meets bedroom-pop ballad that weaves an enchanting blend of catchy grooves and subtle melancholy. The engaging bass line and soulful vocals evoke a feeling of being lost, mirroring the emotions of an endless winter. The song’s poignant lyrics, paired with nostalgic synths, craft a bittersweet atmosphere that resonates with listeners. Shuttle masterfully captures the essence of dreamy introspection, making ‘December’ a compelling journey through the complexities of emotions, seamlessly blending a catchy rhythm with a touch of wistful reflection.

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‘Christmas Is Near’ by award-winning Romanian artist Anamaria Ferentz is an infectious party anthem that redefines the essence of Christmas celebrations. Hailing from Romania, Anamaria is a versatile creative soul, expressing her feelings through various mediums. This track, an upbeat fusion of catchy melodies, vibrant instrumentals, and heartwarming lyrics, promises to be a holiday favorite for all ages. Offering a unique perspective on the season, the song not only captures the excitement of Christmas but also explores the magic of rekindling love. With universal appeal, quality production, and an unforgettable party vibe, ‘Christmas Is Near’ is a must-add to any festive playlist.

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British singer-songwriter Ruxley (aka Rupert Blackman) unveils his latest single, ‘i’ll miss you (this christmas),’ following the success of singles ‘this song shouldn’t exist’ and ‘january rain.’ Named after his Kent roots, the musician previously found success as the lead vocalist in Causes, known for platinum-selling hits like ‘Teach Me How to Dance With You.’ This latest single, released via [PIAS] Recordings, delves into the bittersweet emotions of missing someone during the festive season. Now based in the Netherlands, Ruxley continues to drive a path in the music industry as a solo artist, sharing authentic truths and exploring themes of loss and love in his recent releases.

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Wyldest introduces a festive treat with ‘Office Christmas Party,’ a groove-driven melodic pop song featuring jangly guitars and ethereal vocals. This release marks the beginning of a forthcoming new chapter for Wyldest in 2024, promising more music and live performances. The track captures the essence of office Christmas parties, where professional facades are shed, revealing a more honest and present version of individuals. The accompanying self-directed video, shot with band member Mariin Kallikorm, tells the story of ‘Julie’ and ‘Mindy,’ navigating their connection amidst the festive revelry. Wyldest’s hope is to evoke smiles and warm fuzziness, embracing the season’s spirit of fun and heartfelt expression.

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Canadian alternative pop artist VISSIA enchants with her latest single ‘Snowed In’, a cozy and atmospheric track released just in time for the snuggle season, released via Hurry Hard Records. An instant holiday classic, ‘Snowed In’ captivates with its wintery charm and introspective lyrics. The artist skillfully references the release date within the song, creating a personal connection with listeners. The track offers a dreamy escape into the magic of snow days from childhood, becoming a soft antidote to the overwhelming demands of daily life and holiday expectations. Produced by Nich Davies, the song showcases VISSIA’s commitment to honesty, vulnerability, and personal growth. Alongside the single, VISSIA presents a companion acoustic version and a pitch-down, sped-up version, adding delightful variations to the enchanting holiday atmosphere.

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Singer-songwriter Harry Barker’s single ‘December’ is a poignant reflection on heartbreak during the holiday season. Written after a breakup, the creative candidly shares his feelings of initial detachment turning into loneliness as Christmas approaches. The song resonates with the universal experience of desiring companionship during the winter, capturing the nostalgia and longing that often accompany festive moments. Harry Barker’s honest and relatable storytelling, set against a backdrop of emotive melodies, creates a touching piece that echoes the sentiments of those navigating the complexities of love and loss during the cherished month of December.

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Laura Alden’s single ‘Wisconsin Winter’ is a poignant blend of folk and pop, showcasing a new sound and vulnerable songwriting. Branded as a sweet spot between the two genres, this intimate release is a folk-pop ballad that narrates a relatable coming-of-age story. The track beautifully conveys feelings of melancholy and past love with a hopeful twist, carried by Laura’s delicate vocal delivery. Based in Dublin and Berlin, Alden crafts music that delicately balances contemporary pop and indie-folk, combining subtle electronica with warm acoustic details. ‘Wisconsin Winter’ serves as a prelude to Laura Alden’s upcoming debut EP, set to release in spring 2024, reintroducing her relatable storytelling to the world.

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