Alela Diane & The Hackles It's Always Christmas Somewhere
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Label: Rusted Blue
In their pursuit of the perfect Christmas album, Alela Diane and the Hackles have captured the essence of the season on It’s Always Christmas Somewhere.
In early 2023, singer-songwriter Alela Diane first found herself wondering about making the perfect Christmas album. The seeds of this joyous venture were further sown during her overseas tour with folk trio the Hackles, a musical connection that sparked a Yuletide flame of inspiration. United by the magic of the season, Alela, along with Kati Claiborn, Luke Ydstie, and Halli Anderson, began combining their dreams of making a timeless Christmas record. As they shared stages along with the universal language of music, the notion of a collective holiday album gained momentum.
Upon their return from the road, they dove headfirst into the festive fray. Like musical elves on a mission, they embarked on a quest to curate a collection of their favorite Christmas tunes, and an audible treasure hunt unfolded. The spirit of collaboration extended beyond the trio though, reaching even the youngest member of the Hackles' musical family. Nine-year-old Hazel, the daughter of Kati, added her own touch to the creative mix. In a moment of innocent brilliance, she mused, "Well, I guess it's always Christmas somewhere..." – a whimsical sentiment that would become the heartbeat of their project. And so, the title was born, summarizing the timeless truth that the spirit of Christmas transcends borders and seasons. Alela Diane and the Hackles, fueled by the joy of shared musical expression, set out to breathe new life into classic holiday hymns.
The resulting record is nothing short of a Christmas miracle. With a delicate touch and an artful restraint, the musicians have adorned familiar melodies with a sparse elegance, letting each note shimmer like snowflakes in the moonlight. The arrangements are a delicate dance, weaving the warmth of tradition with a contemporary charm that beckons listeners into a winter wonderland. It's a celebration of togetherness, a musical sleigh ride through the land of holiday emotions, and a reminder that, indeed, It's Always Christmas Somewhere when the spirit of love and harmony prevails. With this definitive Christmas record, Alela Diane and the Hackles have not only fulfilled a long-cherished dream but have gifted the world a timeless soundtrack for the season – a musical present wrapped in strings, adorned with harmonies, and tied with a bow of heartfelt joy.