Artists break the Covid silence with Christmas album

Largely silenced due to the Covid pandemic restrictions, the Belfast music industry is fighting back with a special album of local artists performing both Christmas classics and original festive material.
By Mark Rainey
Published 23rd Dec 2020, 16:18 BST
L-R: Musician Alanah Smith, music producer George Sloan, music producer Katie Richardson and singer Sasha SamaraL-R: Musician Alanah Smith, music producer George Sloan, music producer Katie Richardson and singer Sasha Samara
L-R: Musician Alanah Smith, music producer George Sloan, music producer Katie Richardson and singer Sasha Samara

More than 30 bands and solo artists – including Roe, Brigid O’Neill, Brand New Friend, Leah McFall, Joshua Burnside and No Oil Paintings – are included on the Belfast Music Christmas Album.

The initiative has been backed by Belfast City Council.

Lord Mayor Frank McCoubrey said the council is delighted to be funding the “showcase of talent” in the city.

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“I’ve been encouraged and inspired to see how local artists and musicians have adapted their activities and found new ways to channel their creativity during the pandemic,” Cllr McCoubrey said.

“This album offers us all a way to connect with local artists again after missing out on our much-loved love music scene this year.

“It’s a real gift to the people of Belfast and beyond, symbolising hope and bringing a sense of community and togetherness this Christmas.”

The album has been curated by Shade Music and recorded, and mixed mainly, in Half Bap Studios.

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Shade Music producer Katie Richardson, said: “It’s been such a pleasure to work with Belfast Music and Half Bap Studios to bring you this new Christmas album of Northern Irish music.

“And a special thanks to the host of exceptionally talented local musicians, artists and bands.”

Ms Richardson added: “The standard of this album really does highlight the calibre of talent we have here as a potential UNESCO City of Music.”

The Belfast Music Facebook page has recently been sharing a new song each day – encouraging everyone to tune in over the holiday period to spread some Christmas cheer across the city.

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Other artists contributing to the album include: Teddy Charles jr; ArvoParty and Cathedral Quarter Choir; Sasha Samara; Sound of the Hound and the Open House Festival Choir.

Classic covers include a unique take on Fairytale of New York and Last Christmas.

Anyone in need of a Christmas Day soundtrack is invited to check out the music at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events/Belfast-Music-Christmas-Album

Related topics:ArtistsBelfast