Your Christmas playlist sorted: 12 CQ musicians share their favourite Chrissy tunes
Planning a playlist for Christmas day? Looking for some classic Christmas tunes, or just sick of the usual suspects assaulting your ears in every shop? (So help me God if I hear Must Be Santa one more time I will not be responsible for my actions...)
Rocky Street Press asked 12 movers and groovers in the Central Queensland music community about their favourite Christmas songs. Whether you're looking for a familiar classic or a more out-there choice, we've got you covered.
Sophie Rose
Sophie's heading back into the studio in the new year to work on a new album, and keep an eye on her Facebook page for news of local gigs. The Rockhampton-based singer-songwriter kicks off our Chris Kringle on a classic note.
Shane Ward
Shane has a busy 2018 in the works, performing as a soloist, as one half of Not Even Steven, and with brand new band Overdrive. Follow his adventures online, with a gig guide on his website.
Kate Mahood
Fresh from a busy run of festivals in 2017 culminating at Yeppoon's recent Festival of Small Halls, alt country/folk artist Kate Mahood is working on her debut EP - something to look out for in 2018! She's nominated a modern Australian classic for her spot in our Christmas playlist:
Cat Schwarten
One of the stars of Rockhampton Musical Union's Les Misérables, Cat's nomination rekindles a childhood memory:
What the hell, it's Christmas, let's get our Wiggle on...
Jason Spence
Father and son duo Bordaline are locking in dates for 2018, with regular adventures in Gladstone as well as appearances in Tannum Sands and around Rocky including the Frenchville Sports Club. Keep an eye on their Facebook to see where they'll rock up next.
Janet Stevenson
Musicologist, Unisong Community Choir conductor, musical mastermind behind The Optimist, Janet has a vast musical background and nominates a fond memory as her pick for the list:
Tony Belz
Musican, actor, singer and songwriter, Tony Belz was part of the ensemble for RMU's production of Les Mis this year, and in 2018 he's upping his musical theatre game to play Brit in Rockhampton Regional Council's production of We Will Rock You.
Kate Schlick
This year Kate has turned her own quest for wellness into a podcast and community project, Hey There Happiness, helping others learn tools and tricks to increase the joy in our lives. She also took the CQU Legend and the Locals Tour across a vast expanse of regional Queensland, bringing the joy of music to small communities. Her pick for the list is sure to bring a smile to your face, too.
TJ Hollis
Rule 34 frontman (iTunes) (Spotify) has a new side project: TJ Makes Drinks, where he documents his adventures in mixology. Follow along for new cocktail recipes twice weekly, but be warned - it might just lead to an increase in your own booze collection because some of those drinks look gooooood.
Bec Ellen
Singer/songwriter Bec Ellen is working on new material in the new year, following up from this year's sweet and sad Love Isn't Easy - the film clip for which was picked up by the Music Video Underground competition in the US.
Wendy Davis
Bundaberg-based violinist and writer, Wendy is one half of Kate & Wendy, and has two new creative projects primed for 2018: Sometimes Wendy Writes is a new home for her writing, and Winifred Bell: Tiny Writings is a monthly mailed (actual postal mail, not email!) delivery of fiction, nonfiction, journalling, and other writerly doings.
Narelle Schirmer
Narelle's busy wrangling singers ahead of Saturday night's carols at Tanby Gardens. When she's not spreading Christmas cheer she's teaching at Facets Music & Performing Arts Studio, or belting out big jazz sounds of her own. Her nomination is a favourite version of a song they'll be doing at the carols: