Established songwriter and distinct artist John Consalvo has written one of the most original and compelling Christmas songs of our time.
The new release is a scornful reflection of modern life, resolving with a hopeful chorus and an overall musical warmth that’s well-suited to the season. It also quite perfectly encapsulates the artistic mind and style of John Consalvo.
We caught an interview with the songwriter and musician, to find out more about the story behind the music. Here’s how it went.
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HI John – great to catch up with you, and massive congratulations for what is perhaps one of the most captivating original Christmas songs to emerge in quite some time. What inspired you to write and release this in 2024?
Hi! It’s been a little while.
This song I actually wrote shortly before Christmas last year in 2023. I really wanted to get something done with it then, however the time to nail it down just wasn’t there. But I knew I had to get it done this year. It just meant so much to me.
Some of the topics in the song came straight from folks in my life that were dealing with similar issues around last Christmas. I imagined there had to be others out there feeling similar during what should be a most festive time. And it just hit me in the face to write it.
Was it the concept or melody that came to you first, and what were you doing prior to writing this?
That dropped D picking was in my head and then I was humming a melody with some lyrics coming to me. So melody first, with topic close behind.
The song is loaded with nostalgic references, statements relating to Christmas from throughout the ages. What does Christmas mean to you personally, and why do you think the Western world treasures this time of year so much?
I love Christmas. I love the memories, the food, the movies, the family and friends of it all and ultimately I love the reason for the season. More than ever, I want to find new ways to help others that are less fortunate, still experience those joys.
I think commercially, Christmas to many is like a reset button or a culmination of things. Think of it like a Super Bowl and then New Year’s is the start of the next season with New Year’s resolution etc. There are still some in the west that carry the Dickens’ spirit when it comes to Christmas, but it’s waning I think.
There’s also a striking level of contrast at the song’s core, the contemplation of our dark side and our coldness as a society. We don’t usually get this level of realism in a Christmas song. It’s a bittersweet honesty. Did you approach this from a hopeful perspective, or one of dissonance and struggle to accept the joy of Christmas in the face of such turmoil globally?
We seem to be losing focus on the Christ-like love that was once the centre-piece of Christmas. I recall a time when a person would give up their spot in line for someone else to get an item. But now they are fighting each other in the markets for stuff.
I’m not sure the West loves it that much any more. Family was often a core of Christmas but now so many families are broken or divided. Technology has made us more isolated too. I think Christmas is a perfect time, to pull back from that a bit.
The song gets increasingly intense lyrically, the music and vocals gathering passion accordingly, and the resulting song reverts to a kind of prayer that desperately calls out for help. How important is Faith in uniting us, and what should we be doing collectively to overcome these issues that we all share?
There’s an old saying “The church even multiplies by division”. That tells me that even the church is divided in society and has been for the better part of several centuries. That said, it falls upon the people who consider themselves believers or G-d’s people to step up more. The scripture says “If my people who are called by my name, turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them and heal their land.” G-d doesn’t put the non-believers on blast there; he is calling those that call themselves believers.
So, those of us with Faith know the importance of visiting the sick, imprisoned, and lonely. We know the importance of doing what we can for those less fortunate – even if we don’t have a dime to give, we can invite someone who is alone, over for dinner or visit. As divided as we are, I don’t think any of us wake up and say “I wish for more people to be broken today”.
How do we balance out the other eleven months of the year with equal togetherness and kindness, and can we still change things for the better, for everyone?
Dickens wrote about the child in Bethlehem living in men’s hearts not just one day a year but for all 365. But like anything else, it starts small. The more you give, the more you want to give. Whether it’s old clothes, shoes, donated items, canned good, cash in hand, giving to church food pantries, salvation army or whatever. There is a joy from giving of ourselves for others. Forgiveness being chief among them. Forgiving ourselves and others.
Have you performed the song live yet, and if so, was it with a live band, and what has been the reaction?
I have not – but cannot wait to. Accepting invitations 😊.
What’s your biggest ambition for this song as December swings into view?
I would like this to inspire others to give of themselves to those less off that are hurting, lonely, scared, lost, and depressed. To me, one of the main ways to conquer those things is for us to rally around others that are going through it – because ultimately, no matter what Facebook or insta show us, we are all going through it, one way or another. So yes, if it helps, I would love that.
What have you been working on this year in addition to the new Christmas song?
We have a new album actually coming out shortly after Christmas. It’s going to be another story album. I’m very excited about it. We just finished recording a couple of months ago. Another 12-13 song catalogue. I’ll be sure to get you a sneak peek.
What’s your plan of action creatively or performatively for 2025?
Release the new album, finish another novel and get out there as much as I can to play live and record more. It’s going to be a great year I think.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Thank you, and wishing a Happy Christmastime to all.
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Stream Because It’s Christmas or download via Apple.
