Following the excellent 2024 album Grabbing at Water, the ever-versatile El Drifte returns with a beautifully crafted seasonal release titled Holiday Songs, a two-track offering that captures both the joy and the quiet emotional depth of the holiday season. True to his artistic spirit, El Drifte once again refuses to be boxed into a single genre, blending elements of country, alt-country, honkytonk, rock and roll, indie, western, and roots music into what he fittingly calls “alt-twang.” The result is a release that feels timeless, inclusive, and deeply human.
The collection opens with the irresistibly upbeat “Here the Holidays Is,” a song bursting with festive energy and warmth. Built on catchy rhythms and jolly arrangements, the track immediately invites listeners in with its celebratory spirit. Layered backing vocals add dynamic depth, lifting the chorus into an infectious singalong moment, while El Drifte’s confident and charismatic vocal performance anchors the track with ease. The song radiates inclusivity and positivity, perfectly reflecting El Drifte’s own message: the holidays are for everyone, regardless of how—or if—you celebrate. It’s a feel-good anthem that encourages togetherness, joy, and kindness, making it an instant seasonal favorite.
The song radiates inclusivity and positivity, perfectly reflecting El Drifte’s own message: the holidays are for everyone, regardless of how—or if—you celebrate. It’s a feel-good anthem that encourages togetherness, joy, and kindness, making it an instant seasonal favorite.
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Balancing the exuberance of the opening track is the deeply moving “This Year (Wishing You Were Still Here),” a tender and emotionally resonant ballad that explores the quieter side of the holidays. Opening with a delicate piano line before gently introducing warm acoustic guitar textures, the song unfolds with grace and sincerity. El Drifte delivers a heartfelt vocal performance that feels intimate and honest, allowing the lyrics to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced loss during what is often considered the happiest time of the year. While lyrically painted with seasonal imagery, the song remains non-religious and universally relatable, echoing the emotional timelessness of classics like Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” It’s a song of remembrance, grief, gratitude, and hope—all coexisting beautifully within a single moment.
Musically, Holiday Songs benefits from a stellar lineup of collaborators who bring richness and authenticity to both tracks. Dave Jacques’ bass work provides a solid foundation, while Billy Livsey’s piano and accordion add warmth and character. Brad Pemberton’s drums and sleigh bells subtly enhance the festive atmosphere, Justin Weaver’s guitar work adds texture and flow, and Katie Marshall’s background vocals bring additional emotional depth. El Drifte remains at the center of it all, delivering expressive lead vocals that tie the entire release together.
Recorded and mixed by Jeremy Bernstein and mastered by Bobbi Giel at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville, Tennessee, the production is polished yet organic, preserving the warmth and sincerity of the performances. Additional background vocals, hand claps, and celebratory accents were recorded by Adrian Suarez at Cedarwood in Minneapolis, adding to the communal spirit of the release.
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With Holiday Songs, El Drifte offers more than just seasonal music—he delivers a shared emotional experience. Whether celebrating with joy or navigating the holidays with reflection and remembrance, this two-track release speaks to the full spectrum of human emotion. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and beautifully executed, Holiday Songs stands as another shining example of El Drifte’s artistry and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Check the links below, discover more about El Drifte and his music, and remember to add his songs to your favorite playlists!
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