Music City Unsigned – the promotion team behind some of Nashville’s best emerging artists – released its second Christmas compilation album entitled Music City Unsigned Family Christmas 2 on Sunday, December 4, and they had a Christmas party to celebrate it! As part of Nashville Sunday Night, Lightning 100’s weekly live broadcast from 3rd and Lindsley, eight unsigned artists were on hand to bring in the holiday season with great live music.
The first half of the night had a writer’s round setup with Marie Hines, Robert Kelly, Emily DeLoach and Jeffrey James all on stage singing two or three acoustic songs each. Hines and Kelly each sang about Christmas memories where they come from with the songs Home and I’m Coming Home respectively. DeLoach gave a soft and sweet performance of If I Can’t Have You, and James serenaded the house with Ain’t No Christmas Blues. All of these songs are of course originals, and can be found on the album.
After a break (and the consumption of several free Christmas cookies), it was time for the full band portion of the show. Gracing the stage this half were Andrew Ripp, The Co, Humming House and The Vespers. Ripp sang his version of the classic Jingle Bells, while The Co slowed it down for a beautiful rendition of Silent Night. The band also performed Keep It Together, a huge crowd pleaser at BMI’s “Jingle Ball” last week.
Rising stars Humming House performed their original Winter Dress, which kicks off the Christmas album. They ended with their new single Cold Chicago, an upbeat, folky number the band has just released a video for. Check it out here! Closing out the night were two brothers and two sisters making up the quartet The Vespers. With a great acoustic bluegrass sound, the band performed “the only Christmas song we know:” Once In A Royal David’s City.
Although two acts – Carolina Story and Jessica Breanne & The Electric Hearts – could not attend the event, their versions of classic Christmas covers can also be found on the album: A more up-tempo acoustic version of Away In A Manger by Carolina Story, and O Holy Night by Jessica Breanne And The Electric Hearts. The album is on sale now at www.musiccityunsigned.com
Although seeing these artists live is a real treat, the CD is equally as enjoyable. If you are tired of the same old Christmas songs and the same old versions, this album is a great way to break free. Not only does it showcase amazing talent, but the proceeds also benefit singers and songwriters who represent Nashville’s best emerging artists. Music City Unsigned is a community of such artists. The organization exists because it has a passion for supporting, promoting and helping artists in any way possible. And so should you!
