I Hate Christmas

by Chris Stalcup and The Grange

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.

Purchasable with gift card

name your price
Full Digital Discography

7

releases

Get all 7 Chris Stalcup and The Grange releases available on Bandcamp and save 25%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of The Long Way Home, Cocaine, Live at the Hunt House 07/06/17 - FREE DOWNLOAD, Live at High Cotton, I Hate Christmas, Downhearted Fools, and Dixie Electric Co.. , and , .

Purchasable with gift card

$15 USD or more (25% OFF)

about

We started getting requests for Christmas songs. I didn't have one written and figured I would never write one. I was talking to Phil (Skipper - bassist for Chris Stalcup and The Grange) and he said something or the other to the effect of "I Hate Christmas". I thought to myself how wildly appropriate of a song that could be given the circumstances. So I set about writing a song with the idea that Christmas and the holidays in general can be a lonely time for a lot of people. I put my own situation in the verses but I let the Chorus be something that anyone who feels lonely during this time of year can relate to. As usual with most of my songs, it has a touch of sarcasm, a dash of hope and a whole lot of truth. I hope this song can bring some joy and laughter in its own way to anyone who feels alone and lonely this time of year.
------
Right around Thanksgiving is when this song was written and our affordable studio options were extremely limited so I figured it can't be all that hard to record a song. Our label, Dirtleg Records bought us a couple of pieces of gear we needed and we borrowed the rest from our buddy and guitarist Michael Westbrook's studio All Together Sound (www.facebook.com/alltogethersound/). So Phil Skipper and I set about to record this thing. Michael Westbrook came over and helped us set up all the gear. Paul Barrie came over, set up his drums and we were off to the races.

We were all surprised at the sounds we were capturing. They sounded great, even on a pair of ratty old house speakers we were using for monitors. We had the drums, bass, guitars and vocals done so we called Nathan Green over to lay down some keys and Accordion and his infamous high lonesome background voice. He showed up, set up and laid his tracks down in 30 minutes and was back out the door, he is a master of efficiency in the studio. I put together a rough mix and sent it over to Bret Hartley and Michael Westbrook to lay down some guitars for it.

It sounded great but I know I am no mixer so I called up Ben Price who usually records all of our albums but couldn't do that for us this time due to a horrible bike accident. I asked if he had any advice and he offered to mix the song for us, from the confines of his rehabilitation.

As usual, he sent back a beautiful mix. Ben is an absolute wizard at his craft and one of Atlanta's best musical treasures.

So here we are a few days later, with a track that is widely available and was built from idea to world wide distribution in a matter of a couple of weeks. I learned alot in this process and the best part is we now have the gear to record our projects right here at Dirtleg Records HQ, anytime we get the itch. In fact we already have a project in the works that will be released in early 2017.

We are thankful for everyone who has been kind enough to give us a listen, buy our albums and share it with your friends. We look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

lyrics

I Hate Christmas and I hate New Years Eve
I ain't got a reason to put up a Christmas Tree
It all just reminds me how lonely this life can be
and I'll hate Christmas - until you come back to me

credits

released December 16, 2016
Chris Stalcup - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Phil Skipper - Bass guitar, acoustic guitar and Background vocals
Paul Barrie - Drums and Background vocals
Nathan Green - Keys, Accordion and Background vocals
Michael Westbrook - Electric Guitar and Background vocals
Bret Hartley - Sleigh Bells, Electric Guitar and Background vocals

Engineered by : Chris Stalcup, Phil Skipper, Michael Westbrook
Mixed and Mastered by: Ben Price at Studio LaRoche

license

about

Chris Stalcup and The Grange Acworth, Georgia

In a just world, Stalcup’s name should be included amongst the new breed of artists including Isbell, Simpson and Stapleton who are marrying tradition and truth. ~ Eric Risch, Pop Matters

Recommendations

shows

May 18

Hatch Camp and Art Farm

Clayton, GA

contact / help

Contact Chris Stalcup and The Grange

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Chris Stalcup and The Grange recommends:

Arlo Mckinley & The Lonesome Sound
by Arlo McKinley & The Lonesome Sound

Simple, honest themes and authentic delivery. No frills music with catchy hooks you will find yourself singing along to for days. One of my favorite albums of the year for sure. Chris Stalcup and The Grange
go to album
Still Go On
by BIG SHOALS

Great rock songs and thoughtful, melodic deliveries. One of my favorite albums of the year. I haven't taken this one out of the truck yet either. Chris Stalcup and The Grange
go to album
Taker Easy
by Suburban Home Records

One of the best Southern Rock albums. Solid, no frills songwriting around fist pumping rock guitars and smothered in a whiskey soaked honkytonk swagger and sway. Chris Stalcup and The Grange
go to album

If you like Chris Stalcup and The Grange, you may also like:

Weathervanes
by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

The Americana artist returns with songs that cover themes like love, transitions, and the danger of nostalgia. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 9, 2023
go to album
Georgia Blue
by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

A charity album that celebrates the music of Georgia sees Jason Isbell collaborate with Julien Baker, Brandi Carlile, and more. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 28, 2021
go to album
Live at Macon City Auditorium - Macon, GA - 5/18/16
by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Recorded live at Macon City Auditorium in May 2016, this live set ranks among Jason Isbell's finest, most comprehensive performances. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 22, 2021
go to album