Avery Raquel and Noah Kosta Spread Holiday Cheer with New Duet “Sleigh Ride”
This holiday season, Canadian Billboard-charting artist Avery Raquel and rising jazz/pop sensation Noah Kosta join forces to release a festive duet of the classic seasonal favourite, “Sleigh Ride.”
Originally composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948 as an instrumental, “Sleigh Ride” evokes a festive winter scene with jingling bells, clip-clopping horses, and whip cracks. Lyrics were added by Mitchell Parish in 1950, turning it into a timeless seasonal classic. Avery and Noah’s playful duet brings new life to the song, capturing the joy and nostalgia of winter celebrations.
“My manager, Laura van Leest, suggested we turn Sleigh Ride into a fun, nostalgic duet,” says Noah. “She had worked with Avery before and thought our voices would complement each other. We had a blast recording this lighthearted arrangement.”
“I was thrilled to have worked with Noah and his team on this holiday tune. The process was so easy and so enjoyable. I love festive music and I’m so excited for folks to include us in the background of their traditions!’ says Avery.
Noah Kosta, 21, has been captivating audiences across Canada with his mesmerizing voice and dynamic stage presence. Fresh off an engaging appearance on Canada’s Got Talent, Noah’s journey began in his grandfather’s jazz-filled home, steeped in the timeless sounds of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Since the age of 15, he has performed at prestigious venues including Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Koerner Hall, and the International Beaches Jazz Festival.
Avery Raquel, a seasoned Canadian artist, brings her soulful voice and storytelling prowess to the duet. Following her 2025 singles “The Letter,” “Hard to Stay,” and “Like The Rain,” Avery continues to showcase her ability to blend soul, alternative, and modern R&B influences. Her 2022 self-titled album debuted at #5 on the Canadian iTunes Top 200 R&B/Soul Album Chart, with multiple tracks recognized in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
First off, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
I’ve been here there and everywhere! For those who really haven’t heard from me in a while I was living in Spain obtaining my Masters at Berklee Valencia, and have since moved back to Toronto. I put out an EP called Scratching at the Surface and have a new EP on the way for 2026. Lots of shows and releases and I can’t wait for everyone to hear and see what’s next for me.
“Sleigh Ride” is such a joyful, nostalgic standard. What was it about this specific classic that made it the perfect choice for a playful duet with Noah Kosta, and how did you approach giving it a fresh, modern feel while keeping that traditional holiday spirit?
Noah and his team had approached me with the song in mind. I think it’s a lovely choice especially for a duet. It’s a festive song and definitely feels very nostalgic. I think the playfulness of the recording keeps it current while also staying true to the style. Charles Cozens was the lead arranger on this track and really built something beautiful for Noah and I to sing to! It was a fun studio day for sure.
You and Noah are both highly successful young Canadian artists. What do you feel is the most exciting aspect of the current Canadian music scene, particularly for emerging artists tackling genres like jazz and pop, and how important is it to collaborate with peers like Noah?
I’ll start by saying Noah is super talented and such a pro in many ways. He created a wonderful environment when recording and has so much knowledge about his genre. I think the most exciting thing about aspiring Canadian talent is how much we care about authenticity and staying true to whatever it is our goals are in this industry. I also believe that genre lines are so blurred these days and younger generations are starting gravitate towards listening to some real special music and artists these days. Especially here in Canada!
Collaborating in general is very important in any industry. But especially in music. I’m so thrilled that Noah and Laura ( Noah’s manager) reached out to me to be involved in the project. Collaborating with other artists helps introduce you to new markets from both sides of the spectrum and I am thrilled Noah has allowed me to insert myself this year 🙂
You mentioned loving festive music and being excited for listeners to include your duet in their traditions. What is a key musical tradition or a favorite holiday song that absolutely has to be played in your own home every Christmas season?
My all time favourite holiday album is Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vincent Guaraldi trio. There’s something SO nostalgic about that album and it brings back the most lovely memories and feelings. I have it on vinyl and it’s a staple in our house throughout the season!
With the holiday season officially here, outside of listening to your own new track, what is one non-musical holiday tradition—maybe a favorite seasonal treat, a cozy movie, or a specific family gathering—that you look forward to most every year?
Every Christmas Eve my parents and I have a little cheese fondue and watch festive movies together. It’s something I look forward to every year. I think family especially now is very important and I’m so lucky to have the folks I have. They’re moving to a new house (away from the one I grew up in) very soon, so it’ll be a new old feeling this year. Bittersweet but warm and lovely nonetheless!
Finally, what can we expect next from you?
Well, I have an EP on the way to be released in the new year. Each single I’ve released this year (2025) will be on this project and I’m very excited! On top of that I’m going to be making an appearance in a few cities out in BC in March for a mini headline tour that I am really looking forward to! Many new things on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what else falls into place.