Calgary, AB-based roots singer-songwriter, Matt Blais has teamed up with us, at Canadian Beats, to unveil his new holiday single, “Christmas Without You”, a tribute to the lonely, penned for anyone who struggles during the holidays. The single is officially released tomorrow (December 3), and a portion of proceeds from the sale of the track will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
As Blais explains, his first holiday tune was four years in the making, born out of a melancholy moment during the holidays in 2017.
“I feared I was about to lose someone I loved,” he recalls. “I sat at home, staring at the decorations, contemplating what it would be like to spend that Christmas without them. As I often do, I grabbed my guitar to help process those feelings.”
Though the process began in 2017, it wasn’t until 2020 when the world was collectively struggling with loss and loneliness due to the pandemic that the song was completed.
“Everyone was spending Christmas without someone,” he says. “Through that period of isolation, I think we all realized just how much we need each other.”
Produced by JUNO Award-winning engineer Josh Gwilliam (The Road Hammers, George Canyon) at OCL Studios and featuring all-star players, such as pianist Todd Lumley and guitarist Russell Broom, the resulting track is a heartfelt ballad that soothes like a warm hug.
“I wanted to acknowledge feelings of grief and solitude, while also providing a sense of hope for those who find the holidays difficult,” Blais adds. “The great holiday songs remind us to love one another and connect with those in need.”
Check out the lyric video for “Christmas Without You” below, and stay up to date with Matt via his socials.