PREMIERE: The Blue Highways Debut New Track ‘Won’t You Choose Love This Christmastime’

‘Life sits on the edge of a spinning dime’ sings Callum, one of the three Lury brothers who comprise rising Americana band The Blue Highways, but this isn’t a sad and mournful Christmas lament. ‘Won’t You Choose Love this Christmastime’ is an uplifting seasonal ballad calling on people to remind themselves what is actually important at this special time of year – a reminder even despite the hardship of 2020.

“I suppose the inspiration was that many of the classic Christmas songs don’t actually avoid all the difficulties of the times in which they were written, songs like “All alone for Christmas”. Those type of songs actively talk about the times and difficult situations people face but ultimately they encourage self-reflection and remind you to enjoy the good things in life,” reflects Callum.

While there is much that is true to their style – the task of writing and recording a Christmas song, particularly during lockdown, stretched the band in a number of ways. The emotional pull of Callum’s voice remains as strong as ever and is at the heart of the track. replete with a trademark guitar solo from Jack and a tight driving drum beat courtesy of Theo. However, the song offers a Christmas spin on The Blue Highways’ sound, with a nod to the music of Elton John and some Christmas classics, thick chorus backing vocals and of course, some sleigh bells for good measure.

Circumstances and working with a new co-producer presented other challenges – only the drums and vocals were recorded in the studio – and the partnership of Callum and up-and-coming electronic producer Ed Roberts had to be done remotely over Zoom.

The final result comes together beautifully and will hopefully leave everyone choosing love, this Christmastime.