Joe Innes & the Cavalcade wrote the song ‘Santa Says Relax’ for this year’s Christmas record.
Can you tell us what inspired your choice/the song for the record?
First I wanted to write a Christmas song about Christmas songs – but I was told it was too ‘meta’ so I changed it to a song about everything I related to Christmas, including strong memories I have of a Communion Christmas party years ago where I heard Laura Marling play ‘Goodbye England Covered in Snow’ for the first time, it was awesome. Add that to getting stressed out about Christmas shopping and I had a whole song.
I really wanted to make it sound like a Christmas song, but not just by adding sleigh bells, so I based it all around a classic chord progression from the 50s/60s to give it an old school feel, then we got the wonderful Angie Rance from Patch and the Giant to add the trumpet part I could hear in my head. Trumpets = Christmas (or Superman depending on the context).
What makes good Christmas music?
Something that taps into a shared experience of Christmas, like all songs it’s all about communicating shared human experience – and staying away from what’s now become cheesy is the key I think. Also, lots of trumpets.
What’s your favourite/least favourite christmas song/album and why? (answer whichever combination you’d prefer to!)
Fairytale of New York is a safe choice for my favourite, but it’s also the sane choice – considering it’s one of the best songs ever written. My least favourite Christmas song is definitely 2000 Miles by The Pretenders. That song sucks (sorry Chrissie).
What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Die Hard.
What are your Christmas traditions?
Presents, church, presents, dinner, presents, Doctor Who. In that order.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given?
My mum used to give me hints on what to get my sisters when I was young, and one year she told me to get my sister Frances a jar of cotton balls. I thought that was crazy, who wants a jar of cotton balls? Turns out Frances did, and she thought it was great. That’s the best gift I’ve ever given. These days, I put more thought into gifts—recently, I even found some beautiful watch straps that made the perfect, thoughtful present.
What would you like for Christmas this year?
Listen up people! I want socks, whisky and a new beard trimmer.
What do you think the meaning of Christmas is?
Be nice.
What’s your top Christmas tip?
Don’t do all your shopping on Christmas Eve in Westfield.