It’s the time of year when all the Xmas songs start being released. One of my particular favourites was Hazel Ray’s new tune Christmas From Afar, showing a slightly different side to this time of year. If you want to find out more about the Australian singer-songwriter, read on below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song titled Christmas From Afar. What can you tell us about the record?
This is a record very close to my heart. I originally wrote it about the pain I feel when I have to be apart from my kids on Christmas. I soon realised that this song could be so relatable to many people. Whilst it is a time for family and celebration, for many it can be a time fraught with pain as we are reminded of those we have lost or those that we can’t be with due to other circumstances.
How has the reception to Christmas From Afar been so far, and where can the track be purchased?
Many people have said how much this song has touched their hearts. Putting into words what they can’t when it comes to their own inner conflict of joy and pain come Christmas time. You can purchase thesong here:
Apple Music: music.apple.com/…250338
Bandcamp:
hazelray.bandcam…m-afar
Website: hazelray.com.au
What prompted the move to write a Christmas song? Is it something you plan on doing again next year?
It really was the pain of the first Christmas away from my children that prompted the creation of the song. I was sitting in my car, looking at the ocean, holding all of this pain – and then it came out as a release. I hope to write a more uplifting Christmas song next year that can offer hope and perspective to those who are grieving at Christmas.
What is your Christmas usually like? I imagine it’s quite different in Australia!
It’s usually HOT. I have spent many Christmases in the family pool with an afternoon BBQ… it is a thing. I navigate split families and many different dates for gatherings. It is a beautiful, yet crazy chaos.
Do you have any more singles planned for release?
Yes, I’m hoping to release an upbeat love song, a punk-infused awakening track and a gospel-inspired song in 2024 – they’re all very different but they all have their place.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album soon?
Not at this stage but maybe that would be a 2025 project. I’m still just weaving through the layers that are the music industry, creating and putting on shows and finding my audience.
The track has a folky sound to my ears. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?
I’m very influenced by pop and soul. An infusion of Adele, Eva Cassidy and Trevor Hall would have to be what my music would be. I have been listening to Lauren Spencer Smith, Dermott Kennedy and Patrick Droney.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
It is almost the end of the year. I have a couple of gigs and then into the new year. My first show next year is on the 17th of February, so I will be focusing on creating and working on that.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not as yet, but it is definitely on my radar.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for being here and remember, the world doesn’t need saving, people do, and when we give people the tools to save themselves, we save the world – music is just another tool for healing. Much love, Hazel Ray.