The Bird and The Bee get in the holiday spirit

The Bird and The Bee have announced Put Up The Lights, a collection of the duo’s favorite holiday songs alongside new and original compositions, due out Oct. 23 via No Expectation/Release Me Records.

Pre-order the album HERE.

Since forming in 2005, The Bird And The Bee have put out an EP followed by three original studio albums. They have also become known for cover songs as on 2010’s Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates and 2019’s Interpreting the Masters Volume 2: A Tribute to Van Halen.

“I’m so happy it’s finally here,” stated Greg Kurstin. “We included some of our favorite holiday songs and wrote a couple of originals too. One of my favorite songs we wrote is “You and I at Christmas Time” which was written through email. I sent Inara the piano part and I was blown away by what she sang over it.”

While the idea for Put Up The Lights dates back to 2007, it wasn’t until they released the Van Halen tribute that they committed to making this album. Greg would send a track recorded in his home studio and Inara moved her recording operation into a closet and recorded all vocals on Garageband.

“Working on a holiday record during summer is always strange, no matter what the circumstance,” commented Inara George. “But working on a holiday album during the summer, and a global pandemic, worldwide civil rights protesting, historical wildfires and the lead up to the most important election of our lives is really, really strange. Although, I have to admit, it felt like such a sweet little momentary escape singing “Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire…” all alone in my closet. It was a little respite from reality.”

The recording of Put Up The Lights became an unexpected source of calm and joy for the songwriters and gave light to the power of holiday songs.

“Holiday songs give us such an escape from a time of year that is supposed to be so jolly and happy, but a lot of times can be so stressful and even lonely,” added Inara. “And even more universally, how music in general, always offers that to the listener… an escape, a moment of joy, a feeling of belonging. There’s a song out there for every occasion."

Track list:

1. You and I At Christmas Time
2. The Christmas Song
3. Sleigh Ride
4. Deck The Halls
5. Little Drummer Boy (feat. Dave Grohl)
6. Christmas Time Is Here
7. Merry Merry
8. Hallelujah Chorus

photo courtesy: Grandstand PR