We Speak Music
The Maverick Band Share New Singles ‘Christmas Is Coming’ and ‘A Lonely Homeless Christmas’
Supporting HRH Prince William’s ambition to end homelessness with the release of two special Christmas songs ‘Christmas Is Coming’ and ‘A Lonely Homeless Christmas’ – with profits going to homeless charities.
HRH The Prince of Wales recently launched his campaign to end homelessness in the UK. Recent research has identified that at least 271,000 people are recorded as homeless in England alone, including 123,000 children.
John Cristal, The Maverick Band’s singer-songwriter says, “I originally wrote a cheerful, very family orientated Christmas song called “Christmas is Coming”. The song is about all the things families typically do in the run-up to Christmas.
However, having written that song and subsequently reading about the homelessness campaign that HRH Prince William has recently initiated, The Maverick Band felt very strongly that there should be a song to support such a worthy project, especially when you read the shocking statistics.
John Cristal did a lot of research in order to appreciate the different aspects of homelessness – that was a real an eye opener and quite upsetting. The song is titled ‘A Lonely Homeless Christmas’. He is very optimistic once people have heard it, they will feel motivated to donate to the various homeless charities, who do such great work. All the profit from the song will go to a number of large and small charities.
The Maverick Band decided to launch both Christmas songs simultaneously as a ‘’Double A-side’ to help reinforce the extreme polarised positions between a very happy, cheerful household and a very lonely, homeless person, at Christmas. They hope radio stations will lend their support to this initiative and play the ‘Christmas is Coming’ first followed immediately by the ‘A Lonely Homeless Christmas’ to maximise the effect and emotional impact.
The Maverick Band comment on the releases: “These are two diametrically opposed songs; Christmas is coming is all about the typical things a family do during December in the lead up to Christmas, while A lonely homeless Christmas is about those less fortunate than ourselves who are living on the street starving, when everyone else are having a great time and over indulging! You couldn’t get a more polarised situation if you tried.”
Indie-folk artist Joshu’s latest EP, Way Back Home, is a captivating exploration of belonging, identity, and the search for self. Following a painful breakup, Joshu embarked on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic Ocean, retracing the path from his birthplace to the island of Antigua, where he grew up. The EP serves as an emotional reflection on his voyage, filled with personal revelations and introspective moments that resonate with anyone who has ever felt a sense of disconnection or longing for home.
The title track, “Way Back Home,” encapsulates the feeling of isolation and the emotional weight of Joshu’s journey. Its haunting melody and tender vocals draw the listener into his personal reflections on belonging, and what it means to find peace in one’s place. As Joshu sailed across the vast ocean, he questioned his identity as a second-generation white man in the Caribbean, pondering the concept of home and how we form connections to the places that shape us.
Over the course of five deeply reflective tracks, Joshu delves into themes of identity and place, all while challenging the notion of home as a static concept. His vulnerable lyrics invite the listener to ponder the same questions: is home where you’re born, or where you’re raised? How do we cultivate a sense of belonging in a land that may never fully feel like home? The EP, though deeply personal, is a universal meditation on human connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
Written and self-produced in the intimate surroundings of Antigua, Way Back Home, showcases Joshu’s growth as an artist. His delicate vocals are supported by lush, minimalistic arrangements, creating a warm, introspective atmosphere. The production highlights his ability to blend folk sensibilities with subtle Caribbean influences, crafting a sound that is uniquely his own. As both a producer and songwriter, Joshu’s skillful handling of mood and emotion shines through, making this EP a poignant and captivating listen.
Yet, Way Back Home, is more than a personal exploration; it’s a reflection on the broader human experience. Through his delicate storytelling and heartfelt music, Joshu explores the universal longing for connection and the quiet grief that comes with feeling displaced. In a world where so many of us feel disconnected from the places and people that define us, Way Back Home, is a beautiful reminder of the power of music to heal and reconnect.
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