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.”
Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.
At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.
‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.
What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.
‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.
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