There is no denying that 2020 has been one hell of a year for everybody. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit certain areas of society and the economy especially hard. Independent musicians all over the state have seen their opportunities to perform in front of audiences diminish and then disappear as the case numbers rise and new mandates and orders are enacted around the state. While local musicians are missing out on income from playing live, they are also missing out on the togetherness of community that comes with the performance of live music.

Another group in our community that has been greatly affected by the pandemic are those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Access to face-to-face services and programs have been limited for many in Anchorage. The ability to learn, laugh, and play through a pandemic while socially distanced is crucial for all of us right now. It will take additional resources and planning for Hope Community Resources to fulfill their missions this winter.

Local musicians Chad Reynvaan (The Chromies) and Andy Tholberg (Hazia) were discussing the concept of a Christmas compilation of local artists when they realized that making a charity album would better embrace the season of giving. Once Reynvaan wrote the song “That Guy” in a morning spent in front of his wood stove, he thought that Bright Lights would be an easy sell: Every songwriter can connect with Christmas. What better way to bring the local music community together, than showcase some local talent that has had more time than usual this year to work on their studio chops? Reynvaan and Tholberg provided their own recording and engineering skills to multiple tracks on the compilation—Reynvaan from his Wattage Studio, and Tholberg from his lair of vintage synths, as well as amassing a group of talented musicians.

Tholberg wrote “Get Ready (For Christmas)”as a response to the vapid consumerism associated with the holidays that he has witnessed first-hand from years working retail. John Budnik wrote “The Magic of Santa Claus” from his experiences growing up as the youngest of six children. The idea of Santa is a metaphor for the magic of family time spent together during the holidays. “Christmas Cheer” by the Casey Smith Project started with friends sharing their favorite McCartney Christmas songs and that led to the collaboration on the song. Kate McVey wrote Sad Sunshine Holiday to convey the idea that the holidays are a time to look back at the fond memories of the year – or as in the case of 2020, the distinct lack thereof. Jake the Mistake appreciates that winter is an ending, with death and decay, yet the solstice represents the cyclical renewal of new life around the corner in his track “Winter Solstice.” Abi Sparkman (Sundog), Parker Longbough, and Zane Miller also contributed tracks to the compilation

Bright Lights is presented to you with a full heart and hope for what 2021 has in store. When a few musicians get together, you never know what is going to happen.

Bright Lights will be released 12/11/20 on Wilderhood Music