The album art for “A Lil Bit of Christmas.” Illustration: Sierra Delaine
This Christmas, alternative soul vocalist Sierra Delaine and multi-genre guitarist Joe Rangel hope to provide some relief this holiday season with their first EP, “A Lil Bit of Christmas.” The five-track album is available for download now.
With all the bad news that streaming services have meant to independent artists, Delaine opted out, choosing to make the EP available on a pay-what-you-can basis.
“This is a really hard Christmas for people in general,” Delaine said, a former artist-in-residence at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Born in Cleveland, Delaine describes her sound as heavily influenced by jazz and R&B.
Delaine and Rangel played together for years, often in the form of stripped-down acoustic sets. They met through mutual friends, and although interviewed separately, both described their working relationship as easy and fun. Rangel is also from Cleveland and said he grew up learning how to play guitar from his dad.
Both came to the project with specific holiday songs in mind. For example, Delaine wanted to include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Christmas Song.” For Rangel, the most important song was “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”
Although interviewed separately, they both agreed that these are some of the last songs that still feel like Christmas. The EP also includes “Silent Night” and “This Christmas.”
Sierra Delaine (vocals) and Joe Rangel (guitar) performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Credit: Ellen Gobeille
Not only can you download to the EP, but you can catch Delaine and Rangel live tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 18.
“It’s one of the first shows we know what we’re singing before we get there,” Delaine said. “We know we’re going to have a good time.”
Grab your tickets ($22) to hear the EP live tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 18 at Sofar Sounds Holiday Show in Ohio City. Show starts at 7 p.m.