Bill and the Belles announce new music video, “Smile, It’s Christmas”
Don’t get it wrong, Bill and the Belles love the holidays. They live for gatherings of family and friends, snow days, sparkles and cheer, as evidenced by their 4th year hosting the Johnson City Jingle Bell Jamboree (a holiday roots music review) and their annual holiday music videos that come out each December. But this year’s video is different: “Smile, It’s Christmas” reminds us that the holidays ain’t just eggnog and mistletoe. Sometimes the world loudly expects joy and cheer when you just don’t have any to give. Written by Kris Truelsen, “Smile, It’s Christmas” delivers downbeat material in an upbeat way, with the ironic wit of Roger Miller and a vocal arrangement nodding toward Phil Spector-level lushness. Fans of Bill and the Belles know the band’s knack for making simple, refreshing music videos, and “Smile, It’s Christmas” definitely delivers: against a peppermint backdrop, the trio toys with contrasts, giving viewers a little bitter with their sweet.
“Smile, It’s Christmas” also marks the debut of banjo player and singer Helena Hunt in Bill and the Belles. From Waynesville, North Carolina, Hunt grew up steeped in traditional music and went through the region’s Junior Appalachian Musicians program. Currently attending East Tennessee State University studying Biology and Old Time music, Helena is a wonderful vocalist, a force on the banjo and banjo ukulele, and a total delight to watch and hear.
Watch Bill and the Belles’ “Smile, It’s Christmas” below:
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sIwfv2WxkDg
Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/450190431817314/posts/1171624633007220/
BONUS! Merry Christmas, Bill and the Belles!
“DreamSongs, Etc.” was named to Country Music People’s Top Ten Albums of the Year! What a treat! “So many fantastic albums I could have put in this list, I decided this was worthy of a place, though. Just so different to everything else here, refreshing to hear and Wedding Bell Chimes was probably the video of the year!” Big thanks to Radio host Dave Watkins for the love, and for everyone who’s bought and listened to our album this year!
