Americana Highways presents this premiere of Jess Jocoy’s holiday song “Green & Gold,” due to be available on November 20, 2020. The song was co-produced by Jess Jocoy and Jon Cavendish; recorded and mixed by Brandon Bell at The Cabin Studio in Nashville; and mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering.
Green & Gold is Jess Jocoy on vocals, acoustic guitar, and backing vocals; Jon Cavendish on electric guitar and piano; Jimmy Lykens on bass; Matty Alger on drums, percussion, and mellotron; and CJ Colandrea on steel guitar.
We asked Jess Jocoy some questions here in our Q & A; the song is below.
Americana Highways: What made you want to record a holiday song?
Jess Jocoy: I’ve always loved Christmas time, but the older I get, I see the season in a different light. It’s become so busy – chaotic, even – and we all know if Corporate America had their way, Christmas would start the day after Easter. There’s nothing like those Holiday standards, but I really enjoy when artists write their own Christmas songs. That’s what I wanted to do.
AH: What is the story behind this song? What prompted you to write it?
JJ: “Green & Gold” comes from the idea that when I’m with you (or, when you’re with the one you love), the commotion of the Christmas season could really come back to peace and quiet. Sometimes, it feels like a big ask, to bring a sense of serene back to the holidays, but it’s the little moments that make this time of year so special.
What kind of a vibe were you going for on this song when you recorded it? Do you think you ended up with a song that sounds like you expected it to sound? If so, how so, and if not, what’s different about it?
I couldn’t be happier with how the vibe of this song turned out! I wanted a sound that was both country, but also a winter song. The stark beginning brings a sense of something like a chill, but as the song goes on, it warms into a love song.
AH: What are your plans for the holidays?
JJ: You know, I’ve been telling my family we need to get away for a Christmas; I’d love to go to London for the holidays, but with the way this year has been, what are plans anymore, ha ha! Likely, my family and I will be home for the holidays, which is just how I like it.
This year seems to be an important year to celebrate whenever and wherever we can, because we all need to heal. Thanks to Jess Jocoy for being part of that healing for the upcoming holidays, with this moving, immediately listenable song.
Pre-order/pre-add links:
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1534470190?ls=1&app=itunes
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1534470190