Vancouver, BC, November 26, 2021 - Spence Paull, a Canadian singer/songwriter, music producer, and Oxford Comma fan, releases "Christmas Eve," her fourth single and first Holiday track, just in time for the holiday season. Spence's "Christmas Eve," inspired by legendary holiday tunes from the twentieth century, is a stripped-down and raw holiday ballad unlike any other. Spence Paull draws on her diverse musical skills to produce a unique and genre-defying sound. Spence's approach on pop is distinctively her own, drawing inspiration from the ear candy chord patterns of jazz and the story-rich lyrics of Musical Theatre.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What have you been up to over the past year in this big old mess?
I’ve been working hard at music! I have been writing and producing for other artists for many years, but this year, I decided to go for it myself. In March, I released my first single “Do You Listen To girl in red”, followed by “Crush” in August, and now “Christmas Eve” with one more on the way for the end of December (“When I’m Lonely”). 2020 really showed us that life is too short to not do what you love, so 2021 was about making it happen.
Did you believe in Santa Claus when you were a child?
Absolutely! As a kid, I always asked Santa for crazy things, like a dragon scale from my favourite TV show Dragon Tales, or a real wand like Hermione Granger had. One year, I asked for a very specific Harry Potter blanket, and happened to find it by accident in the basement. On Christmas morning, the gift tag was marked “from Santa’…needless to say, seven-year-old Spence was heartbroken.
Your latest track is 'Christmas Eve'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I was thinking about what it would be like to be cozied up with that special someone on Christmas Eve, snow outside, and not want to leave them. But we all have those obligatory events and Holiday traditions we need to attend. “Christmas Eve” is about that little secret only you and your person share, and not wanting to leave them on one of the most magical nights of the year.
In terms of unusual things…nothing really comes to mind! Except that I did write this in July. Hey, when the inspiration strikes, you take it!
What will you eat on Christmas Day?
We typically start Christmas Day with a HUGE breakfast. We’re pretty full all day until it’s time to roll out the full Turkey dinner, complete with Veggies, Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Pies. Of course, we nibble on chocolates here and there, because calories don’t count on Christmas Day…
What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
My favourites are certainly pop and rock, mainly from the 70’s and 80’s. That said, I write with a lot of Jazz, Big Band, and Musical Theatre influences, and always try to borrow bits and pieces from every style. I don’t think there are any I entirely dislike, but I don’t necessarily prioritise listening to heavy metal.
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
It really depends! Sometimes I start with a lyric, sometimes with a melody, and sometimes with a really cool set of chords. For this particular song, I started with the chords. I had no intention of writing a Christmas Song - I wrote it in July, so definitely not! - but it just sort of happened. I can always tell if the lyrics and chords are flowing well; if anything feels forced, I know it’s probably not the right fit. From there, I typically do a skeleton production and then bring in my producing partners to round out the production to where it needs to be. For “Christmas Eve”, however, it was a really simple production - I think there are a total of 3 instrument tracks and maybe 8 vocal tracks - so it came together really quickly.
What are your long term goals?
I want to share my music with people around the world, and help to start a community where people feel free to be themselves, sing at the top of their lungs, and dance like no one’s watching. Whether that’s through more singles and albums, tours and live performances, or having my work in film and television, anything that can bring me closer to my listeners is something I strive for. Really, if I can bring light and happiness to one person who listens to my music, then I’ve done my job.
Who inspired you to make music?
I was first inspired to make music by my Elementary School Music Teacher, Mrs. Brown. She was so encouraging, using music to help me come out of my shell and ultimately recognise my passion. Of course, that was quite a wile ago but the encouragement I have received from all of my teachers and mentors throughout the years have pushed me to keep going. Now, I am continually inspired by fellow artists, be they musicians or actors or artists or dancers or filmmakers - I draw inspiration from anything I can.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
That’s a great question, and not one that’s easily answered! Like any business or industry, the internet has changed the status quo. From the way we interact with artists, to how we enjoy music, to how we are able to collaborate with people we otherwise didn’t have access to - the list in endless. Like anything, there are pros and cons but I think the internet has ultimately changed the music business for the better: we’re able to hear from more artists, there is less gate keeping and more knowledge sharing, and the ownership is slowly moving back to the creators. Anything that allows more music to be available for people to enjoy is a good thing in my books.
What are your plans for next year? Do you have any productions ready to be released?
2022 is going to be a big year! It’s not even here yet, and there is so much to look forward to. I have another single coming out on December 27, 2021 called “When I’m Lonely” (it’s a bop, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it), and am planning on releasing two or three more singles in 2022 before my EP “Dear Mistress” drops in September! I am so excited to have everyone along for the ride - it’s going to be a fantastic journey.