Interview: The James Clark Institute Talks About New Single, It's Still Snowing Outside

 "It's Still Snowing Outside" - Friday November 28  

What inspired the creation of this single?

"I had always wanted to write a Christmas song. After I had written Orange Christmas (our holiday single last year) I figured I could cross that off my list of song subjects. Then out of nowhere, in February of all months It's Still Snowing Outside fell from the sky and began dancing around in my head like sugar plums."

What story or message does the song convey?

"We all experience that first Christmas without a loved one. The lyrics pertain to my own personal experience after losing my father and then several years later, my brother. Both my father and brother are pictured on the sleeve of the new single".

Can you tell us about the creative process?

"Every February I go away for a weekend writing retreat. I lock myself away with my guitar, writing pad and pen. It felt odd to be writing yet another Christmas song (especially in February) but I rolled with it anyway. I recall the chorus (lyrics and melody) came to me first. By the end of the weekend, I had my second Christmas song complete. 

How does this song differ from your previous releases?

"It's completely different from our first Christmas release. Where Orange Christmas was lyrically tongue in cheek and a very upbeat and fun song with a sing a long outro, It's Still Snowing Outside sounds much more bittersweet. But at the same time, I think it's pretty hooky." 

What challenges did you face while writing or recording?

"Because we recorded both Christmas songs at the same sessions last year, it was a challenge to decide which song to release first. I was back and forth for a few weeks before, it was ultimately decided between myself and our producer, Moe Berg, that Orange Christmas should be the one to lead with. It will be interesting for me to see if It's Still Snowing Outside will be as well received." 

Did you experiment with any new instruments, techniques, or styles?

"Not so much. But I hear a real Teenage Fanclub influence on this track. It's maybe one of our most power poppy sounding songs." 

Is there a personal connection or story tied to the lyrics?

"Yes, as I mentioned previously, the first Christmas without my dad was a tough one. Although I was thinking of him when I began writing the song, the lyrics started to shift to my late brother. I think they're both represented well in the song." 

Have you performed it live yet, and what was the audience’s reaction?

"Not yet BUT we have two shows coming up to help launch our new 7" vinyl Christmas single featuring both songs. Saturday November 29th at The Moonshine Cafe in Oakville. Then on Saturday December 13th we'll take the show to Toronto's legendary El Mocambo." 

Is this single part of a larger project, like an album or EP?

"Oops, I just mentioned it in my last answer! Our 7" vinyl Christmas single arrives on Orange...er.... Black Friday, November 28th."  

Anything Else You'd Like Your Fans to Know.

The single will be available to purchase both digitally and physically on our Bandcamp page beginning Friday November 28th. We're also planning a music video to accompany “It's Still Snowing Outside”. In the meantime, you can watch last year's video for Orange Christmas here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM7ap8tleUo

Also, thanks for reading!"