Alternative Pop/Rock band Family Force 5 releases their Christmas single, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," on November 18. True to form, Family Force 5 adds their signature electronic/dance/pop vibe to this interpretation of the holiday classic, complemented by their trademark over-the-top artwork.
Like many bands, the creation of the song all came down to the right inspiration. Unlike many bands, their inspiration revolved around some cheap green velvet from the basement.
"We were sitting around the studio struggling to find the right sound until Riley (Friesen, producer) grabbed a cheap, velvet Christmas tree costume that was lying in his basement and gave it to Hollywood," explains Derek "Chap Stique" Mount. "As soon as he put on that ridiculous green suit, the rest of us started cracking up and then blared early 2000s hip-hop through his headphones so he could play along for inspiration. After a few minutes, Hollywood came up with a ghetto, bouncy beat and the track pretty much wrote itself. Once we had the pocket, the remaining parts felt very natural, and very Family Force 5."
The single, available at digital outlets only, drops just two days after the band wraps their 28-city "We Believe Fall Tour" with the Newsboys and 7eventh Time Down, closing out a dynamic year for the band. In October, they landed their first Hot AC/CHR No. 1 radio hit, "Let It Be Love," from their critically acclaimed album, Time Stands Still, that shot to the top of multiple album charts when it debuted Aug. 5 from Word Entertainment. Additionally, "BZRK (feat. KB)," the first music video from Time Stands Still, became the No. 1 most-viewed music video at MTV.com.
The band recently finished shooting its next highly anticipated video, "Sweep the Leg," and can be seen on Winter Jam 2015, which kicks off its 47-city run Jan. 2. Family Force 5 will be joining labelmates Skillet, Francesca Battistelli, for KING & COUNTRY, Blanca, About A Mile and VERIDIA.