Kat Harlton
Vancouver based trio Ludic recently released their first Christmas single ‘Jingle Bells’ out on all digital streaming platforms. The song showcases the band as the multi instrumentalists they are, taking a very ‘Ludic’ spin on a classic Christmas song .
The trio, comprised of Ayla Tesler-Mabe and brothers Max and Rhett Cunningham, describe themselves as SOULFUNKJAZZPOP or Alien Motown. With well over 850K overall career streams, they have cemented themselves as one of Canada’s most exciting and fastest-growing acts.
We had a chat with the trio who shared thoughts on their new holiday single, and their favorite Christmas memories.
Kat: Can you share some of the inspiration behind why you decided to do your version of “Jingle Bells”
Ludic: We wanted to see if we could musically recreate the unequivocally warm and fuzzy feeling that the Christmas-spirit brings, as well as have an excuse to just jam and have fun! We took a lot of inspiration from the groove and feel of Khruangbin, and spent some time reharmonizing the chords so that such an iconic holiday melody would still feel unique and fresh.
Kat: Do you have a favorite holiday or Christmas memory?
Ludic: Ayla doesn’t actually celebrate Christmas, she’s more of a Hanukkah kinda gal, but she’d be lying if she didn’t admit that the feeling of Christmas-time makes her winter so much better. Thinking back to when her elementary school teachers would let the class watch Christmas movies and eat candy all day while snow was falling outside has always been one of her favourite holiday memories.
For Max and Rhett having a snow day was probably one of the best things ever, since our school absolutely refused to have one most of the time. Also, the quality time you get to spend with the family is really soothing. Tree decoration and Christmas lights are highlights. Gifts are cool too.
Kat: What was your favorite gift you received as a kid?
Ludic: It’s never really the gift, but just the fun of waking up and ripping open the wrapping paper. It’s just good fun every time, no matter how old we get.
Ayla’s family has never really been one to do holiday gifts, but just getting to celebrate and spend time with the people she loves is the greatest gift of all! She does like to treat herself to some nice clothes and records though.
Kat: Favorite holiday movie?
Ludic: Is there any answer but Home Alone? A classic! A new fav in Max and Rhett’s household is Klaus on Netflix. (Really cool and innovative animation style)
Kat: Favorite holiday treat?
Ludic: Pandemic Christmas aside, usually, one of Ayla’s neighbors bakes shortbread cookies when the holiday season comes around. They are objectively the best cookies ever created in the history of human civilization (this is scientific fact). Apparently the recipe is a secret and has been in his family for generations…
Yeah shortbread is a classic. Eggnog is like that weird one that’s really good. Ginger cookies (not really a fan of gingerbread), but Panettone is probably the best though.
For more on Ludic visit: https://www.ludicofficial.com/