With the arrival of December, the Christmas season is now here, and so too are the dulcet tones of festive hits.
The festive season is here, and with it comes the soundtrack we all know (and sometimes dread): Mariah Carey on repeat, Michael Bublé crooning from every corner, and the classics that have been jingling for decades. While these favourites will always have their place, there’s a growing appetite for something new, something that feels fresh, local, and uniquely Kiwi.
Why does this matter for your business?
According to BMI’s Value of Music Research (2022), 61 percent of patrons will visit a venue just for the music, and 79 percent will linger longer if the tunes are good. That’s a powerful reason to rethink your playlist this Christmas.
OneMusic’s Christmas wish granted!
After the pine needles settled on last year’s summer holiday, OneMusic raised a challenge to local music creators asking for fresh local festive music to revive its retail playlists. Fast forward to this season, and OneMusic was excited to see the release of some brand-new tunes, bringing feel-good holiday vibes to Aotearoa’s summer soundtrack.
Kaylee Bell – Wake Me Up When It’s Christmas Time
Country music superstar Kaylee Bell, Australasia’s most-streamed female country artist, has gifted us an upbeat, feel-good anthem that’s perfect for cutting through jingle fatigue. Kaylee’s track brings a modern country twist to the festive vibe, making it ideal for retail spaces looking to keep things lively and fresh.
Fun fact: Kaylee has toured with Ed Sheeran and Brad Paisley, and her hit 'Keith' went Gold in NZ and Australia. This new track is your chance to bring her global energy into your local playlist.
Listen to "Wake Me Up When It's Christmas Time"
Reb Fountain – Christmas in Wellington
Award-winning artist Reb Fountain offers a poignant reimagining of Steve Earle’s classic Christmas in Washington, set against the backdrop of Aotearoa. This isn’t just a song, it’s a call for reflection and unity, with all profits from the song going to MusicHelps, an Aotearoa-based charity that uses the transformative power of music to support hundreds of projects across New Zealand.
For venues that value authenticity and social impact, this track adds depth and meaning to your festive soundtrack.
Listen to "Christmas in Wellington"
Paige – Warmest Gift
Hot off the heels of her paigesspace EP, Paige wraps up the year with her first Christmas song - an original penned with her sister to celebrate whānau and togetherness. Swapping snow for sunshine, Paige flips the script on northern-hemisphere Christmas themes, localising the experience for us down under with a distinctly summery take that still carries all the sparkle and hallmarks of a classic holiday tune.
Paige explained, "Warmest Gift reflects on living in Aotearoa and ... not needing a white Christmas because the love of your life has such warmth that you’d prefer to be in their light than in the snow.” Heartfelt and intimate, this track is perfect for venues wanting a relaxed, feel-good vibe during the holiday rush.
Listen to "Warmest Gift"
Canaan Ene & Hone – This Christmas
Bringing a distinctly Pacific flavour to the festive season, Canaan Ene & Hone deliver a reggae-inspired remake of Donny Hathaway’s classic This Christmas. Produced by Canaan and performed by Hone, a Christchurch-based Māori artist with roots in RnB and contemporary Māori music, the track blends familiar melodies with warm island energy.
Its fresh reggae arrangement feels perfectly suited to summer celebrations in Aotearoa, offering a vibrant alternative to traditional holiday tunes. This release kicks off a “Very Reggae Christmas” series, with two more tracks planned for next year.
Listen to "This Christmas"
Tips for a Winning Christmas Playlist
- Get Licensed
If you’re playing music in your business, you need a OneMusic licence - even if you use a music streaming service. It ensures creators get paid and keeps you compliant.
- Mix It Up
Don’t drown your customers (or staff) in endless repeats of the same classics. Rotate festive tracks every third song and weave in fresh Kiwi releases to keep things interesting.
- Match the Mood
Your playlist should reflect your brand. A chic boutique? Opt for acoustic or indie Christmas tunes. A bustling bar? Go upbeat and festive.
- Measure What Matters
Consider installing an Audoo Audio Meter™ to track what’s actually being played in your venue. Audoo’s music recognition technology helps ensure royalties go to the right artists and gives provides valuable insights on the music being played across the country.
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