Vibrant, colorful lights, the smell of evergreen trees, and of course the soothing sounds of Christmas classics remind us that Christmas is just around the corner. If that is not enough to bring everyone into the holiday spirit, Louisiana local Kristin Diable recently released her own take on the famous “Joy to the World” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).”

Tracked right here in New Orleans at band mate Keith Burnstein’s studio, Diable sought to put a southern spin on these famous holiday songs. She said, “The croon of the melody on Mel Torme’s classic, ‘The Christmas Song’ is one I’ve always loved to sing this time of year.” While the tune is familiar, Diable weaves her own unmistakable element of mystery into each song. As Brett Milano wrote in OffBeat’s February 2015 cover story, Diable has “A seductive Southern drawl with the mystery of a Lucinda Williams and the exotic pop appeal of a Stevie Nicks.” This is apparent as she empowers the classics with her strong seductive southern drawl and brings some distinctive Louisiana spice to the age old songs.

Her “Joy to the World” features a simple guitar melody that allows her voice to drive the lyrics home while “The Christmas Song” brings a Southern warmth reminiscent of an open fire. 

Back when she released her album Create Your Own Mythology, she told Offbeat, “I feel that everything around us is mythology, from the Bible to the idea that you have to have a college degree to have a job and a livelihood, or that people in offices are the only ones that hold power” She continues, “I think that everybody has the power to create life for themselves and to create the world they want to live in.” 

In bringing her own flare to the Christmas classics, Diable calls back to this statement on the power of music and stories to bring us together. In singing into the story of Christmas, she offers a home for the Southern community to share in the holiday spirits. 

Listen to Kristin Diable’s “Joy to the World” and “The Christmas Song” on Spotify and OffBeat’s “Christmas Gumbo” playlist below!