Celebrating a Bluegrass Kinda Christmas with The Roys

A bluegrass and songwriting duo, the Roys are actually brother and sister siblings Lee Roy and Elaine Roy, who were born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, but grew up across the border in Coal Branch, New Brunswick, Canada, surrounded by bluegrass and old-time music. Lee was playing mandolin in a local bluegrass group by the time he was nine years old, while Elaine made her public singing debut at the age of ten.

The two began performing as a duo, developing a sound that blended bluegrass, country, folk, and gospel with a strong songwriting sense, all brought home with the kind of striking vocal harmonies that only siblings seem to be able to generate. They built a following on the New England circuit before moving to Nashville, where they launched their own label, Pedestal Records, and released a pair of albums, The Roys and Good Days, in 2006, then signed with Rural Rhythm Records, which issued Lonesome Whistle in 2011, New Day Dawning in 2012, and Gypsy Runaway Train in 2013. 

The Roys have just released their brand new Christmas album "Bluegrass Kinda Christmas."  We are so honored to catch up with them for this exclusive Hallels' interview.

Hallels:  Congratulations so much on the release of "Bluegrass Kinda Christmas."  Why did you decide to do a Christmas album?

It has always been a dream of ours to do a Christmas album.  Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I just love Christmas music.  We have talked about it for a long time and this year was the year!

Hallels: Of all the Christmas songs and carols out there, what do you look out for in choosing the songs for this record?

When it came time to pick the songs we went with our favorites.  These are songs that we have been singing for a long time and that just meant something to us.  We hope that they will become our fans favorites too!

Hallels:  The two of you have also written the title cut "Bluegrass Kinda Christmas" together.  For our readers who have not heard it yet, what is the song about?

This song really lends itself to what our Christmas looks like.  Everyone getting together and playing music and just enjoying each others company.  That is the best part of Christmas spending quality time with our loved ones.

Hallels:  I absolutely love Elaine's take of "O Holy Night" and "There's a New Kid in Town" also strikes a chord in me.  If you have to choose two songs from the record you are the proudest of, which would they be?  And why?

Well for me, I am proud of all of them because each of them evokes special memories of Christmases past.  But, my favorite is O Holy Night because it is about what Christmas is all about, the birth of our Savior.  I remember singing it in Church and it just holds a special place in my heart. 

Hallels: I believe you will be involved in a few Christmas concerts in the next few weeks to come.  Can you tell our readers more about them?

I think Christmas shows just have an energy all of their own.  There is excitement in the air and everyone is in the moment.   We will sing songs from the album and tell stories why they hold special places in our hearts.  We hope to leave our audiences with a wonderful memory to cherish for years to come.  And leave them with a smile.

Hallels:  Speaking of Christmas, what does Christmas mean to you?

It's a time to reflect on the past year and spend time with our loved ones and spread a little love. 

Hallels:  If our readers would like to find out more about you or purchase your new CDs, where can they go?

It is available where music is sold.  They can also go to our website www.theroysonline.com

 

 

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