CMAT has teamed up with Elton John for a new version of his 1973 festive single ‘Step Into Christmas’. It is out on Amazon Music, where it is this year’s Amazon Music Original Christmas song and available exclusively.
The new recording keeps the rock ‘n’ roll rhythm and singalong chorus of the original, with CMAT’s vocals added to the arrangement. It follows last year’s Amazon Music exclusive, Kylie Minogue’s ‘XMAS’, which went on to be the UK Christmas number one.
“I’ve loved CMAT since I first heard her and saw her videos years ago,” said Elton John, who called her a “kindred spirit” and said he was thrilled by the idea of collaborating on the song.
I’ve loved CMAT since I first heard her and saw her videos years ago. She has this incredible personality, and a wicked sense of humour. You can tell she has rock ‘n’ roll and country and Americana at the heart of what she does—we’re kindred spirits in so many ways. And that’s why I was so thrilled with the idea of us collaborating on ‘Step Into Christmas.’ She’s done an amazing job.
Elton John
“When I listen to the music of Elton John, I am seven years old in the back of my mam’s car. It doesn’t matter how old or famous I become—whenever I listen to Elton John I will always be seven years old in the back of my mam’s car. Reconciling this feeling with the reality of getting to work with the man in question has been confusing to say the least, but the greatest joy of my life. Christmas is my absolute favourite thing in the world, second maybe only to Elton John. I would like to invite the whole world to step into Christmas with us.”
CMAT
It is a big year for CMAT. Her third album Euro-Country won the Choice Music Prize and best album at the Ivor Novello Awards.
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Listen to ‘Step Into Christmas’ on Amazon Music – you can hear the snippet on Instagram.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
