The holidays are here–and so are the sounds of festive cheer. Whether you’re dashing through the snow, navigating airport security lines, or settling in for a cozy road trip, the right tunes can make winter travel feel a little less stressful and a whole lot more magical.
Introducing our newest Spire on Spotify Playlist, Vol. 63: Reindeer Radio. It’s a merry mix of classic carols, modern holiday hits, and feel-good songs designed to keep spirits bright and help you bump along with all the other reindeer on your winter travels.
Luke, what is the name of your album?
Reindeer Radio is an ode to all the holiday road trips I took as a kid and the sing-alongs with my sisters in the car. I loved “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and we knew all the reindeer names by heart. While we were dashing around town, decorating the tree, or cooking for family events, we always had the radio blasting festive tunes.
How would you describe this mix?
All the holiday classics are here, along with some modern chart-toppers. There’s something special about the traditions that happen at this time of year, and hearing the same old songs you grew up with—the ones that take you back to a moment in the snow or to opening your favorite present. Music is forever threaded through those memories. Still, it’s nice to mix it up with a few new hits.
What was your inspiration behind it?
When I was young, I used to think Santa must have a radio on the sleigh, so he didn’t have to deliver presents in silence all night—or at least an iPod. I’d like to think this was the winter mix he played to enjoy the ride.
What is your favorite song, and why?
“Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes is such a classic. Every year, this inevitably comes on and immediately puts me into the holiday spirit. It’s simple, whimsical, with a steady beat and cheerful choir vibes. If you’re driving in the cold to buy presents and not even slightly bobbing your head to this, then you might be the Grinch.
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!”
– Clement Clarke Moore, A Visit from Saint Nicholas
If your playlist was a brand, what would it be and why?
Martinelli’s. I’m not a hot cocoa drinker but I love warm apple cider on a cold night. There’s always a night during the winter season when a warm mug of apple cider, sitting by the fire, being with loved ones, and listening to holiday tunes is the perfect antidote to the cold.
Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?
There was a winter when my family spent the holidays in a wooden cabin in Arkansas. A snowstorm blew in and it was bitterly cold, but we built a big fire, put on some festive tunes, and played board games through the night until morning. It has always been one of my favorite holiday memories.
What makes your playlist unique?
It’s a collection of the holiday songs I love—the ones that were special to me growing up, while decorating the tree, and spending time with family and friends at this time of year. Everyone has those funny holiday deep cuts in their end-of-year rotation–you might be surprised by a few of mine.
Thanks for the holiday hits, Luke. Stay connected to the Spire Blog and Spotify channel for our next agency playlist.
Luke Bryant is an Account Supervisor at Spire and an Ad 2 Dallas “32 Under 32” honoree.
