On the Joyzine Advent Calendar we’re giving away free downloads of tracks by artists that we love (including plenty of exclusives and a fair few festive favourites) every day until Christmas Eve on what, as far as we’re aware (and we’re always happy to be corrected), is the longest running such calendar on the web.
As always, the tracks are completely free to download and there’s no need to sign up to any mailing lists to access the songs (though if you’d like to you can join ours here), but if you’re enjoying the tunes we’d love you to make a donation to the wonderful charity Child Poverty Action Group, who work on behalf of the more than one in four children currently growing up in poverty in the UK by providing support to families navigating the social security system, taking legal action to challenge unjust decisions and campaigning for change. You can make a donation on this link.
Today’s double helping of downloadable delights comes from a pair of friends old and new. London indie punk supergroup The New Royal Family played their first ever show at one of our nights in the now sadly defunct Good Ship in Kilburn many moons ago, whilst Tijuana Hercules only forced their way into our affections last year with their excellent blues-psych LP Mudslod & The Singles. Today they bring us an auld Scottish hymn and a cover of an early Adam & The Ants track – scroll down to find out who’s providing which.
What have you been up to in 2022?
Let me tell you it seemed like there was no middle to the year. A beginning and an end and that was it. We contributed a track to SKiN GRAFT Records “SOUNDS TO MAKE YOU SHUDDER” compilation. It was their 150th release. I thought the compilation was sharp and was pleased to be a part of it (read Joyzine’s review here).
We played some shows that I thought were in the minute. The moment where time stops.
I went through the low country hoping to hear the Sea Island Singers. No such luck. And passed through the no man’s lands in Oklahoma.
What do you have planned for next year?
To find some way to get to the UK and release a new album. In that order!
What can you tell us about today’s track?
This is one that we pulled out for Joyzine. It’s an old Scottish hymn. We wanted to make the song feel like it was either soused or in a deep trance when we walked through the door with it.
What makes the perfect Christmas song?
Anything sung by Charles Brown.
Download ‘Taladh Chrisoda‘
Find out more on the official Tijuana Hercules website
What have you been up to in 2022?
Charley says: “We played Jen’s birthday gig at The Bedford on 22nd Jan. Since then we’ve all been working on our side projects.”
David says: “Charley is too modest to brag about the fact that her side projects include being an axe hero for Sleeper, Desperate Journalist and many more …” At least two of us will be on stage at the Lexington for The Fallen Women’s star-studded Christmas special. Although that will probably have already happened by the time you read this.”
What do you have planned for next year?
Charley says: “I think next year we should release our album The New Royal Family’s Greatest Hits after all the record companies have wined and dined us as part of their bidding war ritual.”
David says: “That would be nice. Charley and Jen will be doing a load of solo activity as well as being the powerhouses behind multiple exciting bands. Rob and I have recently joined an electro pop group that we’ll tell you all about in January.”
What can you tell us about today’s track?
David says: “We got dragged out of retirement to play this year’s Adam & the Ants convention and did a load of early songs that most of the audience didn’t know. This is one of them. It was originally sung by the legendary Jordan Mooney who died earlier this year. Normally we get Jo from Desperate Journalist to do that bit but she was busy being a rock star or something so we asked our friend Donna Matrix. She’d never sung before in her life but was ruddy marvellous I think you’ll agree.”
What makes the perfect Christmas song?
If we knew that we’d have retired by now.
Download ‘Lou (live)‘
Follow The New Royal Family on Facebook
If you enjoy the tracks, we’d love you to consider making a donation to Child Poverty Action Group
Check back every day until Christmas Eve for more free music – if you’ve missed a day, you’ll find all of this year’s tracks so far on the links below. Merry Christmas everyone!
Day One: Piney Gir – Do Good For Goodness Sake
Day Two: Lost Map Records present Firestations – Swim Under The Winter
Day Three: LOUD WOMEN present Killdren – Expect a Crimewave
Day Four: Scratchy Records present The Rocks, Jonny Cola & The A-Grades, Bromide + Coach Hop
Day Five: Deux Furieuses – Bring Down The Government Home Demo
Day Six: Extradition Order – Bold
Day Seven: Blang Records present Thomas Truax + Faux Fibbers
Day Eight: Alcopop! Records present Dream Nails + Helen Love
Day Nine: MiKey & The SkEletons – On and On
Day Ten: Ben Fox Smith – Human Rights
Day Eleven: Nini Bong + The Fades
Day Twelve: The May + Xqui
Day Thirteen: Hey You Guys! – Onward Christian Soldiers (live)
Day Fourteen: Chemtrails – Gee Whizz Billy Base
Day Fifteen: Hot Sauce Pony – Just Like Christmas
Day Sixteen: Reckless Yes Records present Breakup Haircut, Nervous Twitch, Feral Five, Electric Pets + The Incomprehensible Static
Day Seventeen: Ree-Vo – Protein (Rob Smith Mix)
Day Eighteen: Brace Yourself Records present Italia 90 + Grandmas House
Day Nineteen: Rookery Ensemble + THE FUTURE THAT NEVER COMES
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