WIAIWYA (Where It’s at is Where You Are)
Buy: Bandcamp (CD/Digital)
You think you know a label… After putting out three of the best indiepop compilations of the past decade-plus, beginning with 2010’s Christmastime, Approximately, then the excellent Stars in 2018, and 24 in 2021, one would imagine you get the label’s vibe. You, sir, are mistaken! 2023 brings us WIAIWYA’s most ambitious and expansive release yet, the 3-CD, 30-song collection of largely instrumental, electronic, and ambient Christmas songs, all ruminating on the theme of snow. This is how WIAIWYA describes their new release, snö: “The idea was to put together a Christmas album for escaping the stress of the holidays – canceling Christmas parties to turn the lights down, put on your slippers and have a listen over a sherry…” I wasn’t expecting this record from WIAIWYA, but I completely get the motivation.
I don’t really cover much ambient music here on Christmas Underground. I honestly don’t know if I have the vocabulary to give a credible critical review. I can say that I’ve been listening to it as I putz around the house, and have found myself wandering off to some very weird places in my mind. However, keep in mind the weather in Virginia had been unseasonably warm at the time, and a forest fire had turned the sky a hazy yellow… so songs on the theme of snow was an odd choice. I try to imagine how this record will feel gazing out at some snow, and I have to say, the idea sounds lovely. If any readers live in northern territories and can test out this theory, I’d love to hear back from you. As for me, I’m going to continue walking around the house, forgetting why I went downstairs for a bit longer this holiday season. Thanks, snö.
Bottom Line: There is a time and place for all types of Christmas music, and this extensive collection of ambient Christmas music can most surely find a place in your collection and your holiday. I strongly encourage you to buy it today, #bandcampfriday, and be sure that WIAIWYA gets the entire cut, and those (insert your preferred swear) at Songtradr get nothing.
Christmas Underground 