There are many classic holiday songs that can’t be beat.
Producer James Glaves stated that the Bright Lights artists from Alaska aren’t trying reinvent the old songs. Every song is a new take on holiday music.
He said, “That’s what is really wonderful about it.” “It’s not all about jingle bells and jingle bell rocks. It’s about how people feel about holidays. The fact that there are dark songs is cool, I think.”
“Bright Lights Vol. “Bright Lights Vol. 3” is a holiday album with original music by Alaskan artists. It’s also a fundraiser to support domestic violence shelters in rural Alaska.
This project is now in its third year. Glaves, who lives near Anchorage, masterminded this year’s album.
Glaves is from Soldotna, Kasilof and he says he was raised in a home that loved music. Glaves began jamming as a K-Beach Elementary student.
“I bought my first drum set. He laughed and said that he had his first guitar even though he wanted a four-wheeler. “I was a peninsula child. My life would have been different if I had bought that four-wheeler, instead of the tiny red guitar under my Christmas tree.
Glaves stated that he was more passionate about music since then. He has released solo and collaborative projects and collaborated with other artists throughout Alaska and the world.
The Bright Lights founders, Chad Reynvaan (ninilchik-raised musician Andy Tholberg), brought him on board in the project’s first year in 2020. The proceeds of the first album were donated to Hope Community Resources in Anchorage, a nonprofit that assists Alaskans with disabilities.
They donated the next year to a few smaller charities — all women’s domestic abuse shelters in remote areas like Bethel and Hooper Bay.
Glaves stated that it was important for the group to draw attention to organizations in rural areas of the state. This is because the problem can be magnified in these parts and organizations fighting to combat the problem may receive less funding.
He said that most Alaskans are aware of the state’s shocking domestic violence problem. But many people don’t realize this. There are at most a few people who will see it and take a moment to think about it.
He stated that the response has been very modest so far. He estimates they have raised $1,000-$2,000 per year. Bandcamp asks for donations to purchase each album.
Glaves stated that they are hoping for a greater response this year.
He said, “We beat our sophomore slump.” It’s the third year. It’s now.
Vol. Vol. 3 features songs by Strawberry Friend in Anchorage, and the Casey Smith Project from Fairbanks. Glaves and Tholberg also contributed a song called “End-of-year Feeling”.
Glaves stated, “It’s strange and dark, but it was super fun making it.”
Glaves stated that there was plenty of room for artists to express themselves on the album, as they were creating music for a different type of project than usual.
Glaves stated, “I think it gives people a pass to have fun, let down their hair, and do whatever they wish.” Glaves said, “And that’s why I think the albums are turning out so amazing.”
“Bright Lights Vol. 3” can be found on Bandcamp.
