Aileen Donohue‘s New Christmas Album to Spark Holiday Cheer

In an unexpected twist for January, when most are packing away festive spirit, Irish singer Aileen Donohue dove headfirst into the sounds of Christmas. This month, she eagerly discussed her upcoming Christmas album, It Feels Like Christmas, set for release on December 1. With 13 tracks ready to fill homes across Wexford with holiday cheer, Donohue aims to make her new collection a soundtrack for festive gatherings.

Album Background and Recording Journey

Aileen Donohue, hailing from Rosslare, began the creative process for her second Christmas album in January while most people were just beginning to recover from the holiday rush. “We started recording in January while we were touring Scotland. It felt fresh in our minds, so we thought we’d get it done in about a week,” she shared. After nearly achieving their goal, the team realized some additional tweaks were necessary, leading them to a recording session in France over the summer.

Produced and arranged by the talented Robert Scott, It Feels Like Christmas comprises beloved traditional carols, such as Wexford Carol, O Holy Night, and Auld Lang Syne, alongside two original tracks. Donohue emphasized the importance of finding unique recording locations. “Robert has a studio in France, and during one of our breaks, we visited a beautiful 13th-century church. I instinctively launched into O Holy Night; the acoustics were incredible,” she recalled. This memorable outing enabled the recording of several tracks amidst sacred surroundings.

Launch Details and Availability

The official album launch will take place on December 5 at 1 p.m. in the Wexford County Council buildings in Carricklawn. Music lovers can anticipate both digital streaming and physical copies. Priced at €15, the album is available for purchase via Aileen’s official website, aileendonohoe.com, and at Westgate Design. Fans can also buy the CD at her festive concerts across South Wexford throughout December.

Upcoming Concerts and Special Performances

One particularly sentimental concert is scheduled for December 7 at the church of Our Lady’s Island, where Donohue and her husband exchanged vows. “I’ve never done a concert there, and it holds a lot of emotional value for me,” she expressed. This concert will feature the Lagoon Junior Choir, which Donohue has collaborated with since the summer. She further noted that Robert Scott will also accompany her on piano, enriching the performances with his extensive background in musical theatre.

The Heart of Christmas

Aileen Donohue hopes her new album will become an integral part of festive celebrations throughout Wexford. “The excitement of prepping for Christmas is so special. My mother always played Nat King Cole while we cooked; that nostalgia is definitely part of my obsession with the holiday,” she reflected.

Listeners might find that It Feels Like Christmas suits the late pre-Christmas atmosphere, perfect for those final hours of preparation—whether they’re sipping mulled wine or relaxing with a warm cup of tea.

Engage with the Festive Spirit

As the countdown to Christmas begins, It Feels Like Christmas promises to evoke fond memories, instilling a sense of joy and togetherness during the holiday season. To order a copy of the album or to book tickets to Aileen’s performances, visit aileendonohoe.com.

Are you excited to add some new festive tunes to your holiday playlist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow music lovers!

**How did Aileen and Robert approach capturing the emotions and ‍warmth of‌ Christmas‌ in a ​studio setting during the “off-season” of January?**

## Behind the Music: An Interview with Aileen Donohue

Today we’re joined by the wonderfully talented Aileen Donohue, Irish singer and songwriter, and Robert Scott, the ‍renowned producer and arranger behind Aileen’s ‍upcoming Christmas album, “It Feels Like Christmas.”

**I. The Genesis of a Festive Album:**

*​ **Aileen**, you decided to tackle a Christmas album in January, a unique choice amidst the post-holiday blues. What inspired this decision, and ‌what ​journey did this album take from concept to completion?

* **Robert**, what was your ‌initial⁣ reaction to Aileen’s idea? How ​did your collaboration evolve throughout the process, and what unique challenges and rewards did a Christmas album in January present?

**II. Capturing the‍ Spirit of Christmas in Sound:**

* **Aileen**,‌ “It Feels ⁢Like Christmas” features both traditional carols and two original tracks. Can you tell us about your selection process for the classic songs and the stories behind your own‍ compositions? What emotions did ​you hope to capture in ⁢each?

* **Robert**, as the ‍arranger, what⁣ sonic landscape did you envision for‍ this album? How did you utilize the unique recording locations, like the 13th-century church, to‍ enhance the listening⁣ experience?

**III. Sharing the ​Music: Bringing Christmas to Wexford:**

* ‍**Aileen**, the album launch is set for December 5th, and you’ve also⁤ planned several concerts⁣ throughout December, ⁤including a particularly ‌special one at the church⁢ where you were married. What can audiences expect from ⁢these performances, and why is sharing this music live so important ‌to you?

* **Robert**, how do you feel your live accompaniment on piano ⁣will complement Aileen’s vocals and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the⁢ concerts?

**IV. The Power of Music and ‍Holiday Traditions:**

* **Aileen**, your article mentions the nostalgic connection you have with Christmas music​ stemming from your childhood. ⁤What role do you feel music plays in⁣ shaping our ​festive traditions and memories?

* **Both Aileen and ⁤Robert**, what message or feeling do you hope listeners will take away from “It Feels ‍Like Christmas”?

We⁤ hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the ‍making of “It Feels ⁤Like Christmas”. Remember to⁣ check out Aileen’s website, aileendonohoe.com, to purchase ​the album, book your tickets to her concerts, and become part of⁤ this festive musical experience.