Australian group AmurRayz is also celebrating the holiday season in a beautiful way with This Time of Year, a gorgeous and very warm and emotion-filled single that features orchestra splendour and touching lyrics! A creation of Michael Crannage at Stick Music in Albany, Western Australia, the song brings together a very talented line up of musicians whose combination of talents creates an experience of awe and a very soothing feel. It starts with such beautiful cinematic violin arrangements of the track, soft piano, acoustic guitar, and consistent drumming create the atmosphere that is full of warmth and reflection!
The words of the song get to the core of the song the deep, expressive voice of Stephen Murray who is harmoniously accompanied by Michael and Kylie Crannage whose melodies resonate with the feeling of intimacy and comfort of family meetings. The musical fabric is still bright with the smooth sound of the saxophone of Paul Millard, the emotional violin playing of Mike Hyder, and the soothing guitar of Lindsay Hamminga- each musician bringing fantastic detail and hue to the song!
This Time of Year is a careful and insightful look at the various facets of the holiday season; the happiness, the nostalgia, the reunions, and even the small moments of memory and longing. It is sincere in noting that this special time means something to each and all, whether it is celebrations or even more somber reflections. AmurRayz can be regarded as a perfect holiday song that can be created to reassure, unite and resonate over generations with its heartfelt presentation and best-thought form.
It is that sort of holiday music that envelopes you like an immense embrace–so just the thing to have during the season!
Listen to “This Time of Year”
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What inspired the creation of “This Time of Year,” and what seasonal or emotional themes does the track explore through its folk-roots sound?
This time of year is upon us again.
How did you approach the songwriting and arrangement to capture the contemplative, atmospheric essence that defines this single?
We know it as Christmas, Christmas/New Year, the festive season, the holiday season.
What key musical elements—such as instrumentation, melody, or vocal delivery—stand out as central to the song’s impact and mood?
We prepare for it steadily from months out or in a dash with hours to go.
Many modes of communication prepare us for joy, happiness, and fun.
Some ask that we remember others needing love, nurture and presence.
Yet we know it is going to be more than this.
What message or personal resonance do you hope listeners connect with in “This Time of Year”?
This song, This Time of Year, is written to convey in lyric and melody, Christmas New Year and the season’s many vagaries.
How does this single reflect your evolution within the folk, roots, and country genres?
This time of year comes and goes. Love rises and brings with it joy, but also sadness. With this time of year comes music old and new, music with melodies to hear, and lyrics to sing; music to carry your thoughts to loved ones near and far in place and time.
In what ways does “This Time of Year” connect to your Great Southern, WA background and broader musical influences?
We will gather round our family homes, our places of work, our gathering venues. We’ll be with people familiar and not so familiar. Some will be alone. Some will be alone when in company. This time will be fleeting for the joyous, prolonged for the needful. Wherever possible and often against the odds, people will try to enrich sadness with joy.
What initial feedback have you received from fans or the triple j Unearthed community on this release?
Of course Santa will take centre stage. The wonderful world-wide magical moments for children to wish, dream, expect and accept the amazing feat of one human delivering so much to so many for so long and so fast! Some will take time to be with those in need – perhaps aged, perhaps infirm, perhaps alone. Young and vibrant love will abound. Others will remember and settle into reveries punctuated by visions into the future.
How do you see “This Time of Year” performing in live performances or seasonal playlists?
With so much activity, we are dutybound to think of now. Yet, we reflect. We remember. We think of those gone. Our hearts swell. Again we think of now. We look around and hold the moments passing so fleetingly. We gather them up and we reflect on the deep pleasure of the people we are with. We become part of a kaleidoscope of family, friends, and community in a season for all of us, altogether, this time of year.
