EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Caitlin Quisenberry Talks New Single ‘I Used To Be Your Christmas’

American country music sensation Caitlin Quisenberry rounds out 2022 in style this coming Friday (November 25th) with the release of her incredible original holiday single titled ‘I Used To Be Your Christmas’ which further enhances her growing reputation and allows her to head into the New Year on a high.

Here we chat exclusively with Caitlin Quisenberry to discuss the track in more detail:

Congratulations on your incredible success this past year, do you have a personal highlight?

Thank you so much! I would have to say my personal highlight was being nominated “New Artist of the Year 2022” by the Rocky Mountain CMAs. I was the only female nominated in that category. I flew to Colorado to perform at the awards show. I’m originally from there, so it was nice to have my family and friends there with me.

 
You’ll be rounding out 2022 with your new Christmas single, how excited are you to be sharing this with fans?

I’m very excited to share this song with my fans! “I Used To Be Your Christmas” is not your typical happy Christmas song; it’s a sad song. I think it really captures me as an artist, for my range, sound and vibe, and I’m excited to share that side of my artistry with my listeners as well. When you record a song months before putting it out, it’s hard to wait to share it, but now the time has come – it’s dropping this Friday, November 25th . I hope it finds its way into the hearts of my listeners to help give them what they need during the holidays.

What are you hoping listeners take away from the lyrical story?

The lyrical story behind, “I Used To Be Your Christmas”, is how the holidays can bring so much pain to those who are suffering. The list is endless as to why someone is feeling this way – it can be from a breakup, the loss of a loved one, being alone during a time when we are bombarded with images of togetherness, etc… I sing of a better time; I’m remembering back to a time that I used to be with someone I loved for Christmas, that I’m no longer with. I’m singing of how lonely and hopeless I now feel. I cry out like I’m a prisoner of my sadness I can’t escape. I hope the “takeaway” is that if you’re feeling this way, you know you aren’t alone. I write a weekly CQ Newsletter and this week’s story gives advice on how to combat the holiday blues.

Do you have any set goals in mind for this release?

Last year, I released, “O Holy Night” and it garnered almost 200,000 Spotify streams. I was shocked because it’s only really played during the holidays. With this one, I really have no idea what to expect, since it’s not your typical “feel good” Christmas tune. My ultimate goal is that it’s relatable for my listeners and that it reaches those who need it most. No matter how joyous your life is, we all have times of feeling sad, stressed or alone. My lyrics are deep and meaningful and I hope they help people get through the holidays.

How did you find the recording and writing process for this track? 

I loved everything about the process of this song! For the past year, I knew I wanted to write a sad Christmas song. It started with an eerie, haunting piano tune that kept playing in my head. From there, I began writing the song. I pulled in my producer, Jason Wyatt and writer Corey Barker to come in on the write with me. We work so well together and they really know how to write for my voice. It helps that Jason was also going to be producing it because his creative mind went wild with all he wanted to do musically with the song. When we were writing it, Jason was singing along with me. I absolutely love his cool raspy rocker voice, so I asked if he would sing on the track, and he did! When I record with
Jason, he gives me so much confidence to take creative chances with my vocals. He wants me to be part of the entire process, from the feel/vibe of the song to the musicians playing, to the final mixing and mastering of the track. I’ve really learned a lot working with him.

Do you have any other surprises up your sleeve before the year is out?

I do have another Christmas song coming out just a week after this one. The next one I wrote, “Kringle’s Coming To Town”, dropping December 2nd. It has an upbeat 50s vibe that’s sure to put you in the spirit. I hope it’s one you’ll want to sing along to and dance to. I think it would be a perfect start to a Hallmark movie.

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