Dawn McCarthy and Bonnie “Prince” Billy - Christmas Eve Can Kill You Video Premiere on The Warhol Museum's Website

In anticipation of their forthcoming holiday single Christmas Eve Can Kill You, old friends and collaborators Dawn McCarthy and Will Oldham present you with a gift: a video shot by Lara Miranda during the track's Nashville recording sessions  produced by David Ferguson at Butcher Shop Studio, as well as footage depicting the spirit of the project from McCreary County, KY. 

From the Seeger Sisters to Mariah Carey, Elvis to Sinatra, from Johnny Cash to Merle Haggard; there is a remarkably strong tradition of fa-la-la-ing in popular music--to say nothing of the rich tradition of the holiday music video. Yet this is definitely not what one expects to see in a holiday music video--there's no snow, no presents, no sacrificial goose or other consumable indulgences; but rather the tenets of what a pre-capitalist Christmas looks like. The elements at the core of why people celebrate holidays to begin with-- friendship, collaboration, warmth, rejuvenation, and joy.
 

Christmas Eve Can Kill You also offers a foreshadowing glimpse at Oldham and McCarthy’s forthcoming full-length record of songs they learned from Everly Brothers records; a project inspired by the songstress’ young daughters' love of the rhythm and blues duo. In true Everly style, the video showcases harmony as a medium--which is eminently worthy of attention (and even adulation). Given the depth and dynamism of Will and Dawn’s natural harmonic ability, this video is sure to awaken the inner holiday spirit (and beasts!) like no other one this season.

Christmas Eve Can Kill You is a collective effort by: Dawn McCarthy, Bonny Billy, Emmett Kelly, Dave Roe, Kenny Malone, Billy Contreras, David Ferguson and Matt Sweeney. Recorded by David Ferguson and Mastered by Paul Oldham.


Pre-Order the 7" Single Now

Dawn McCarthy and Bonnie “Prince” Billy- Christmas Eve Can Kill You b/w Walking the Dog 7” comes out 11/20/12 on Drag City.
  

Upcoming Tour Dates

1/26/2013 -- Andy Warhol Museum - Pittsburgh, PA

1/27/2013 -- Live taping for NPR Mountain Stage - Culture Center Theater- Charleston, WV

2/07/2013 -- Lincoln Center's American Songbook - Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, NYC