Sleigh Rides & Scoreboards: Holiday Music Tips

I know… the Halloween candy is still in the bowl, Dia De Los Muertos ofrendas are still fresh and nobody has even started shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.  I hate to add to the holiday madness, but NOW is the time to start planning your Holiday music for your arena/stadium.

The holidays hit hard and creep up on all of us.  Even the best of planners get surprised.  The Score is here to help alleviate some of the stress and ensure a happy and successful Holiday season (at least the music portion).

When planning your team production elements and considering holiday tracks, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Start Early:

The holiday season may officially start in December, but preparations should begin early in November. Consider the tracks you want to use in your stadium video content and via socials.  Some labels and publishers get VERY busy during the Holiday season with their large 4th quarter release schedule.  Label assets and reply time can be delayed.  The earlier you start, the better.  If you didn’t start yesterday, today is the next best day to start! 

2. Label Timing:

Record labels have a different schedule and budget for Holiday releases.  Typically, a new release will be marketed for many months including the trickle release of several singles before the album “drops”.  Holiday albums don’t have that kind of time or length of interest.  Singles start to hit in early/mid October, pushed in November for radio play in December, and then it’s back on the shelf.  Because of that, Holiday releases typically carry a promotion window of two to three years (or Holiday Seasons).  Keep that timing in mind when exploring new Holiday tracks.

3. Performances:

Consider those artists who have recently released a Holiday album for a halftime or intermission performance during the holiday season.  Remember the marketing window for holiday releases is typically two to three years.  Most labels are searching for holiday opportunities for their artists.

4. Target Classics:

Classic Holiday tracks from legendary artists like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Johnny Mathis are like a cozy blanket and cup of hot cocoa during the Holiday season.  We know these tracks because we hear them everywhere and have been listening to them through our entire lives.  Classics are always a strong choice because of their rich nostalgia factor and many of these artists know their window for making an impact is limited. 

5. Modern Holiday Standards:

There are a few more “modern” Holiday artists to target.  Consider tracks from Lindsay Stirling, Mannheim Steamroller, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr. when planning your Holiday production pieces.  These more modern takes on holiday classics give a traditional feel of the holidays with a twist.  These artists also know their window is small, so they want their music utilized!

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate Holiday music for your venue, and each stadium will have a unique feel to the season.  We are here to help with all of your music licensing needs.  To help haul out the holly, we have created a playlist of holiday songs that are ready to license.  We are always available to discuss your specific needs and answer your questions.   Happy Holidays!