She is a SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award Winner and one of the most beloved indie soul singers in the world. Yes, Acantha Lang is all that, and the New Orleans born, London-based singer and songwriter has brought her expressive Southern Soul to the holiday season with her new songs, “Xmas In The Hood” and “Christmas Time Is The Right Time.”
The two original holiday compositions are joined together on the mini-EP Soul Funk Xmas, and reflect Lang’s desire for authentic Christmas soul music. Acantha shares the inspiration behind the tracks:
‘Xmas In The Hood’ is my attempt to fill a gap I feel exists in holiday music—a soulful Christmas song that gives listeners a window into what it feels like to step into a Black family’s home for Christmas, or any holiday or cookout for that matter. I grew up in the “hood” in New Orleans, a place that often gets a bad rap. While it’s true that poverty and its challenges are real, the “hood” is also a place of love, community, and family—the things we all cherish. There’s a joyful energy that exists in Black families that doesn’t always get talked about, and I wanted to change that. It’s filled with good home-cooked food, laughter, dancing, singing, and a vibrant spirit that I wanted this song to celebrate.
‘Christmas Time Is The Right Time’ is my unapologetic nod to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. I wanted to write a fun, funky Christmas song for those of us who crave a little more groove in our festive playlists. The way I see it (and sing it in the song), Christmas Time Is The Right Time to hang with James!
The new EP reminds us why SoulTrackers fell in love with Acantha’s music in the first place: this is full-bodied soul, performed with passion and authenticity. The 2-sided single is our Song of the Month for December. This is a fun and funky way to bring in the holidays.
