Exclusive: Stream Strange Breed’s New Curated Spotify Playlist Featuring Their Favourite Christmas Songs

By: Staff –

To celebrate the release of Strange Breed’s new video for “So Blind”, the Vancouver-based alt-rock band curated a brand new exclusive Spotify playlist featuring their favourite Christmas songs that you can stream exclusively below.

Consisting of Nicolle Bell-Dupas (Vocals/Guitar), Terra Chaplin (Guitar/Vocals), Megan Bell (Drums), and Jess Dubois (Bass), Strange Breed is rock music for anyone seeking a way to amplify their own voice and discover a “safe space” in a scene that is not always inviting to all. 

Reminiscent of 90’s femme-rock heroines like Veruca Salt, L7, Hole and Sleater-Kinney while channelling the modern-rock prowess of acts like The Pretty Reckless or Paramore, Strange Breed have perfected the art of serving memorable rock hooks with a filthy side of riot-grrrl rage. Through layers of distortion and unapologetically feminist lyrics, Strange Breed is the musical equivalent of jumping on your bed screaming at the top of your lungs at the injustices of the world.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Carol of the Bells“

As far as holiday music goes, I love this rendition of “Carol of the Bells” – which is always a gorgeous track – because it reminds me of Christmas with my family. It has shredding guitars and is straight up badass while also being super beautiful. A lot of my family members are guitar players, and we always listen to this when decorating the tree. Also one time I called this song “Jingle of the Bells” which the band makes fun of me for and so I had to include it for that reason as well. – Nicolle 

Sarah Mclachlan – “River“

Sarah Mclachlan……..enough said!!! Her whole “Wintersong” album is a really gorgeous alternative to a lot of traditional and kind of “tacky” holiday music. It’s just beautiful and hits you right in the feels. For a perfect holiday relaxing moment, I highly recommend making a hot cocoa and sipping it in a bubble bath (with candles) while listening!!! – Nicolle

Peabo Bryson – “Silent Night”

OK, to be honest, I hate Christmas music with a passion that knows no limits. One of the many reasons that I am extra irritated around this time of year is that the same 10 songs are done time and time again, in different ways, by different people thinking that if they over sing, or stretch out the words to be 20 seconds long, it will change the song completely. But it doesn’t. It’s still that same boring song that was sung last year, and the year before and the year before. I use this classic “hit,” as an example. – Megan

The Andrews Sisters – “Jing-a-ling”

If you know anything about me, you’ll know that my grandmother was one of my greatest role models growing up. She was a sassy, vivacious woman who loved a good glass of scotch, and a laugh that could melt even the coldest of winters. The Andrews Sisters were her favorite group and how she would roar with laughter trying to keep up with the “Jing-a-ling’s.” Her shoulders would bounce along to the rhythm as her scotch would slosh in the crystal glass. She would be laughing too hard to even finish the stanza of the song. – Megan

Norah Jones – “Christmas Glow”

I love Norah Jones. It’s that simple. – Megan

The Ramones – “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”

The Ramones are my favourite band by far, and their Christmas song is the first thing I listen to every holiday season.  It’s got that Ramones sound to it that you would come to expect in any other song, and, unlike the majority of the world, I love Christmas music so it’s an automatic love for me. – Jess

The Raveonettes – “The Christmas Song”

If I could scream about a Christmas song being phenomenal, it’s this one.  It’s complete with hauntingly beautiful harmonies, tasteful guitar slides and fills. Honestly, it’s THE number one song I would recommend for any Christmas playlist. – Jess

Hilary Duff – “Same Old Christmas”

When I was younger I was all about Hilary Duff. As an adult, I’m still all about this Christmas album. I will listen to it throughout the holiday season until it makes people’s ears bleed. It came here to fuck.  – Jess

Firehouse – “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”

If you know me, you know how much I love glam metal/hair metal/whatever you want to call it.  I live for the guitar riffs and feral vocals, and that doesn’t change when it comes to a good, festive Christmas tune like this one.  Next month you can catch me rockin’ some garland around the Christmas tree to this song. – Jess

The Distillers – “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)”

This song is great, I love the ramones version of this song but the Distillers are my favourite band. When I saw this song preformed live for the Distillers livestream it was amazing! I HIGHLY recommend listening to it. – Terra

Mariah Carey  – “All I Want For Christmas is You”

I just love Mariah Carey so much this song is so iconic and really inspiring, i feel like she’s singing it to ME!!!! i listen to it all year round I just WISH I HAD MORE MARIAHHHHHHHH –Terra

Stevie Nicks – “Silent Night”

Stevie nicks has such a wonderful voice her cover of “Silent Night” is beautiful and haunting. – Terra

No Doubt – “Oi to the World”

I picked this one because Gwen Stefani is a straight up goddess, and this is one of the most joyful flippin’ holiday songs I’ve ever heard. Jolly as hell. I’ve never been a huge ska fan but I’ve always loved No Doubt, and Gwen has always been an inspiration to me throughout my musical journey. – Nicolle

Run DMC – “Christmas in Hollis”

This song slaps, and is way more fun to listen to than the majority of christmas music. Enough said. – Nicolle