Ten Indie Christmas Tunes to Fill Out Your Festive Playlists

It's the most wonderful time of the year, supposedly. 

Whilst Christmas won't be the same this time around, one thing that always remains is the constant rotation of the same old Christmas songs. They're on the radio as soon as late November comes and by the time it's Christmas Day, we're all sick of Noddy Holder bellowing at us.

So here at Middle Eight, we've comprised a list of ten festive indie tracks to bulk out your winter playlist and keep you in the mood for yuletide tunes.

Winter Wonderland - The Courteeners

Liam Fray further explored is splendid song writing capabilities back in 2015 as The Courteeners brought out charming seasonal tune 'Winter Wonderland'.

With all profits from the single going to Shelter, a housing and homelessness charity, 'teeners placed significance on what is really important over the Christmas.

Vegetarian Christmas - FEET

Midlands band FEET introduced their alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner through their track 'Vegetarian Christmas' in December 2019.

With shoutouts to Linda McCartney and a 'warm nut roast', FEET argue 'nothing's a tradition until it starts'. Whilst the lyricism may not be relatable to all, the ringing of Christmas bells throughout and the wholesome music video, featuring Christmas jumpers and joy aplenty, is sure to heighten your festive spirit.

Distant Christmas - Zuzu

One listen to Zuzu is all that is needed to pinpoint her thick scouse accent, and the Liverpudlian harvests all the musical history of her hometown in her own tunes.

'Distant Christmas', released in 2018, takes on a melancholic attitude towards the holidays through the breakup of a relationship. The songs story however, does not detract from wintery vibes and a Christmas sing-along.

Christmas Trees In Rain - APRE

Indie alternative pop duo APRE formed in Kent back in 2018 and have been building an impressive back catalogue of tunes that have received nationwide airplay across the U.K.

Despite this, for some unknown reason, 'Christmas Trees In Rain' has failed to gain the same traction as their other big singles. The song has just under 800 views on the duos official YouTube and as such is a truly the hidden gem of indie Christmas tunes.

Don't Shoot Me Santa - The Killers

Whilst you spend most Christmases screaming the words to Mr. Brightside at the end of the night as the club lights begin to turn on, it's unlikely you'll be able to enjoy yourself in exactly the same manner this year.

As such, we have provided an alternative. 'Don't Shoot Me Santa' is one of a few Christmas songs by The Killers, and whilst it seems to have some dark undertones, sit back and enjoy Brandon Flowers velvety vocals set to a Christmassy backing and indulge in the comical music video featuring Ryan Pardey as Santa.

Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose) - Blossoms

Everything Stockport band Blossoms touch at the moment seems to turn to gold. Their third studio album 'Foolish Loving Spaces' topped the U.K charts earlier this year, whilst a live album combined with lockdown covers reached number five.

The band then turned their attention to Christmas with their latest single 'Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose)'. Not only does the song fulfil what listeners come to expect from Blossoms, instantly memorable lyrics with persistent realism, they even involve a Christmas song staple, a junior choir.

To top it off, the band released a short film attached to the tune in which they save Christmas, what can't these boys do?

It's Going To Be A Cold Winter - Blossoms

Nothing, there's nothing they can't do. 'It's Going To Be A Cold Winter' is the flipside to the previously mentioned Blossoms track and it's just as good.

Seemingly opening with dislike to the festive period, "Let's get this Christmas over with, how I miss the summer wind", the song runs through almost every Christmas necessity; from tinsel and mistletoe to carols and turkey. Whatever anti-Christmas vibe the lyrics say, it's an unmistakable festive banger.

Driving Under Stars - Marika Hackman

Marika Hackman's alternative folk sound has seen her pick up plenty of plaudits over the years, with her latest album 'Any Human Friend' released in 2019 coming closest to breaking into the U.K top 40 out of her three attempts.

However, it's her extended play 'Wonderland' from 2016 that brings the Hampshire born artist into this list. Made up of six songs, covers and originals, the highlight is 'Driving Under Stars', which takes Hackman's typical melancholic tone, adds some jingle bells, and voila! Suddenly it's Christmas.

I Wish It Was Christmas Today - Julian Casablancas

The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has only released one studio album as a solo artist, which is a surprise considering 'Phrazes for the Young' charted in eight different countries.

Among the tracks released in the albums deluxe edition was famed Saturday Night Live tune 'I Wish It Was Christmas Today'. The song was first introduced by Jimmy Fallon and co-stars on the U.S sketch show back in 2001, but Casablancas' 2009 cover means fans can recapture the festive joy and put it on repeat over the winter holiday.

Is This Christmas? - The Wombats

The second set off scousers to make our festive list, The Wombats are U.K indie rock giants having sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

Therefore, we were surprised when we discovered this festive treat by the band, tucked away in between massive album releases 'A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation' and 'This Modern Glitch'. Whilst the song is described by the band as 'anti-Christmas' and is far from The Wombats at their best, it's another tune to break up the monotony of your traditional Christmas playlist.