Out today is actor, singer, writer, producer Jill Schoelen’s holiday album Christmas is Forever, and it features a very special treat for horror fans.
Christmas Is Forever: Now & Then pairs Schoelen’s brand-new holiday recordings with four previously recorded, never-before-released tracks, and one of them was lovingly crafted for horror fans.
Horror had been part of Schoelen’s vision for her holiday album from the start. “The idea of Christmas and horror, I just love,” she tells Bloody Disgusting. That’s not just because it was inspired by her return to the screen with the upcoming genre film Ralph’s Perfekt Christmas; Schoelen wanted to give back to the horror fans. “Those are the people I know, those are my peeps.”
“I really wanted to bring horror into it. I started to write a song, and it didn’t feel right to me. I really thought about it, like, how do I want to bring horror into Christmas? So, I came up with an idea.”
That idea? Schoelen, who co-produced the album with producer Brandon Jarrett, has assembled an all-star horror lineup for a special rendition of “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)“ featured on Christmas is Forever.
Judie Aronson (Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Weird Science), Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, Suitable Flesh), Krsy Fox (Terrifier 3, Little Bites), and Diane Franklin (Amityville II: The Possession, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) all lend their vocal talent to Schoelen’s special track, and the result is an infectiously catchy rendition that’ll get stuck in your head.
Photo credit: Mikel Healey
Aronson states, “Being asked to sing on Jill’s album with her, Barbara, Diane, and Krsy is an incredible thrill! I’ve known Jill since the early ’80s- she was always that gorgeous, magnetic friend whose talents had no limits! Her acting pierces straight through your soul, and her voice- smooth molasses with a touch of grit. She’s one of those rare people who radiate kindness, joy, and creative fire.”
“When Jill told me about her idea for a Christmas album- and that she wanted to record one of the songs with our group of friends, all Horror Icons- I knew it would be something truly special,” Aronson continues. “She played me early raw tracks of her reimagined Christmas classics, and I was blown away! Then came her new original song, which she had just written, and it literally gave me goosebumps. Leave it to Jill to add ‘brilliant songwriter and music producer‘ to her already sky-high list of talents! Recording ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ with Jill and our friends was pure joy. I love a good karaoke night or belting one out in the shower, but this was my first real studio experience. It felt like the best holiday party ever! With my headphones on and the infectious dance beat pumping, I sang, giggled, danced, and improvised through the recording session. Through the glass, I could see Jill and Brandon at the deck laughing and smiling from ear to ear- enjoying the moment as much as I was.”
Aronson echoes Schoelen’s enthusiasm for marrying horror and the holidays: “Bringing a little horror flair to the holidays felt perfectly us—a fun blend of a little mischief, a little spooky, a little sparkly, and all heart. It’s about friendship, laughter, and our love for all things frightfully festive.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what we created together. Jill’s album and our collective single ROCK! Looks like we’ve officially formed the ultimate Horror Girl Rock Band!“
Diane, Jill, Judie at mic recording “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)”
“When Jill Schoelen asked me to sing backup on a Christmas song with her, I was floored. (I knew she was foremost a singer, so that is something one would not ask lightly.) I LOVE to sing, but do not consider myself a singer, but I wanted to support her any way I could! I also loved the idea of a group of horror actresses coming together to work on the project. All the ladies here are established actresses, but I never knew they sang! It was an exciting discovery, and the fact that we are all friends made it even better,“ Diane Franklin says of the special collaboration.
Franklin gives a peek behind the curtain of her experience: “When I got to the recording studio, Judie Aronson, Jill, and [Brandon Jarrett] were there. Judie had just finished, so I was up next. I felt a little self-conscious because they had all never heard my voice before, and I didn’t know if they’d like it. Brandon made me feel comfortable and safe, and I thought, ‘Well, here we go. It’s time to be brave.‘ I just went for it. Well, let’s just say it went better than I expected. Weeks later, Jill said we needed to do a group photo. What?! That is such a fun idea! The photo shoot was phenomenal! It was the first time we actresses were seeing each other since the recording sessions, and it brought a newfound respect, bonding, and love for Jill’s creation. The production, designed by Jill and Barbara Crampton, was A-plus, with professional stylists and top-tier photographer, Leslie Bohm. Now add five professional horror actresses, who individually bring their own expertise, confidence, and iconic personalities, and you’ve got MAGIC.”
“But this all comes down to one thing,” Franklin adds. “The magic of having five horror actresses record this song together is a reflection of the beauty, kindness, and love of Jill Schoelen. Her heart, humbleness, and sincerity have brought us together. Money, power, or connections could not have made this happen.
“It is our friendship in adulthood that makes this Santa song SLEIGH!!“
Jill & Barbara recording behind the scenes
Crampton also couldn’t be more supportive of Schoelen and this all-star lineup. “I adore my female contemporaries in the horror genre,” she tells Bloody Disgusting. “We are all friends and get together regularly for fun, support, and collaboration. When Jill told us she was doing a Christmas album and wanted us to sing on one of her songs, I said yes immediately. In addition to her great acting skills, she’s been honing her masterful music capabilities for a while, and I’m so excited for the world to see her beautiful work realized.”
Crampton continues, “‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ brought some FINAL GIRLS out of the spooky Halloween season and into the cheerful and festive times of Christmas. Jill’s song is catchy and bubbly and sure to become a holiday staple not just for horror fans, but for anyone who wants a little joy, merriment, and magic at Christmas. It was an honor to work with her and our friends on this one song of Jill’s brilliant new holiday album!“
For Krsy Fox, the collaboration only furthered her love of holiday horror fun. “I’m big time into Christmas and love Christmas movies and especially holiday music, so when Jill first asked me if I would sing on a song with her, I said yes immediately,” She explains. “First, because I LOVE Jill and would basically do anything she asked, but secondly, I was so excited to hear she was doing a holiday album! When she brought in the rest of our friends, and I heard the fresh take of ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ Jill and Brandon came up with, I was even more excited.”
“If I learned anything from being a part of Terrifier 3, it’s that Christmas and horror go amazingly together, and people love it,” Fox adds. “All the girls bring something so special to the track, and I can’t wait for all the horror and Christmas fans to hear it!
“Jill’s whole album is beautiful and an instant holiday classic.”
You can listen to the special collaboration and full album on Spotify and Amazon Music. Physical media lovers will want to head to JillSchoelen.com for a limited pressing of the album on vinyl.
Photo credit: Leslie Bohm
The post Jill Schoelen Assembles All-Star Horror Lineup for Special Track on Holiday Album ‘Christmas Is Forever’ appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
