The holiday season in Brooklyn’s honky-tonks is anything but ordinary, and Katie Curley’s latest EP, Big Colored Lights, captures that unique magic with a raw, heartfelt blend of alt-country, Americana, and traditional country. Released on November 15, 2024, this seven-track collection transforms the usual cheer of Christmas music into a rich tapestry of memory, emotion, and authenticity.
Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the expert guidance of producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and Bottle Rockets), Big Colored Lights showcases Curley’s talent for storytelling. The EP’s origins trace back nearly a decade to a personal challenge Curley set for herself: write one Christmas song every year. The result is a chronicle of growth, encapsulating her evolving artistry and a spectrum of emotions tied to the holiday season.
The EP opens with “Christmastime Therapy”, setting a reflective and poignant tone. Against a backdrop of Rob Clores’ tender piano work, Curley’s crystalline voice cuts through with lines like, “Thanks to you and Daddy / I’ve got a lifetime supply / Of heartbreaking stories.” It’s an unflinching look at the complexities of family gatherings, wrapped in a melody that aches as much as it uplifts.
Standout track “Closing In On December” brings a sass-filled energy, with Sun Volt’s Mark Spencer lending his legendary pedal steel to create a shimmering, foot-tapping ode to the anticipation—and chaos—of the season. Meanwhile, “Shotgun Wedding in Bethlehem” reimagines the nativity story with a clever country twist, complete with heavenly harmonies by Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins.
The title track, “Big Colored Lights”, is a deeply personal homage to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s holiday decorations in Washington State. The song glows with nostalgia, balancing warmth and melancholy as Curley reflects on the shifting landscapes of her life, including her parents’ upcoming move to Spain.
The EP culminates with the soul-stirring “New Year’s Too”, a duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards. Recorded live with husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the track radiates the organic warmth that defines the entire collection.
By day, Curley teaches elementary school, bringing her authentic and nurturing spirit into every aspect of her life. “I go into work with the explicit intention of helping the kids I teach keep their little lights shining,” she says. Big Colored Lights mirrors that mission, as it transforms personal history into music that glows in the dark, keeping the light alive for herself and her listeners.
Katie Curley’s Big Colored Lights is more than a holiday album—it’s a resonant, beautifully crafted journey through the joys, sorrows, and quirks of the season. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgic warmth or the unexpected twists, this EP is bound to become a standout soundtrack for the holidays.
