The album released on Oct. 22 features nine songs including holiday classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (featuring country up-and-comer Madeline Merlo), “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” and “What Child Is This?” as well as two new original tunes.
The Hunters decided to create the project because of their family's love for the holidays.
“This project is a very meaningful one as Christmas is one of the most special times for us as a family,” explained Ty Hunter, one of five brothers in the popular hit-making group. “From mom's cinnamon buns, to the chocolate fondue, candlelight service, and the general presence of joy and support of loved ones, it always seemed to have such a special magic in the air. We wanted to capture that feeling on this record, and ultimately sing about what is most meaningful to us. We are so grateful for our Saviour who came to provide hope to the world many years ago, and for the ability to sing about His love this season.”
“We would always kind of anticipate that time of year because we went all out," he added with a chuckle.
Fans and family had also been clamouring for a Christmas album.
"We just kept hearing this message over and over," Hunter smiled recalling the push to create a Christmas album. "It was always something that we wanted to do, but we had to wait for the right time.”
The band has released three Christmas songs in the past, including two last year, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Oh Holy Night,” as well as an earlier version of “Joy to the World.”
However, this is the first time they have released a full album of Christmas tunes.
“It was just the right timing to release a Christmas record," he stated. "Given the fact that life circumstances have been so different in the last couple of years, it gave us the opportunity to have a little more time to record a Christmas album, while not being on the road as much.”
The group announced the release and pre-order on October 6 - fans received an instant gratification track “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” upon purchase. Listeners can look forward to originals “What I See” (co-written with their producer Seth Mosley and Open Road labelmate Dustin Bird) and “Christmas is Coming Again,” co-written by the brothers and Mosley.
Joy to the World comes on the heels of the band’s original album Been a Minute, which includes current Canadian country radio single, “Diamonds.”
Needless to say it's been another busy time for the brothers, although their touring schedule has been heavily impacted by world events. The Hunters did perform at a big show in October at Kelowna, but for the most part their concert dates - like all other bands - has been limited over the past 20 months.
“We had a few concerts this summer, but a lot of the festival dates were pushed to next year," said Hunter. "So hopefully there's lots happening in 2022, and obviously we would love to tour the Christmas record one day. But this year with so much uncertainty, we weren't able to do a tour.”
The brothers have also just recently finished recording two music videos for the album which are coming out soon.
“It was very exciting, where we were able to record them," he said. "I think it was an incredible experience, and we're excited to share that with everybody.”
“We want to express gratitude to anybody who's already picked up the album and just appreciate the support that everybody's given for the music,” he added.
The project is available now on all digital platforms, with physical copies available at Meeting Grounds in Shaunavon.
With over 46 million video and audio streams to date, the Hunter Brothers - J.J., Dusty, Luke, Brock and Ty - have amassed a large volume of industry credibility in a record amount of time, including multiple CCMA Award nominations, JUNO Award nominations and SCMA Award wins.
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