Q&A with the Sleigh the Holidays Artists!

The artists behind the brilliant compilation Sleigh the Holidays Vol II  graciously answered a few questions I posed to them about their favorite Christmas holiday traditions.  I asked the musicians:

1.  What is your favorite Christmas song (and performer)?

2.  What is a favorite or unique Christmas tradition from your family?

3.  What is your favorite holiday treat?

The responses were fantastic!  There were some surprises, and a couple new (to me) holiday treats that look incredibly scrumptious.   Here are their answers (click the link in the artist name for more info):

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B.K.L.A.  

1.  "O Holy Night" by Celine Dion and "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway

2.  Opening presents!

3.  Swedish Saffron Bread  (Der Bingle note:  I googled this, and it looks delicious!  I may try my hand at making this.)

B.K.L.A.

Swedish Saffron Buns

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e.woolf

1.  "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

2.  Chinese food for dinner and a movie! (we're jewish)

3.  warm apple cider

e.woolf

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Julianne Hope

1.  "My Only Wish (This Year)" by Britney Spears

2.  Christmas Day Breakfast!

3.  Cookies

Julianne Hope

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Miette Hope

1.  "Last Christmas" by Wham 

2.  My family usually decorates a big wreath rather than a whole tree so we don’t have to kill a tree to be festive.

3.  Russian tea cookies

Miette Hope

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Olivia Reid

1.  "Last Christmas" by Wham never misses

2.  We’ve gone to the movies on Christmas Eve several years and it’s always so fun and cozy. (Shout out to the concession stand employees for still being there dishing up popcorn and giant sodas for us on a holiday)

3.  Peppermint mochas!

Olivia Reid

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The Blah Blah Blahs

1.  Dominick the Donkey - Lou Monte

2.  My late grandma who raised me would always make trays of struffoli for friends and family. It’s an Italian holiday dessert that is a real pain in the ass to make, but every year I would help her roll out and cut the dough. We probably made thousands of those little delicious fried bread balls together. She passed the struffoli torch to me, so now I’m the one making her recipe for friends and family for Christmas.  (Der Bingle note:  I had never heard of this treat.  It looks decadent!  Another one to try to make this season.)

3.  All 12 fishes in the Italian Christmas feast

The Blah Blah Blahs

Struffoli

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Devon Michael

1.  The one Christmas song that always ends up on repeat at my house is "Dominick the Donkey." It’s such a quirky classic, and it never fails to make me smile - it’s pure, festive joy!  (Der Bingle note:  TWO votes for Dominick the Donkey!)

2.  My family gets very competitive about baking. Our annual holiday cookie contest is no joke.

3.  Snickerdoodles! My aunt only makes them for special occasions - those fluffy, cinnamon & sugary cookies are the highlight of the season :)

Devon Michael

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disco shrine

1.  Last Christmas - Wham  (Der Bingle note:  That's three votes for "Last Christmas", nosing out ol' Dominick for the lead)

2.  Persian food + Queen dance party.

3.  Pecan Pie  

disco shrine

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Rachel K Collier

1.  Snowman - Sia

2.  Decorating the Christmas tree with wild baubles

3.  Mince pie with a load of cream

Rachel Collier

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BITTERS

1.  I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard

2.  I'm British so doing the Christmas crackers around the dinner table on 25th was always a favorite!

3.  Sticky Toffee Pudding

BITTERS

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JPOLND

1.  The Chipmunk Song!! I just love them so much - I can't help it!!

2.  We always had spaghetti and meatballs for Christmas eve and I’ve kept that tradition going. Mine has to be gluten free now, but it’s still delicious

3.  Chocolate chip cookies!!

JPOLND

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Devon Baldwin

1.  Carol of the Bells

2.  My mom and I throw a Christmas caroling x karaoke party every year with a live band (made up of friends) and it's one of my favorite nights of the year!

3.  Pumpkin pie!

Devon Baldwin

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With all this music and all of those amazing treats, the HBM holiday party has got to be a blast!  I wonder how one gets an invitation to that....  hmmmm...... 😉

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II: 

Spotify link

Amazon Music link

New Music: Sleigh the Holidays Volume 2

It is a true pleasure to bring you one of the best albums of 2025, Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II, from HBM Records.

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II is a compilation album featuring an outstanding collection of seasonal tunes from an all-queer, women, and non-binary lineup of musicians from across the globe.  In the words of Head Bitch Music (HBM) founder Marilyn Reles-Lozano, Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II "celebrates queer joy, chosen family, and the beautiful chaos of the season".   The compilation also supports The Ally Coalition, raising funds for LGBTQIA+ youth.  

I absolutely love the idea of this album.  I love the cause this album supports.  I love the sense of community that exudes from this album, both in its music and in its spirit.  And, most of all, I love the music that HBM has gathered from an amazing collection of musicians.  From beginning to end the performances and arrangements are strong, played with passion, reverence, wit, pride, and attitude!

Some of my personal favorites from the album:

"Jingle Bells" by The Blah Blah Blahs.  I've heard a gazillion versions of Jingle Bells, but this cut by the Los Angeles band The Blah Blah Blahs hooked me immediately.  Within five seconds I knew it was going on my annual comp, and that I'd be playing it on my December guest-DJ gig on local radio.  Rhythmically, it pretty much sticks to standard.  Stylistically, it's erupting like a pyroclastic flow with creativity and energy.  

The Blah Blah Blahs

"Singing in the Snow" by Olivia Reid.  This one caught me by surprise - listen and you'll understand why.  Beautiful vocals, soft and gentle guitar accompaniment, a reserved rhythm section.  This also made my annual Christmas compilation.  

Olivia Reid

"In the Bleak Midwinter" by Rachel Collier.  "One-woman electronic production machine" Rachel Collier modernizes and funky-techs this 19th-century Christmas standard (one of my all-time favorite carols).  

Rachel Collier

"A Marshmallow World" by e.woolf.  Layered sound, slight, expertly-done deviations from the original melody, and gorgeous vocals make this truly enjoyable.  e.woolf's playfullness with melody is discreetly applied and sounds natural and wonderful.

e.woolf

So, my holiday music loving friends, treat yourself and add Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II to your playlist.  At present the album is available via streaming.  And stay tuned, as there may be more treats from the Sleigh the Holidays artists in Santa's bag...

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II track list:

1.    Christmas Time (Me, Myself and I)  Bitters

2.    Jingle Bells  The Blah Blah Blahs

3.    It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year  Liv Slingerland

4.    two queens in a king sized bed  NIKI DEMAR, Julianne Hope

5.    snowglobe  Skyler Cocco

6.    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas  Frances Anderson

7.    A Marshmallow World  e.woolf

8.    Santa Baby  JPOLND

9.    Bestie Christmas  Donnie Brightko

10.    In the Bleak Midwinter  Rachel K Collier

11.    Blue Christmas  Miette Hope

12.    Singing in the Snow  Olivia Reid

13.    Dear Santa  Disco Shrine

14.    Silent Night  Devon Baldwin

15.    Auld Lang Syne  Devon Michael

Listen on Spotify here!

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II: 

Spotify link

Amazon Music link

Still reading?  Surprise!  In addition to streaming Volume II, you can stream Sleigh the Holidays, Volume I, released in 2024.  Enjoy!

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume I:  

Spotify link

Apple Music link

About Head Bitch Music: 

Head Bitch Music (HBM) is a multi-faceted, multi-service creative company that was built for artists by artists. As a full-service music production house HBM offers studio time, production, and mixing/mastering services for our clients. In addition to creating custom music, HBM also offers a boutique digital distribution service as well as music licensing and publishing services. HBM can best be described in three simple words: Bold; Honest; Diverse. The HBM team prides themselves on being independent thinkers, empathetic strategists, and equitable partners with all of their clients. The music industry is always evolving, so HBM strives to stay ahead of the curve. 

Sipping and Reading at Parkville Coffee (Der Bingle's Holiday Gift Guide)

Parkville Coffee in Parkville, Missouri is a small-town haven on the outskirts of the city where coffee enthusiasts intertwine with book lovers, courtesy of owner and author Kristen Helling.  

First, the coffee.  Parkville Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in the Kansas City area, natch.  Their specialty brews, especially the seasonal drinks that Kristen creates, are sublime.  Summertime features berry-accented hot drinks, Fall (of course) highlights Pumpkin Spice lattes, and the colder months offer such deliciousness as the Campfire Mocha (dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow syrup, espresso, and milk topped with graham cracker sprinkles).  Yum yum yum.

Parkville Coffee also offers small-batch roasted coffee beans (or ground, if you prefer) of several varieties and blends.  Their Guatemala coffee and the seasonally-available "Christmas on the River" blend are my favorites.  Kristen and her crew roast the beans in-house, so you are guaranteed freshness in the coffee you take home with you.  And of course you can order coffee beans online, and Parkville Coffee will ship directly to you.

But what's a cup of coffee without a good book in hand?  Kristen offers full service, my friends.  She is the author of (by my count) 12 novels, most in the psychological thriller genre, but she has also explored straight sci-fi (Capsule) and a modern-day pirate adventure (The Severed Sea).

Kristin Helling

Most recently Kristin has combined her passions for coffee and books with a new mystery series, the Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mysteries.  Set in the small town of Roastwood Hollow, coffee roastery owner Clementine Matthews, along with her beloved bearded dragon Robusta, uncovers crimes and engages in home-grown sleuthery (is that a word?) as she works to solve the crimes that beset her beloved village.  I recently read book 1 in the series, In Roast Mortem, and was delighted!  And, (bonus!!) it was set during the Christmas season.  

All of Kristin's books are available through her website and through Amazon.

Kristin is also a co-owner of Wordwraith Books, a publishing company that she and her writing partners created.  At Wordwraith Books you'll find fantasy, sci-fi, thrillers, and the best steampunk western series ever!

So, if your holiday shopping list (for others, or for yourself 😀) includes great coffee and engaging books, visit Kristin's place, Parkville Coffee in Parkville, MO, grab a coffee, buy a book, take home some beans, and maybe even a coffee mug or two.  Tell Kristin that Der Bingle (aka Aaron) sent you!

Parkville Coffee - Order coffee online!

Kristin Helling (Author) website

Wordwraith Books

Kristin Helling on Amazon

New Music from Twangtown Paramours, Zachary Friederich, and Batson Haines

More new Christmas music! Fa la la la la!

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"Waiting for Christmas to Come" - The Twangtown Paramours

The Twangtown Paramours are Nashville-based husband-and-wife duo Mike T. Lewis and MaryBeth Zamer.  Their musical stylings lean to soulful blues, folk, and Americana.  

They are excited to release their new Christmas single, “Waiting for Christmas to Come”. The song is a folk ballad with a country flavor. It’s a Christmas song, yet it is also a song for every day of the year. It’s a celebration of the season, but it is also a plea for all of us who are frustrated by the continual acrimony and conflict in the world to look within ourselves and to examine our relationships at home. Those are the places where we might find the path to peace and goodwill to men. The song was written and produced by Mike T. Lewis, who also played all instruments. The song was sung by MaryBeth Zamer.

The Twangtown Paramours website 

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"Christmastime Is Here" EP by Zachary Friederich

Zachary Friederich, a storytelling songwriter from New York City, has released a new EP for the Christmas season.  "Christmastime is Here" is an EP with five original songs

The songs on "Christmastime Is Here" are fine compositions, smartly arranged, and performed with a heartfelt aplomb.  I think you will enjoy Zachary's new EP.

Christmastime is Here on Spotify

Zachary Friederich Facebook page

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Batson Haines - "Santa's Having a Tailgate"

Kicking things up a bit for your holiday hoe-down is Batson Haines with a new single, "Santa's Having a Tailgate"

Jeff Batson on Facebook

New Music from Cosmic Canyon, Kelsie Watts, and Judy Whitmore

Hello everyone!  Here are a few new songs for your listening pleasure this Christmas season.  Instead of one or two posts featuring many new songs like the Roundups in the past few years, I'll share them out to you in smaller bits here and there for your enjoyment.  If you hear something you like, please support the artists with streams, saves, shares, and purchases.  Enjoy!

 "Bigfoot Christmas" - Cosmic Canyon

Coming to you from the Portland songwriting duo Cosmic Canyon, it's "Bigfoot Christmas", a song of togetherness and making new friends, and cryptids, and Christmas.

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"Christmas in New York" - Kelsie Watts

Currently starring as Queen Jane Seymour in "SIX The Musical" on Broadway in New York City, Kelsie Watts joins in the holiday spirit with a new single, "Christmas in New York"

Spotify link to "Christmas in New York" 

Kelsie Watts Instagram

Kelsie Watts TikTok

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"The Ghosts of Christmas Past" - Judy Whitmore

The Ghosts of Christmas Past is the first single from Judy Whitmore's new album, Christmas.

"The Ghosts of Christmas Past is the new single by acclaimed vocalist, jet pilot, best-selling author, psychotherapist, and theater producer Judy Whitmore. The original holiday single is co-written by famed writer/producer/ vocal teacher Michael Orland (American Idol) and Jamie Wooten (writer and producer of many episodes of "The Golden Girls", among numerous other credits). "The Ghosts of Christmas Past" features Judy's soul-drenched gorgeous vocals gliding over emotive keys and festive sonics for a one-of-a-kind listen.

Judy shares, "I was in the studio one day with my dear friend and Music Director, Michael Orland. We were trying out songs for my new Christmas album when he mentioned he had written a song titled “The Ghosts of Christmas Past.” He played it for me, and I knew instantly it had to be on the album. The lyrics are so heartfelt and the melody so haunting. I shed a few tears the first time I sang it. The song captures what Christmas is all about. I think it will stand the test of time."

Christmas, Judy's new album, is a 12-song collection featuring beautiful new versions of holiday standards, accompanied by a full orchestra.  

Judy Whitmore website

"Christmas" on Spotify

"Christmas" by Judy Whitmore on Amazon

Coffee and Questions with Author Tiffany Killoren (Der Bingle's Holiday Gift Guide)

Tiffany Killoren is a Kansas City-based author (and former attorney) who has become a vibrant member of the local literary community, with books, magazine articles, and writer's workshops in her long list of credits.  I first met Tiffany as she braved Planet Comicon in Kansas City, bearing books whose covers were adorned with butterflies and flowers, as cosplayers dressed as Bane, Groot, and Darth Vader strolled by.  Her works that first year, Good Will and Uncharted Therapy, were decidedly out of the fantasy/sci-fi channel that tends to dominate the book selection at the 'Con.  Tiffany was there as part of the Metamorphosis Literary Agency group (an absolutely wonderful woman-led company, BTW), and their table, featuring many female authors and their works, was getting good attention from the 'Con crowd.

Tiffany Killoren

Tiffany and I chatted for a bit, and she told me about her upcoming book, a mystery, which at the time was a new genre for her as an author.  This piqued my interest, so I followed her socials to learn when her mystery novel would be published.  "Pretty Dead Things", written using the nom de plume Lillian West, arrived in late 2024.  I bought a copy from Tiffany at Planet Comicon in early 2025, and eagerly read it (as Der Bingle loves a good mystery).

And indeed a good mystery it is.  "Pretty Dead Things" is a dual-timeline story, slowly unraveling a generations-old murder mystery in a small town.  The story is tight, the writing is exceptional, the characters come to life.  For a first mystery novel, it is a smashing success.  I enjoyed it tremendously, and 5-star recommend it for the mystery lovers on your Christmas list.

Tiffany Killoren at Planet Comicon

The story gets even better!  Tiffany agreed to meet me one morning recently at a local coffee shop, for some Q&A about her book, writing, and (of course) Christmas.  

Q and A with Tiffany Killoren

Favorite family Christmas tradition:  Oyster Stew is a old family Christmas tradition from her Dad's family.  They keep this tradition alive each Christmas season, even though the stew is not at the top of everyone's Yum! list.

How many Christmas trees go up in your house?  Five total, and three are named:  Pretty Pretty Fancy Tree, Crazy Crazy Happy Tree, Itty Bitty Funky Tree.

Favorite Christmas song/singer/album:  Pentatonix, Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack in general.  Crooner story:  Tiffany and a friend met Michael Buble behind the Midland Theatre in KC once as he stepped out of his tour bus.  They were there for his concert, and in taking a 'shortcut' to the entrance doors, had the fortunate timing to meet Mr. Buble.

Favorite Christmas homemade treat:  Treats that mix the sweet & salty tastes, like chocolate covered pretzels.

Do you do Christmas baking/sweet-making?  Yes - Royal Icing fancy-decorated sugar cookies, to give as gifts.  Also on her list: “Gremlins” (aka Turtles) and peppermint bark.

Fruitcake – yes or no?  A qualified, slightly hesitant Yes.  (Tiffany and I are planning to meet for coffee again in early December, where she will receive one of Der Bingle's fruitcakes, which I'm certain she will love 😊).

Charitable organization everyone should support during the Christmas season?  Harvesters, Parkville Animal Shelter, both Kansas City non-profit organizations.  Tiffany is also engaged with a group that provides clothing suitable for interviews for job seekers who may not have their own interview-worthy clothing.

Author who inspires you?  Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10.  She focuses on the experience of isolation.

Book that everyone should read?  (Without hesitation) In Cold Blood by Truman Capote.  (This led to a fairly lengthy discussion about it being the pioneering true crime novel and its influence not only on true crime but on non-fiction writing in general).

What was your writing process for your mystery?  I've heard John Irving say that he outlines and structures everything in his works-in-progress to the nth degree, and E.L. Doctorow talk about letting the story write itself.  Where does your process lie?  Somewhere in the middle.  Tiffany sets the framework of the story first – how it begins, how it ends, and then creates the narrative getting from the beginning to the end.  Sometimes along the way a planned minor character take on a larger role than intended.  There can be surprises that come up as the story is being created.

Are there plans for another ‘found things’ mystery?  Not exactly ‘found things’, but the town that Pretty Dead Things was set in will be the setting for two other mysteries.  Pretty Dead Things was inspired by a real occurrence of finding an item of value (a ring) in amongst a can of baubles & trinkets.  The 'found things' motif won't be repeated, but the town of Hickory Falls certainly contains other mysterious happenings and will be the geographic star of her next two mystery novels.

Where can I purchase your books?  In Kansas City, Zona Rosa Barnes & Noble.  For others, all the major bookselling online outlets carry all of Tiffany's books.  Rainy Day Books, a local independent bookstore, also has Pretty Dead Things in stock.

Tiffany Killoren website

Tiffany Killoren, Author Facebook page

Tiffany Killoren Author page on Amazon

Der Bingle's Holiday GIft Guide: Insomniac Illustrations

Insomniac Illustrations is the storefront for Kansas City digital artist Cassandra Byard, creator of superb artwork using characters from across the spectrum of comicbook-dom, fantasy, and science fiction.  In her works, you'll find The Mandalorian, Grogu, The Doctor, Jack Skellington, and many more, imagined in many inspired and unexpected settings.  Cassandra is a regular at Planet Comicon, held each Spring in Kansas City.  Her Insomniac Illustrations booth at each 'Con has grown in size and improved in location year after year.  In 2025 Cassandra had a coveted corner booth, and every time I walked by she was busy with buyers.  

Cassandra at her Insomniac Illustrations booth

I've been acquainted with Cassandra for many years now, purchasing greeting cards, stickers, and other offerings from her.  She had a small selection of whimsical Christmas-themed cards for a couple years (perhaps she'll bring those back!).  Cassandra is an exceptionally talented artist, knowing how to make her work stand out from the hundreds of creators at the 'Con by expertly using color, value, and space,  and creating action in each work, giving them a unique energy.  

"A Quiet Morning" by Cassandra Byard

Cassandra, in addition to being a fine artist, is one of the nicest people around and a terrific member of the human race, and is always a pleasure to see each year at the 'Con.  She is an exceptional creator that is worth supporting with your holiday shopping dollars.  If prints, cards, and stickers from the world of super heroes and Star Wars are on your Christmas shopping list this year, please visit Cassandra's storefront, Insomniac Illustrations.  Orders from Insomniac Illustrations can be shipped to any domestic US location.

"Arcanely Picturesque" by Cassandra Byard

"Extermination Day" by Cassandra Byard

Insomniac Illustrations website