The Bitter Chills present an unusually sinister view of the holiday season for their new video, “Not Yet, Santa.” In it, we see the members of the New Jersey indie folk band being stalked as they go through the events of the day. By the end, we discover that Santa Claus himself is doing the stalking – and may have some naughty intentions toward the unsuspecting musicians.
“We wanted to have fun with the idea of Santa as a kind of unstoppable, menacing force, something like Michael Myers,” says Matt Cheplic, the band’s singer and main songwriter. The idea behind the song is not just about a scary Santa. Cheplic says, “It’s a song about the aggressive music and marketing of Christmas, which feels impossible to escape, no matter where you go.”
“Not Yet, Santa” is the title track of Not Yet, Santa: A Thanksgiving EP, the group’s fourth release on Mint 400 Records. Even though The Bitter Chills are not usually known for protest music, this EP sends a clear message about the holiday season. Cheplic explains, “This situation has gotten out of hand. Every year, the onslaught of Christmas decorating and marketing starts a little earlier, and it’s time someone spoke out. We just want some time to enjoy Thanksgiving and the autumn before Santa Claus and his minions take over completely. This is a crucial issue we believe a fractured nation can agree on.”
The EP still has the band’s well-loved folky sound, catchy tunes, and playful lyrics. But it also brings in new touches, like the production on the title track, which was inspired by old Motown holiday songs. There is also a special guest performance from trombonist Matt Ryan of The Defending Champions, who adds a smooth feel to “Late-Night Stuffing,” a song that celebrates sneaking to the fridge for leftovers.
The EP was produced by Cheplic and Tim Robert Fulton, who also play guitar and bass. Christian Kisala handles drums and percussion. As Fulton jokes, “Lots of artists have recorded holiday albums. But we guarantee this one is the most Thanksgivingy of them all.”