Music Ideas for Your Last-Minute Gift List

With Christmas just around the corner, we’re all looking for things to get our friends and family to wrap up under the tree. Of course, we’re a little biased here at Madison Records, but we think music makes a great gift. Obviously, we’re not alone. The National Retail Federation’s annual survey of holiday shopping habits found that for 18-24 year olds, about 50 percent of the gifts they plan to buy will be books and other media (we’re reading other media as music).

It’s no wonder music makes a great gift. Everyone loves music, and there’s something available to suit every taste. Shopping for it is also easy: order online, pick up a CD or record at your favorite local store, or get your loved one a gift card for their preferred streaming service.

We’ve made it even easier for you with a few fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing as you’re making out your Christmas list.

First off, you’ll want to put Tony Lewis’s new Christmas song in your playlist’s rotation -- “Christmas is Nothing (Without You).” The song was released at the beginning of December as a thank you to his fans, and you can purchase a signed copy of the CD with a bonus track “Here and Now” from Tony’s website.

We asked a couple of our Madison Records artists for their recommendations as well. The songs that make it to the top of their personal playlists show just how varied their personal tastes are, and provide good inspiration for you as you look for music, both new and old, to fill those stockings on Christmas Eve.

Alex Tru, whose single “Summer Night” came out earlier this year, has Ariana Grande’s “God was a Woman” and Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty at the top of her playlist. She’s’ also listening to Thomas Rhett, a singer songwriter with southern swagger and a mix of pop. Of course, Alex’s list wouldn’t be complete without one of her favorites, Frank Sinatra. “Fly Me to the Moon,” is in her rotation, but his Christmas music is also a favorite.

Hannah Zale, who released a new album, “Eye See You,” with her band Zale this fall, also has a wide variety of artists at the top of her playlist. Like Alex, she loves the smooth jazz of the 40s and 50s, and has Ella Fitzgerald’s “Witchcraft” among her top songs. Fun ones like “Maneater” by Hall & Oates and “Toxic” by Britney Spears pique her interest. And “Little Monster” by Royal Blood rounds out the variety, spotlighting a duo from the UK who perform a unique sound rooted in blues and hard rock.

Andrew Evans, guitar/vocals of The Stir, leans a little more toward rock in his choice of music. He finds inspiration in his own music through the work of Sleep, an American doom metal band from southern California. The band has a new album out this year, Marijnaut’s Theme, which has become part of Andrew’s playlist. You’ll also find him listening to Kyuss and All Them Witches, both rock bands with their own unique sound.

Purchasing and streaming music is a great way to support your favorite artists. While you’re adding Sinatra and Britney Spears to your playlist, why not also download music from the great musicians who record here at Madison Studios. Check out our Artists page for links and information.