As the winter solstice is upon us, singer-songwriter Pauline Andrés seeks to balance things out with a bit of warmth. Coming in the form of rich guitar tones, real drums, and heartfelt lyrics, “Sweet December” is her ode to the season. After its brief, haunting opening, the chorus arrives quickly, and in major fashion, solidifying Andre’s optimistic, if not poignant outlook on the month. Uniquely positioned as a Christmas song that takes aim at both Christianity and capitalist appropriation, it’s a reminder that the inescapable holiday season has a different meaning for all of us. For Andrés, of Hungarian and Slovenian descent but now based in Nashville, she’s apparently focused on looking forward, as the days only get brighter from here.
Words by Andy Gorel
Photos by Pauline Andrés
“Sweet December is about remembering what the season and the solstice are all about: celebrating the return of the light and keeping each other cheerful and warm during the hardest time of the year. The reason for the season isn’t anyone’s son. But the Winter Solstice sure requires some celebrations to keep us all going. It’s not that deep.”
