10 Questions with ... Dave Barnes

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LABEL:

Razor & Tie

DISCOGRAPHY:

Very Merry Christmas (2010)

1) Talk a little about the process of recording "Very Merry Christmas."

We recorded here in Nashville on Music Row, which is fun enough in itself! I had a great time. I knew all the players; they are guys that have recorded on other albums so it felt a lot like home.

2) How did you narrow down which songs to include on "Very Merry Christmas"?

My manager (Chris DeTray) and I sort of collaborated on which ones we like. The band also helps on which ones they really loved playing and have a good feeling about! That never hurts!

3) Do you have a favorite song on the collection?

I think either "Mary and Joseph" or "Family Tree." I really love what they say and I really worked hard on each one of those, putting them together.

4) What is your all-time favorite Christmas song? Is it different from #3?

HA! Very different! I think it might be "The Christmas Song." I LOVE that song.

5) What is your favorite Christmas memory?

My dad and mom buying me Laser Tag and me getting beat by my dad all day long playing that game. He was a ninja. I couldn't believe how sneaky he was. I always loved and STILL love buying the tree, too.

6) Do have any specific family Christmas traditions?

We always walk into the room Christmas morning together so everyone experiences it the same. It's really fun that way! And we used to be able to open a gift on Christmas Eve, but we don't really do that anymore.

7) What is one thing you hope that Santa brings you this year?

Love. HA! Not really sure. It's usually gadgets, which is really, really boring. Or tickets to see Barcelona play Real Madrid next year. That would be ridiculously awesome.

8) What are some of your favorite Christmas albums?

I love the Vince Guaraldi Peanuts Christmas. The Harry Connick albums are great, too. A personal favorite of mine is also "A Christmas Song" by Russ Taff.

9) Do you have any Christmastime tour plans? Any shows specific to Christmas songs?

I am playing a few shows in December to promote the album, around 14 to be exact. They are all Christmas shows so come on out!

10) If you could travel anywhere in the world to spend Christmas, where would you go?

I would love to spend a Christmas in Europe somewhere. That would be amazing. Maybe Italy? Wow. Yeah. That would be incredible.