December 10, 2011 16:53

Emmy The Great: 'Our Christmas album is a sign of the Mayan apocalypse'

Singer has theories about her and Tim Wheeler's 'This Is Christmas'

Photo: Press

Emmy The Great and Tim Wheeler are just one duo releasing Christmas albums this year.

They release 'This Is Christmas' on December 12, and join the likes of She And Him and Smith And Burrows, as well as Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys, in putting out festive music.

Emmy, who released her own album 'Virtue' in June, says she knows why there is so much seasonal music on offer this year.

She said: "I have two theories. It's either a sign of the Mayan apocalypse coming next year or it's to do with record sales.

She added:

I think artists are forced to be more creative now. You can’t just sit back and wait for the money to roll in any more. You have to keep busy.

'This Is Christmas' was recorded while Emmy and Tim were snowed in together last Christmas.

The Ash frontman said: "We did three or four songs then and the rest in May and August. It was a bit weird at first, but we got into it after listening to Phil Spector's Christmas album 'A Christmas Gift For You'.

"That helped. Christmas is a state of mind."

Watch 'Home For The Holidays' by Emmy The Great And Tim Wheeler below.