Published at 08:56, Friday, 11 December 2009

Bah humbug! A Carlisle singer/songwriter is hoping to be Christmas number one with his song The Ballad Of The Grumpy Old Men.

Stew Simpson

Stew Simpson has penned his amusing festive song to try to knock a pop star off the top of this year’s Christmas hitlist.

Stew, 31, said: “My song gets to the heart of how Christmas Day unfolds in so many British households.

“I do like Christmas but I think working in retail makes you think about it. I worked in big stores in London for two years.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am very, very fond of Christmas but for a long time I haven’t like the capitalist side of it.

“Christmas shouldn’t be about plasma TVs, expensive cars and things.

“It should be about being with your family and friends and caring about them and having a good time.

“It shouldn’t be about having lots of money.”

Stew, who graduated with a degree in fine art from the former art college on Brampton Road, is currently working at HMV in Carlisle and living in Castle Carrock to the east of the city.

He said: “Musically, the song is jolly and packed full of Christmas cliches.

“The obligatory variety of bells, Phil Spector-style harmonies and party atmosphere all evoke a reassuring familiarity.”

Stew drafted in students from the University of Cumbria to help him shoot the video in central London. And Carlisle photographer Mike Griffiths shot the song’s cover.

He said: “When I was in London I was in a rock/punk/ska band called The Birth of BonOyster. They weren’t keen on doing a Christmas song so I did it alone.

“I am up against the big boys vying for Christmas number one.

“Obviously there will be the X Factor winner, The Soldiers and I reckon Peter Kay will be in there but I think my song is different and maybe odd enough for people to back a download.”

“If I was number one it would be the best feeling as I really am the underdog,” added Stew.

The song is being released via iTunes, Spotify, hmv.com. tesco.com and Napster from Monday.

Stew is playing a gig at St Peter’s Church in Castle Carrock tomorrow at 7.30pm. Pay on the door.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk