Williamsburg Artists Release Holiday Album “Peace” to Celebrate Unity

A new holiday album titled “Peace” has been launched by a group of five artists from Williamsburg, celebrating themes of unity, love, and the joy of the festive season. The album features a diverse mix of songs, including a whimsical track called “Rumba Ruined Christmas,” which narrates a humorous scenario of a robotic vacuum cleaner disrupting Santa’s visit.

The creative minds behind “Peace” include experienced musicians Ken Ashby, Maris Segal, Dick Smith, Cabot Wade, and John Tracy. Ashby, a seasoned songwriter, expressed the playful nature of the album, explaining that the idea for the entertaining track was inspired by the chaos that ensues when an automated vacuum cleaner gets caught up in the holiday festivities. “It’s midnight, and nobody ever told the Rumba not to clean the living room,” Ashby noted, highlighting the lighthearted spirit of the music.

Collaborative Effort and Charitable Goals

The album consists of 10 original songs, including “My Menorah Said to Me,” a Hanukkah tune, and “Peace on Earth,” featuring lyrics in multiple languages to reflect inclusivity. A portion of the album’s sales will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, which supports local youth programs. Segal emphasized the importance of combining music and charity, stating, “Music is a great unifier, and Kiwanis is a huge passion for me and Ken.”

The collaborative process began in February, with the group utilizing generative AI technology to enhance their songwriting. This innovative approach allowed them to quickly produce a polished final product ahead of the holiday season. By inputting details about their musical vision into AI software, the artists could create and refine their work efficiently, exploring various genres such as folk, pop, and even street rap.

Deep Roots in Music and Community

The five musicians share a long-standing friendship and creative history, with Ashby and Smith having met in high school in Tennessee. Their shared experiences include involvement with Up with People, a global music and service nonprofit. Ashby and Segal moved to Williamsburg in 2019 after originally coming to the area for a major anniversary celebration.

With over 200 songs penned throughout his career, Ashby has a notable background, including a major British music award for the theme song of an English television show. The Smith-Wade Band, formed in 1971, has remained a staple in the local music scene, playing a mix of rock, folk, and R&B.

Segal, who married into a family with diverse religious backgrounds, aims for the album to resonate with people of various faiths and backgrounds. “We are all connected as humanity first, and every song on this album has heart in a different way,” she explained.

For those interested in adding a new holiday soundtrack to their celebrations, “Peace” is available for $9.99 as a digital download on payhip.com/b/r1k9E. The Kiwanis Club will receive $2 from each purchase. The album is also set to debut in its entirety on WMBG Radio, FM 93.5 The Burg and WMBG AM 740, on December 25, 2023. This festive offering not only aims to entertain but also serves as a meaningful gift that supports the community.