The South Yorkshire musicians raising money for charity with songs this Christmas

Musicians far and wide are doing their bit to encourage people to dig deep this year, launching their own Christmas singles to raise funds for charity and spread some festive cheer.

Among them are Sheffield-born comedy group Seldom Differ, consisting of members Matt Skillington, Ryan Howes and John Patrick, who have teamed up with Luke Collins of Apperley Bridge Studio to create a charity single which they say points towards the fact that this Christmas may be one to remember for all the wrong reasons.

Now based in London, the group hope that the song – which gets its name from the their podcast Seldom Differ’s Terrible Features – will, as John said, “bring the nation together with gallows humour.”

The charity single, a Terrible Christmas, is available for download on Amazon Music, iTunes and Bandcamp with all proceeds going to Shelter, the UK’s biggest housing and homelessness charity which offers its services to those in South Yorkshire through its Sheffield branch.

Elsewhere Rotherham musician, Martyn Scott, has written and produced a festive song called ‘You Won’t Lock Me Down For Christmas’ which is currently available to buy on iTunes and can be streamed on various platforms including Spotify and YouTube.

It is also attached to a special and new concept Christmas card that Martyn is selling through Make My Day Telegrams, a business which bridges the gap between the singing telegram and the tradition greetings card through the use of a smartphone, of which he is co-director.

A percentage of the profits will go to CALM, the campaign against living miserably – a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide which Martyn says his business is also teamed with and regularly donates to.

Sheffield musician and songwriter Russell Thomas has also released his first single ‘Fireflies’ this festive season.

Although it isn’t technically Christmas themed, the song deals with the subject of abuse and is still supporting a great charity with all proceeds going to The Lucy Faithfull Foundation – a UK wide child protection charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse.

Released on December 1, it is now available to buy on iTunes and can be listened to through Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music to name a few.

Written with her brother a few Christmases ago, Grace Hamberger – otherwise known as Gretchin Music – has released a song called ‘Don't Feel Like Christmas’ and says the lyrics feel very apt this year.

Money from each download of the song will be split between b:friend, a Doncaster-based charity which works to combat loneliness by pairing volunteers with older isolated members of their community; and Compliments of The House, in Brixton, which collects fresh and nutritious foods to give to those in need.

Grace said: “Both charities have been massively affected this year by the devastating effects of the pandemic. Many older people have found themselves isolated completely and food banks are receiving less food than ever due to many closing completely due to COVID restrictions.”

The single is available through Bandcamp and has raised over £200 so far.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.