Lou’ana Spreads Joy this Festive Season with ‘Strawberry Nights (Christmas in Aotearoa)’
The award-winning Lou’ana is heralding the festive season with the soul-stirring and joyful Strawberry Nights (Christmas in Aotearoa) – officially out on all streaming platforms today.
Stepped in nostalgia and feelgood energy, Strawberry Nights (Christmas in Aotearoa) arrives just as New Zealanders begin the countdown to Christmas and the summer holidays.
“I’ve always loved this time of year. There’s such a buzz in the lead-up to Christmas, even amongst all the end-of-year madness. The Christmas parties, decorations, music everywhere, beautiful summer evenings and everyone getting ready to celebrate.”
Lou’ana drew on memories of Christmases past when writing the song with Dillon Riesterer and Nathan Judd, who also produced the song.
“Growing up, I’d celebrate Christmas with both sides of my family, and I have such vivid memories of those times. At my grandparents’ house on Dad’s side, there was always beautiful food, Nana’s perfectly decorated Christmas tree, our favourite Christmas albums playing and the ocean just outside. On Mum’s side, there’d be Samoan food, everyone gathered outside, and inevitably the guitars would come out and we’d all be singing together.”
Lou’ana’s unrivalled voice is the star of Strawberry Nights (Christmas in Aotearoa). Soulful, sultry and packed with feeling, it sits atop uplifting strings, horns and backing vocals to create a warm, lush ode to yuletide.
As for the song’s title and lyrics, Lou’ana explains that they’re inspired by the imagery of those beautiful strawberry-coloured December skies and a well-known 33-year tradition in Auckland. “I visited the Franklin Road Christmas lights many times when I was growing up. It’s such an iconic tradition in Auckland. I love that a little piece of my childhood and our city’s Christmas history is captured in the song.”
And Lou’ana has one wish this Christmas: “I hope listeners feel the warmth, joy and soulfulness of the song. I have Christmas records that I return to year after year, and I love the thought of Strawberry Nights becoming part of someone else’s Christmas traditions too. Something they look forward to playing each December!
