SONG DESCRIPTION “UNDER THE MISTLETOE” (by EirFoyl (feat.) Nicky Boriban)
Edwin Huits, felt an undeniable urge to write a Christmas tune this year. Several personal and emotional triggers led to this moment of inspiration. For one, Edwin has always had a deep love for Christmas—its warmth, its traditions, and the joy it brings. But this particular year, there was something extra special to be thankful for. Fresh from a heartfelt Thanksgiving dinner shared with his band mates, including a lively acoustic show they’d performed for the 150th anniversary of the elementary school his son and Bobby’s son both attended, Edwin was feeling especially festive.
Adding to the holiday spirit was the band’s recent collaboration with Takatsugu Izawa, an accomplished saxophonist. The whole experience made Edwin reflect deeply on how much there was to be grateful for: family, music, and the sense of togetherness that fills the air this time of year. But then, he also began to think about his first Christmas in Japan—how far he was from home, from familiar faces, and the Christmas celebrations he once took for granted. This year, Bobby would be experiencing his first Christmas in Japan, away from his family, too, a fact that made Edwin pause. It brought a wave of recognition that the holiday season, while joyful for many, can feel profoundly lonely for expatriates living abroad, disconnected from the traditions, festivities, and familial bonds they once had.
Inspired by this sense of homesickness and nostalgia, Edwin set out to write a Christmas song that captured the emotions of those living far from their loved ones. It was a song for the expats, for people living in countries where Christmas celebrations are minimal or unfamiliar, for those missing the familiar rituals and the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas. It was also a song for those who were grieving the absence of a loved one—whether through distance, loss, or heartache.
As Edwin began to develop the melody, he was struck by how naturally it leaned toward an Irish, folk-like quality—something that almost felt like a tribute to the beloved Christmas classic Fairytale of New York. It was at that very moment the doorbell rang, and Bobby walked in. In what seemed like an instant, the two friends, both fueled by the festive mood and a shared sense of longing, completed the song in a mere five minutes. The lyrics, while rooted in the expat experience, turned out to resonate with anyone who has ever felt the longing for home, for a loved one, or for the traditions that make Christmas feel whole.
“Under The Mistletoe” emerged as more than just a song about distance or separation—it became a universal anthem for anyone who longs to be with those they care about, whether near or far. The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity: a heartfelt acknowledgment of the sadness that can accompany the holidays, but also a reminder of the joy that still exists in the connections we share with others, no matter the distance.
With its poignant lyrics, charming melody, and timeless message, Under The Mistletoe is poised to become a new holiday classic, sure to touch the hearts of listeners around the world for years to come. It’s the perfect Christmas song for anyone who’s ever felt the bittersweet magic of the season—whether celebrating with loved ones, missing them from afar, or carrying a memory of them in their hearts.
Trivia: For this song, many of the musicians challenged themselves to play instruments outside of their usual expertise. Jim, for instance, picked up the banjo for the first time and also played the guitalele, while Bobby experimented with handbells. Holy played a type of bass he hadn’t used before, and Takatsugu Izawa, known for his saxophone playing, took on the flute. Mihoko, typically a tuba player, played the trombone for this track. Ami, a trumpet player by trade, played the French horn for the first time, and Edwin also picked up several instruments outside of his comfort zone, including a very special one: the accordion.
The story behind Edwin’s accordion is particularly meaningful. The instrument originally belonged to his father’s younger brother, who tragically passed away from cancer at the age of seven. Although other family members wanted to inherit it, the accordion was eventually passed down to Edwin by his grandmother just before her passing. Faced with the responsibility of preserving this family heirloom, Edwin felt the pressure to learn how to play it.
It makes the song even more special that this deeply personal instrument was included in the recording, adding an extra layer of significance to the track for Edwin, and for everyone involved in its creation.
Credits:
Vocals, acoustic guitars, handbells and backing vocals – Bobby McMahon
Vocals and backing vocals – Nicky Boriban
12-string guitar, guitalele, banjo and backing vocals – Jim Lews
Contrabass – Holy
Drums, sleighbells, church bells, celeste, bodhran, timpani, piatti, floor tom, marching snare, trumpet 1, dulcimer, Uilleann pipes, hurdy gurdy, piano, wind organ, accordion, Hammond organ, programming, all arrangements and backing vocals – Edwin Huits
Fiddle and all additional violins – Lucy Le Marquand
Saxophones and flute – Takatsugu Izawa
Trombone – Mihoko Satoh
French horn – Ami Kawahara
Trumpets – Riko Hasebe
Choir – Bobby McMahon, Jim Lewis, Edwin Huits, Yuki Ishida, Kaito McMahon, Minato McMahon, Rie Huits, Maarten Huits, Nicky Huits, Takumi Federico, Naoki Federico, Giovanni Federico, Nicky Boriban and Charmaine Minami
Kids playing down the hall – Maarten Huits, Nicky Huits, Wendy Huits, Kaito McMahon, Minato McMahon and Hugo Ayers
Christmas party and wishes – all of the aforementioned with the addition of Shaun Ayers and Adam Ayan
Recorded at Studio HUITS, LLC. in Nishiharamura, Japan
Engineered and produced by Edwin Huits
Mastered by Adam Ayan
Written, composed and arranged by:
Bob Davidson McMahon, Edwin Mark Huits, James Andrew Lewis and Yuuki Hori
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/ie/album/under-the-mistletoe-feat-nicky-boriban-single/1785175504?ls
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5LFMuWKlqxLtrisFNeQSBc?si=6kq-0d06SDmWeCC4mI-8eQ&utm_source=copy-link
SONG DESCRIPTION “MIDSUMMER SUN”
Introducing EirFoyl’s latest single, “Midsummer Sun” – a powerful rock anthem that encourages listeners to shed old stigmas and embrace their true selves. This track masterfully blends rock and grunge elements, creating a dynamic sound that is indirect but deeply felt. With its empowering message, “Midsummer Sun” invites you to shine brightly as your best self, free from the weight of others’ opinions. Immerse yourself in this musical experience and feel the energy of EirFoyl’s latest release, “Midsummer Sun”.
Credits:
Vocals, guitars and backing vocals – Bobby McMahon
Electric/lead guitars and backing vocals – Jim Lews
Electric bass – Holy
Drums, keys and backing vocals – Edwin Huits
Choir: Bobby McMahon, Jim Lewis, Edwin Huits, Shaun Ayers, Junko McMahon, Kaito McMahon, Rie Huits, and Maarten Huits
Recorded at Studio HUITS, LLC. in Nishiharamura, Japan
Engineered and produced by Edwin Huits
Mastered by Adam Ayan
Written, composed and arranged by:
Bob Davidson McMahon, Edwin Mark Huits, James Andrew Lewis and Yuuki Hori
SONG DESCRIPTION “HIGHER PLACES”
“Higher Places” by EirFoyl unfolds with the evocative twang of Jim’s slide guitar, reminiscent of an airplane’s ascent—a poignant nod to their band’s name and the beginning of their musical voyage. Starting softly with acoustic guitars, Bobby’s vocals weave in, complemented by Holy’s steadfast bass and Edwin’s intricate string arrangements, each note resonating with the band’s global origins.
Initially rooted in American roots and singer-songwriter traditions, the song evolves into a grand orchestral rock anthem. A soaring choir section invites listeners to join in, while a mesmerizing guitar solo sends shivers down the spine. This transformation is a testament to EirFoyl’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a sonic experience that transcends boundaries.
Inspired by Edwin’s former elementary school teacher, Frank Batenburg, whose unpublished melody sparked the song’s genesis, “Higher Places” is more than just music; it’s a collaborative journey. Discovered during a recording session in Edwin’s Nishiharamura studio, Bobby’s lyrical reinterpretation and the band’s collective vision breathed new life into Frank’s composition. The result is a poignant narrative of aspiration and unity, where each member’s unique background enriches the tapestry of sound.
As “Higher Places” culminates in a crescendo of emotion and musical prowess, it embodies EirFoyl’s ethos—a celebration of cultural diversity, creative synergy, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
Credits:
Vocals, acoustic guitar and backing vocals – Bobby McMahon
Electric/lead guitars and backing vocals – Jim Lews
Electric bass – Holy
Drums, Hammond organ, orchestral arrangements and backing vocals – Edwin Huits
Recorded at Studio HUITS, LLC. in Nishiharamura, Japan
Engineered and produced by Edwin Huits
Mastered by Adam Ayan
Written, composed and arranged by:
Frank Batenburg, Bob Davidson McMahon, Edwin Mark Huits, James Andrew Lewis and Yuuki Hori