Joyzine's annual Advent Calendar marks its 22nd edition with free music downloads each day of December. Day 8 features composer Craig Fortnam's rendition of the traditional carol 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' available for immediate download. The initiative supports HOPE not hate through optional donations.
Overview of the Advent Calendar
Joyzine has launched its 22nd consecutive Advent Calendar for 2025, recognized as one of the longest-running online festive music series. Each day brings a new track from independent artists, provided completely free without requiring email sign-ups or personal information. This year's proceeds encourage donations to HOPE not hate, an organization combating far-right extremism through research and community support.
Craig Fortnam's Contribution
On December 8, the spotlight falls on Craig Fortnam, a versatile composer known for his work with the North Sea Chamber Orchestra and as a member of the Cardiacs Family. His track is a reimagined version of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,' originally released as the B-side to his December 'Lunar One' single. Fortnam explained in an interview that this piece is part of a year-long series of download-only singles, now compiled into a digital album on Bandcamp.
Fortnam's Recent Work
Throughout 2025, Fortnam stayed active across multiple projects. He contributed to the North Sea Radio Orchestra's new LP, Special Powers, which included major live performances. As part of Arch Garrison with James Larcombe, he completed several gigs, while his solo efforts continued apace. A highlight was his involvement in the long-awaited Cardiacs album LSD, where he provided vocals, glockenspiel, and percussion. In October, he debuted Music For String Quartet & Percussion, composed over the summer and performed by the Inkling Quartet. Upcoming is the collaborative album Empty Vessels with Laurent Valero, blending guitars, recorders, and hurdy-gurdy in an early music style, set for release in 2026 on Dark Companion label. Currently, he's crafting custom guitar compositions as holiday gifts for Bandcamp supporters.
Looking Ahead
For 2026, Fortnam plans shows to promote Empty Vessels, Cardiacs performances in London, Manchester, and Glasgow starting in March, new material with North Sea Radio Orchestra, keyboard duties for The Holy Family, and a brief Arch Garrison tour. He shared musical highlights from 2025, including Cardiacs' LSD, Lost Crowns' The Heart Is In The Body, and Vexilla Regis by Marco Cannavo and Steve Tyler. Fortnam views Christmas fondly, recalling childhood memories and looking forward to carol singing on his village green with local musicians, including Gryphon member Brian Gulland.
The track can be streamed and downloaded directly from Joyzine's site, joining previous days' offerings from artists like Piney Gir and The Scaramanga Six.