When did the initial idea for your latest single come together?
The idea is actually pretty old, and originally started as a creative “in-between-songs” gag in the studio during winter. It was never meant to become a Peel song. But over the years, we never fully let it go, and around late November it would always resurface again. All of us are big on Christmas, and we’ve often played around with the idea of making a Christmas song. I guess now was the time.
How would you describe the track, to a reader that is unfamiliar with the band?
It’s a Christmas song, but not a typical one. It’s atmospheric, melodic, and reflective — more about mood and memory than celebration. It’s a bit bittersweet, and depending on the mood you’re in, it can mean different things. Think alternative rock with a winter glow, rather than festive pop.
Can you tell us a bit more about the meaning behind the track?
The song is about small moments and quiet magic — the excitement you try to recreate for yourself every year but never fully manage to. Those fleeting scenes you notice when everything slows down. Christmas can be joyful, but it can also be nostalgic or bittersweet, and we wanted to capture that mix rather than lean into clichés.
How would you say that the track compares to anything you’ve done before?
It’s softer and more restrained than most of our earlier work, but it still feels very Peel. The focus on melody, atmosphere, and storytelling is the same — it’s just filtered through a seasonal lens.
What was the hardest part about putting it together, and why?
Resisting the urge to overdo it, and just letting it be a Christmas song, while still keeping the essence of what makes Peel “Peel,” if that makes sense. A Christmas song can easily become too busy or obvious, so the challenge was keeping it subtle and honest, and letting the mood do most of the talking.
Why should a reader check out the track?
Because it offers a different take on Christmas music. It’s not loud or overly festive — it’s something you can live with for a moment. Perfect for a winter walk, a late-night drive, or a quiet pause in a busy season.
What else can you tell us about the track, that we haven’t covered in this interview?
It’s one of those songs that started very personal, but once released, it took on a life of its own. Seeing people describe it as nostalgic or cinematic has been really rewarding — it means the feeling translated.
Another thing we think is really cool is that we were lucky enough to have our dear friend — and absolute magician of a musician — Leif Ottesen join in on lead slide guitar. That really lifted the whole song.
Please can you provide links to it here:
Apple Music: Peel – Santa Under the Streetlight
Spotify: Santa Under the Streetlight – Peel
YouTube: PEEL – “Santa Under the Streetlight”
