New Christmas music is hitting the airwaves this season, and one of the newest entries is from singer and actor Drew Seigla, who has rapidly built an impressive musical resume. The Henrico, Virginia, native, now residing in New York City, has ventured beyond his theater roots to explore contemporary Christian music with his latest release, "The Carpenter’s Son."
After showcasing his talents on stages ranging from off-Broadway productions to worship spaces, Seigla collaborated with composer Thomas Raniszewski to create this new song. It shines a meaningful light on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus—a character often overshadowed during the festive season. Seigla reflected on the significance of the role, stating, "He’s a simple carpenter with the responsibility of taking care of a child in hard circumstances. I think a lot of fathers wonder, ‘Am I living up to what I envision myself being?’ All those thoughts Joseph has are relatable in contemporary life."
Seigla has always shown versatility throughout his artistic career, which began at home, where he was encouraged by his parents, both of whom are artists. "Dad has an incredible tenor voice, and Mom has great theatrical presence," he noted, emphasizing how their talents had propelled his early interest. Seigla's craft honed itself through singing at local churches and later through notable educational stints, including six years at The Juilliard School's classical voice program.
The performer made his way back to his home state regularly, gaining invaluable experience with local companies like the Lyric Opera of Virginia. Eventually, he made the leap to New York City full-time in 2014 and has since appeared off-Broadway in well-known titles like "The Fantasticks," "Sweeney Todd," and the Yiddish rendition of "Fiddler on the Roof."
His foray this holiday season aims to etch his name among musical legends known for their Christmas classics. "I think about Andy Williams, Mel Tormé, Elvis [Presley], Josh Groban—they all have a Christmas song or album," Seigla observed, contemplating his ambitions of becoming part of this canon. Now, with "The Carpenter’s Son" available for streaming on platforms like Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, and Spotify, Seigla's hopes may very well materialize.
Seigla described the song as possessing both simplicity and depth. He articulated, "It’s a simple melody, poignant and reflective, but the chorus has a driving passion." This balance serves the purpose of making it accessible for congregations, hinting at its potential function not just as entertainment but also as a carol or hymn sung by many.
Prior to the Christmas release, Seigla also participated in unique collaborations, including touring with the German band Gregorian, known for its contemporary rock and pop songs performed as Gregorian chant. This experience was just one of many ways he has embraced musical diversity.
"It was a cool opportunity to do something different," he reflected on the tour, highlighting his openness to all musical genres. His desire for exploration and variety is evident as he seeks to keep his repertoire fresh and engaging.
Fans eager to hear "The Carpenter’s Son" and experience Seigla’s artistry are reminded of how Christmas music can resonate on multiple levels, exploring themes of family, responsibility, and the human experience. The Christmas season beckons listeners to find joy and reflection through music, and Seigla's new offering is poised to be part of this tradition.
To stay updated on Seigla’s work and future releases, fans are encouraged to find him on social media or subscribe to local newsletters, ensuring they don’t miss out on what promises to be another exciting chapter of musical expression.
