Giving In To Love: Sheffield’s Max Restaino releases Christmas song inspired by WWI truce - get it here
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Moved by the extraordinary First World War Christmas Day truce that saw British and German soldiers lay down their weapons and play football, Max Restaino unveils festive single Giving In To Love.
Forget sleigh bells, Santa and reindeer – this is a Christmas song with a difference!
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Max Restaino is hoping to strike a chord with music fans this festive season with Giving In To Love, a jazz-pop anthem carrying a timeless message of peace, compassion and unity.
The single takes inspiration from one of the most remarkable moments of the First World War.
During the Christmas Truce of 1914, British and German soldiers emerged from their trenches along parts of the Western Front, exchanging gifts, shaking hands and, in some locations, playing football in No Man's Land.
For a brief moment, humanity triumphed over hostility.
SHOP HERE: Pre-save Max’s single on Spotify, buy it on iTunes or Amazon Music, and shop exclusive T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more at distrokid.com - CLICK HERE.
The song is out on Friday, December 4 - but you can watch the music video here.
More than a century later, Max hopes to rekindle that extraordinary spirit through music, encouraging listeners to put aside their differences and embrace the true meaning of Christmas.
The song blends his trademark jazz-pop sound with a heartfelt message that feels particularly relevant in a world still troubled by conflict.
Max is no stranger to the spotlight.
An accomplished saxophonist, pianist, guitarist and accordion player, he has performed at prestigious venues including London's O2 Arena and Palladium.
His impressive musical CV includes session work for stars such as Gary Barlow, Donny Osmond and Peter Kay, alongside support appearances with UB40, Tears For Fears, Steps and Peter Andre.
His music has also featured across BBC radio and television, with several tracks selected for regional BBC Track of the Week honours.
Last Christmas, his collaboration Here For Christmas, with Mike Read and Phil Springer, received BBC television exposure.
Now, with Giving In To Love, Max is delivering something more thought-provoking than the traditional festive singalong.
And its message couldn't be simpler: even in the darkest times, compassion can bring people together.
The project has already attracted praise.
Aisling Lantorp, from Sainsbury's Press Office, said: "The message conveyed by that act of humanity in 1914 is, unfortunately, as relevant today as it was then, and we are honoured that our depiction of the same continues to resonate."
Philip Morris, of the Musicians' Union, described it as "an interesting take on the typical festive single."
Find out more: www.maxrestaino.com