Sault-born artist returns with 'reflective' Christmas song

Singer-songwriter Franklin McKay works primarily in the adult contemporary and Christian genre.

Over the years, he has worked with many renowned musicians, performers and writers including Bill Champlin (Chicago), Heather Rankin (The Rankin Family), Marc Jordan (Rod Stewart), and Greg Fitzgerald (Madonna, Hall and Oates).

His songs have charted on Billboard six times over the years.

His most recent release Breath of Life debuted at No. 50 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart this past February 2021

Although McKay splits his time between Los Angeles and Toronto, he was actually born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie.

His latest release is an original holiday song that he co-wrote with Harry Hess, frontman for band Harem Scarem, now also a world-class songwriter and producer in his own right.

The song Christmas Ain’t the Same (Without You) is not your typical upbeat and happy-sounding holiday song.

It was noted in a press release that McKay understands that “not everybody is jingle-bell happy” at this time of year.

The song lyrics reflect that sentiment. In the song, McKay sings, “Christmas has come another year, but it won't be no holiday. No stockings are hung. No gifts under the tree. I'm just unwrapping memories.”

“It’s more of a reflective song, as opposed to a downer,” notes McKay, in his release.

“Every Christmas isn’t happy for everybody. I think songs have places at different times in our lives and what we’re going through.”

Although the song was created out of the sense of stagnation and emptiness he experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has a more personal connection: the passing of his mother in 2017.

“I think anybody who has lost a loved one can relate on that level,” he writes.

“It’s applicable to anybody that has lost somebody in their lives that they’re used to having around.”

McKay has delved into the Christmas genre before and his song This Christmas hit #24 on the Billboard charts.

He is currently working on a new album.

Find out more about Franklin McKay on his official Facebook page.

Christmas Ain’t the Same (Without You) can be heard on most streaming services, as well as McKay’s YouTube Channel