Trickster has just released his latest recording which is a swinging take on the Christmas classics, Silent Night and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.
Trickster is the alias of Austrian singer and entrepreneur Juergen Pichler. Filmed at the iconic Pinewood Studios, the home of James Bond, the outrageous video for the single is drenched in 1940s style vintage glamour as some of the world’s best dancers hit the floor to recreate the eye-popping festive energy of a New Orleans-style Christmas party. The music video was created by a crew that has worked on Lord of the Rings, Mission Impossible and Independence Day.
The song was produced by Richard Flack (Joe Strummer, Florence & The Machine, Grace Jones, Beverley Knight, INXS) and Trickster himself. It was recorded at legendary London recording studios, Angel and RAK with mixing at Abbey Road. Producer Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright, World Party, Carole King) is also associated with the project. The lavishly created ‘Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ features the Grammy® Award - winning vocal group The Swingles, a stunning big band and string section arranged and orchestrated by Callum Au (Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé, Metropole Orkest). The release of ‘Silent Night vs Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' lands just before the John Woo film of the same name is due to impact. The motion picture is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 1, 2023, by Lionsgate.
Trickster made his debut in November 2022 with the single 'Thank F*** It's Christmas'. Alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, he performed a song not suitable for all audiences containing profanity and reflecting the tensions and stress of that year. The lyrics were written by Guy Chambers in collaboration with comedian Steve Furst and Trickster.
Dubbed "the only Christmas song that could have come from 2022", its lyrics denounced problematic factors of that year, such as the activities of the British government, the cost of living crisis, the pandemic and the ultra-rich who are looking to go to Mars. A simple version titled 'Praise Be It's Christmas' was also released and both of its music videos went viral, with several million views on YouTube.
One of these clips (above) was directed by Phil Griffin (known for his work with Amy Winehouse, Diana Ross, Paul McCartney) and the other, filmed in the Swiss Alps, was directed by Norbert Blecha (Requiem für Dominik, Wolfsliebe). The funds raised from the two songs were donated by Trickster to charities working to protect children and fight world hunger.
Released earlier this year, Trickster's debut single, ‘Still Kicking’ tells the story of his miraculous escape from a devastating car crash in 2017 that turned his vehicle into a fireball. It was that incident that made him determined to realise his musical dreams. Trickster's debut album is scheduled for release in 2024.