You may remember Chip Hullender from the band GRIP? They really GRIPPED us all and burned rubber rolling hard at many motorcycle events like EchoPark (Formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), Daytona Bike Week, Thunder Beach, And Full Throttle’s Rumble on the Noble and other rallies and establishments around the Southeast. After 37 years, Chip retired from performing but didn’t stop writing originals after great songs like Southern Boys, Believe, Dream a little Dream and My Daddy’s Shotgun. He has followed those up with the release his new Christmas song ‘Riding By Christmas Lights. His newsong has something for everyone with themes from classic Christmas carols, rock and roll, pop, country and even a little zydeco. Chip was inspired to write the songs while riding in his son Dawson’s golf cart , Dawson has cerebral palsy and apraxia and cannot speak but he loves music, especially his dads. “He is my biggest fan by far”, Chip said.
“Because I traded in my new motorcycle for his golf cart we started riding around the neighborhood throughout the summer. Wintertime and the holiday came and we were riding by Christmas lights. As we rode at 20 MPH through the neighborhood, the timing, words and melody came to me.” Chip said. “I felt like the world needed a new Christmas song. I needed a new Christmas song!“
He began work on the song in late 2015. With the help of many artists and musicians that gave of their time, talents and sweat equity, the song was produced and ready for release on Nov. 8th. “You can sing to it, you can dance, you can sing rounds in the car and it makes an emotional connection to everyone’s holiday memories. It’s truly amazing the beautiful contributions the musicians made to the song”, He said.
The song is a duet sung by Cartersville talent Mary Beth Benson and Luke Berryhill, a 19 year old sophomore at Georgia State University. “Mary Beth, Luke and everyone involved on the song exceeded my greatest expectations as a songwriter ” Chip said.
Steve Stone from the Atlanta Rhythm Section plays guitars, banjo, mandolin and dobro. Stuart Settles – Synth/Piano, Connor Ingram plays drums, Susan Griffithe – violin, John Williams alto sax, John Kell – alto sax. Tommy ‘Taz’ Williams, Hayleigh Carringer (7), Alex Gilliam (10), Grace Settles (10), Jacob Doyon(6) Carrie Stribling and Chip added backing vocals. Chip’s son Dawson (18), added Sleigh Bells and Triangle.
Stuart Settles who literally came back from a coma after battling back complications from of treatment of Lymphoma recorded, produced and performed on the song at his studio Carrot Igloo. He was awarded 50% of the songwriting copyright for his tremendous contribution
“Proceeds from the song will go toward plans to build a community for adults with disabilities.” He said. “A part of building that community for adults with disabilities is for them to belong, and have jobs and a purpose in life by those that support them.” The tremendous army of disability advocates that Brandi, Chip’s wife and he know, will make her ultimate dream of safe and secure long term care for Dawson and other adults with disabilities a reality though the song. “It’s going to be amazing to watch.” Chip said.
Not to mention the Biker community. “In all my years I have never experienced a more generous group than motorcycles riders. That group cares and shows so much love toward each other and those less fortunate and those that have fallen on hard times. Not to mention what they do for our veterans!” Chip said.
Chip, who has been writing, recording, producing and performing music for over 46 years, has started his own publishing company Tiny Hours Publishing and has future plans to development local talent.
For more about the song like ‘Riding By Christmas Lights’ on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Check out the full story on www.ridingbychristmaslights.com
