Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with The Storm Windows

The Storm Windows - Santa Goes to Space

"The trio of brothers Rob Mathews (guitar and vocals) and Don Mathews (upright bass and vocals) and drummer Erik Anderson today release their new single and video with a universal message of the power of the message of Christmas. Performed in a ballad style reminiscent of John Prine and all those other great folk heroes, Santa and Rudolph decide to take a space adventure on Christmas night to spread the spirit of Christmas throughout “Whole Wide Universe.”

Interview with The Storm Windows

(•)> What inspired the concept of “Santa Goes to Space” and the idea of a universal holiday message?

We were actually about to release a song called America 250 (still coming this spring) but then just had the inspiration that there needed to be a song called “Santa Goes to Space”, and in these times a message of “we’re all in this together” can’t be heard enough, in whatever context.

(•)> How does the song blend traditional Americana/folk elements with its space-themed concept?

We are very fond of the songwriting of John Prine or Tom Waits or Randy Newman and the like, where their best songs often stretch the limits of what’s expected in a “folk” song and we have tried to emulate that here

(•)> Can you describe the creative process behind writing and producing this single?

Rob wrote it and the trio gave it the thumbs up. We got a few friends and hired hands to add in some parts and a choir at the end and voila.

(•)> What story or feeling do you hope listeners take away from “Santa Goes to Space”?

Part the novelty of it, part the spirit of it. Hopefully people will want to sing along.

(•)> How does this single fit into the broader EP “More Lucky” ?

It’s like an addendum to our summer EP release. It all fits together.

(•)> Were there any particular challenges or surprises while making the YouTube video for the song?

We had a lot of fun making the video. We did this one with our computers on stun and tried to give a few of the images a good 1960s Hanna-Barbera feel

(•)> How do you approach balancing holiday cheer with originality in your music?

We write a lot of road songs and love-gone-wrong songs, so it was nice to do something different, although maybe this song is a road song so who knows?

(•)> Are there any specific musical influences or artists that shaped the sound of this track?

We hope you hear the spirit of John Prine

(•)> How do you envision audiences connecting with the message of a holiday that extends beyond Earth?

With great enthusiasm hopefully. Please help!

(•)> What’s next for the project after the release of this single and EP?

We’ve recorded a live EP at Tank Studio in Burlington Vermont that will be releases in 2026. And America 250 as mentioned. Watch this space!

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out The Storm Windows on the Pigeon Spins Playlist