Peter Orullian

Twelve Songs of Christmas

Prog metal is not my musical sweet spot, particularly where Christmas music is concerned. But as the arenas full of people who attend Trans-Siberian Orchestra shows each holiday season testify, it clearly is for many. For that reason, I really enjoy talking to people working in that area. I want to understand it better.

Peter Orullian is one such artist. He's an author who moved to Seattle with his band and a dream that didn't quite work out. The band didn't survive relocation, but he continued to work with vocal coach while writing and working at Microsoft. He wrote the rock opera The Bell Ringer, which was recorded in 2019. He got a few chances to perform the show, but COVID prevented any potential 2020 Christmas tour from happening. He turned to YouTube to promote the project, but right he's looking ahead.

We talk about telling a story through heavy rock, and the aspects that were important to him. We discussed how to integrate a Christmas classic into a story like this, and how music played before 14,000 people can be intimate.

In addition, I talk about one of my favorite Christmas albums--Carla's Christmas Carols by Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, and the Partyka Brass Quintet.