In a remarkable full-circle moment that reads like a Christmas fairy tale, British music maestro Labrinth has composed the soundtrack for this year's iconic John Lewis Christmas advert, decades after growing up in social housing just minutes from the retailer's flagship store.
From Council Estate to Christmas Royalty
The Hackney-born artist, whose real name is Timothy Lee McKenzie, revealed the profound emotional significance of creating music for the beloved retailer's festive campaign. "It's pretty surreal," the 35-year-old confessed, reflecting on his journey from the Morningside Estate in Hackney to becoming the musical voice of Britain's most anticipated Christmas commercial.
Labrinth's childhood home stood a mere 15-minute walk from John Lewis's Oxford Street establishment, making his current collaboration with the department store chain particularly poignant. "It's a beautiful thing," he shared, acknowledging the symbolic nature of his career trajectory.
Snatching Success from Industry Giants
In what can only be described as a David versus Goliath scenario, Labrinth secured the prestigious commission after John Lewis executives heard his track Something's Got to Give during a creative meeting. The song's emotional resonance was so powerful that it prompted the retail giant to abandon their original plan of approaching multiple artists.
Charlotte Bloor, marketing director for John Lewis, explained the decisive moment: "We were listening to music and Labrinth's track came on. We all just went quiet." The emotional impact was immediate and unanimous, leading to what Bloor describes as "the easiest decision we've ever made."
The Power of Authentic Storytelling
This year's advert, titled Snapper: The Perfect Tree, features an adorable Venus flytrap named Snapper who dreams of becoming the ideal Christmas tree. Labrinth's reworked version of his 2019 track provides the emotional backbone to this heartwarming tale of acceptance and finding one's place.
The collaboration represents a significant moment for both artist and brand, blending Labrinth's distinctive musical style with John Lewis's tradition of emotionally-driven Christmas storytelling. For the musician who first found fame with Tinie Tempah's 2010 hit Pass Out, this partnership marks another milestone in an already impressive career that includes producing for Beyoncé and contributing to the Euphoria soundtrack.
A Testament to British Musical Talent
Labrinth's journey from Hackney housing estate to Christmas advert royalty serves as an inspiring narrative about the enduring power of British musical talent. His ability to capture the nation's collective Christmas emotion demonstrates how local stories can resonate on a global scale.
As families across the UK hear his composition throughout the festive season, Labrinth's music continues to prove that the most powerful stories often come from the most unexpected places – and that sometimes, the perfect soundtrack was waiting to be discovered all along.
