Original subtitles

[country music]

[Christina] Come on back, Maz.

See you soon.

[Mazzy] Mom!

[chuckles] Hey, Mazzy.

Hey, you. Oh, I missed you so much.

-I missed you, too. -Hey.

-How was your trip? -It was good, it was good.

-I'm glad to be home, though. -Oh, here.

-[chuckles] Is that me? Oh, God. -Yeah, I even got your guitar.

-Oh, my goodness. I love you. -Oh, yeah.

-Mwah! -She was so excited to see you.

-Come here. Well, hi. -Oh.

-And so am I. Welcome home. -I missed you, too.

-Mm. -Hey, Pete.

-Welcome home, superstar! -Yeah.

All right, let's do it. I got your bag.

-Oh, thanks, guys. -Let's go.

So I heard you brought the house down in Houston.

It was such a good show. So fun.

[laughing] But you can't keep turning down

these bigger tours for smaller gigs.

Pete, you know I can't be away from Mazzy that long.

-Mm. -Well, take her with you.

Look, you haven't been recording new music

and your catalogue sales are dwindling.

The label's gettin' antsy. I'm ducking their calls.

I don't want to do that Christmas album.

I have a meeting with him tomorrow morning

and I need to give him an answer they need to hear.

This album is a good idea.

Christmas songs are just... They're not in my wheelhouse.

-Uh-huh. -Make it your wheelhouse.

There's something else. You're not gonna like it though.

What?

They want you to record with one

of the other artists in their stable.

-Who? -Derek Copeland.

Ah!

Jesus! Derek Copeland?

Who is Derek Copeland?

Oh, girl, come here. Let me, let me educate you.

From the boy band Enigmatic?

-Yup. -But... Wait...

He hasn't released new material in, like, a decade.

And he's a popstar.

[Pete] He's one of their premier artists.

He's sold over five million albums worldwide.

Yeah, back when CDs were used for more than drink coasters.

No. I'm not doing it. I'm-I'm gonna go back in the studio.

I'll work on new material. I'll be fine.

[Pete] Tess, if you don't record

this Christmas album,

they're gonna drop you.

Your contract's up December 31st.

-They're bluffing. -[Christina] Yeah.

Do you really wanna find out?

They want you in the studio tomorrow.

Tomorrow? To sing what? I...

Figure it out.

We need to release this album

by mid-December at the latest.

Hey, look, you'll be getting back in the studio

like you wanted.

Just recording Christmas songs

instead of new material.

So you want me to sing Christmas songs

instead of spending time with my kid on Halloween?

Glad to have you back.

Studio, tomorrow, 09:30.

Uh...

-Bye, Pete. -Yup.

All right, well, on that note,

we have warm chocolate-chip cookies waiting for you at home.

-Yes. -God bless you.

And I maybe picked up a bottle of your favorite wine.

Ah. You are an angel sent from heaven.

-I know. I know. -Thank you, my friend.

-All right, I'll drive. -Oh, thank you.

All aboard!

[country music]

Hey.

Heh-heh-hey!

If it isn't my little brother, the superstar.

Help me out with this pie.

What you do is put the berries in the pie.

-Can you handle that? -I'll try.

All right. How was your flight?

Yeah, it was fine.

Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes,

black-eyed peas and cornbread.

-Mm-hmm. -Seems a bit lazy for you, no?

It's not as difficult as singing into a microphone.

[chuckles] I'm just saying you're not gonna

get that covered in Michelin Star

doing fancy versions of mom's recipes.

The Southern cuisine does not get its just due, but it will.

Besides, you are never gonna win any Grammys

without recording new music.

Ouch. Guess I kinda walked into that one, huh?

-Mm-hmm. Little bit. -Hey, man.

Thanks for lettin' me stay here while I make the album.

Yeah, of course.

I mean, I was perfectly happy staying at the Crown Plaza,

but, you know, this'll be okay.

[laughs] Yeah. You know, it's a waste of money.

Besides, I guess I like having you around.

Just don't mess up my pie.

Mm, that's the ray of sunshine I remember.

-[Angela] Hey-hey-hey! -Hey, Ange.

Just got in here. Oh, it's good to see you.

So good to see you. Wow!

-I know! -Look at you.

Can you believe what your brother did to me?

-Oops. -[Angela chuckles]

I knew you two were in here antagonizing each other.

-Mm, of course. -Listen to me.

You're both wonderful artists.

-Okay? -Mm...

[laughing] I'm gonna be such a good mom.

-Yeah, you're natural, babe. -Did you hear that?

What time do you have to be at the restaurant?

-Mm... -Yeah, twenty minutes ago.

Ah, why are you spending all of this time on a meal

you're not even gonna be here to eat?

Because I do not want our baby eating frozen dinners.

-Mm... -Ever. Okay?

That would be sweet if you weren't just

trying to impress your brother.

He's not the only one with talent in this family.

-I know. Smells good. -Mm...

Okay, so you like your grits to be more like Cream of Wheat.

-Interesting choice. -Ah, he has jokes now.

Keep working on that pie, guitar boy.

It's good to see you, man.

Yeah. You, too.

[chuckles] You're obsessed. It's Halloween.

Christmas is the best holiday.

Are you excited for your session today?

[sighs] Not really.

I downloaded some of that Derek guy's music last night.

He's not as good as you.

Thanks, sweetie.

Do you think Dad'll make it home for Thanksgiving?

Um... Well, let's see.

His tour stop is Chicago the night before, so...

Yeah, I think he should be home in time.

I can't wait to see the Christmas tree

Dad gets us this year.

Me, too.

But just a heads-up.

I think his band has to head back out

right away afterwards, so I don't--

I don't think he'll make it to your Christmas pageant.

I'm really sorry, baby.

What about you? Will you be there?

Of course! I wouldn't miss it for anything.

Okay, you finish that.

Actually, just take it with you, it's fine.

-Yeah. -I got this.

All right, yes, yes. Okay, off we go.

We're running late. Go, go.

Happy Hump Day, listeners!

This is DJ Randy with the word on the street.

Seems that our very own country ingenue, Tess Stapleton,

is in the studio right now with none other than bad boy,

former boy bander, Mr. Enigmatic himself,

Derek "The Heart-Breaker" Copeland.

The two have decided to put out a Christmas album just in time

for the holiest of holidays.

So let's hope that this album puts us in the mood

for some Christmas cookies and presents.

[automated voice on radio] DJ Randy, n-n-non-stop.

[instrumental music]

-Hey. Good morning. -Good morning.

You must be Tess.

-I'm, uh... -Liam Gladstone.

-You're a living legend. -Yeah, a long time ago.

Yeah, they didn't tell me you'd be producing this.

You've produced hits for everybody.

Dolly, Faith, Shania, Carrie Underwood.

I gotta tell you, your work on "Beggars Banquet"

just changed the way I listened to music--

-Stop, please. -No, it did. Really.

I thought you were retired.

-Yeah, I get that a lot. -[Tess chuckles]

When you've had as many failures as hits,

sometimes the phone stops ringing.

-So... -I hear that.

This ain't gonna be one of those, though.

Come on, let me give you the nickel tour.

Thanks.

-What do you think? -Wow.

-[chuckles] -Oh, wow. Okay.

Now, Tess, the unique thing about this recording studio

is that at one time it was actually a horse stable.

-Thus, stable doors. -[Tess chuckles]

-And amazing acoustics! -Amazing.

-Do you hear that? -[chuckling] Yeah.

Come on, I wanna take you to ground zero.

[Tess] Thank you. Oh.

-Welcome to Oz. [chuckles] -Wow.

This is sort of our main recording room.

We do things a little differently here.

Step in here.

-This is the mixing room. -Wow!

This is where the magic happens.

Now let's put yourself down and you can relax a little bit.

Let's get that heavy guitar out of your hands.

Just wanna set it down over there somewhere.

[chuckles] Yeah.

[Liam] You want some tea to loosen your pipes?

I'm not sending you out for tea.

No! Hell, no. I got a guy who does that.

-Mint? -With honey.

-Sure thing. -Thank you.

[exhales sharply] Okay.

[exhales sharply]

[strumming guitar]

You can just put that tea down there, please. Thank you.

I didn't bring any tea, but I can get you some.

I'm so sorry, I thought you were somebody else.

Hey.

-[gasps] -Oh.

Are you okay?

[both chuckling]

Mortified, but, yes, I will live.

Oh, I'm Derek.

Tess. Hey.

Nice to meet you. Big fan of your work.

-Really? -Yeah.

That... Wow... That's...

What's your favorite song?

Uh, the-the...

-I, uh-- -Uh, that is so funny.

You know, I actually don't have a song called,

"Uh, I, uh, uh, uh..."

You don't have to pretend with me, okay?

For the record, my favorite song of yours

is "Glass Jar." Not that anybody asked, but...

[chuckling]

-How you been, old man? -Still working.

Which in this business is sayin' somethin'.

-Tell me about it. -Thank you, Liam.

Who'd have thought I'd be doing a Christmas album, right?

Hey, I'm just glad you're doing any album.

-Don't start. -All right, here's the deal.

[Liam] You two, we got four weeks to record

a Christmas record, less than that

if we're gonna pull any singles, so we gotta get started.

Let's burn and turn. I'mma jump in the booth.

Y'all set up and, uh, we'll get goin'.

Don't you think we should talk about a song list first?

Nope. We sing first, we think later.

You know how I work. Let's go, let's go, let's go.

Okay.

♪ Mi-mi-mi-mi-mi-mi-mi-mi ♪

[clears throat]

♪ Mi-mi-mi-mi mi-mi-mi-mi ♪

♪ Mi-mi-mi-mi mi-mi-mi-mi ♪♪

[guitar music]

You fellas ready out there? How 'bout you, Tess in a dress?

-[Tess] Yup. -Hey, D. Cope.

We gonna one and done this?

-Gonna try. -[Liam] All right.

-What are we gonna sing? -"Deck The Halls."

Sounds good.

[instrumental music]

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la... ♪♪

Wait, wait, wait. Uh...

-What's wrong? -Uh, nothing. I'm sorry.

I-it was me. I-I thought I was out of the pocket.

[Liam] No, everything sounded great.

Hey, let me call those notes.

You just worry about deckin' the halls.

-Sorry, guys. All right. -It's all right.

[instrumental music]

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la... ♪♪

Wait, wait, wait.

Hey, Derek. Do me a favor.

Just close your eyes, take a deep breath,

we're starting nice and easy here.

It's all fun and games until we get ahead.

Let's do three on the board.

Hey. You got this.

[instrumental music]

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

♪ Fa-la-la la-la-la la-la-la ♪

♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪♪

Yeah.

-Yeah. -[Derek] Yeah.

[music continues]

[Liam] Okay, Tess, you're up, now just relax and breathe

and just lose yourself in the song.

I-I'm not so concerned about a technical take.

I'd rather have, uh, emotion and perfection,

if you know what I mean.

-Yeah. -All right, let's take one.

Uh, "Deck The Halls" vocal track.

-Okay. -[Liam] Cool.

♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

♪ Don we now our gay apparel ♪

She's got the pipes.

♪ Fa-la-la la-la-la... ♪

Soulful.

Dangerous.

♪ Yuletide carol ♪

♪ Fa-la la-la-la la-la-la-la ♪

Looks like we have a new one-take champion on our hands.

♪ La-la-la-la ♪♪

That's good. Come on in. Yup.

All right.

[Liam clears throat]

-Hey, what'd you guys think? -Well...

Let me and Chris work our magic and futz with it a little bit.

But it sounded real good in here.

Yeah. It's getting a bit late.

W-why don't you two clear outta here for the day

and come up with some other song for this record?

And, uh, I imagine it ain't gonna be

as easy as that last one.

All right. Still time for trick-or-treatin'.

Aren't you too old for candy?

Who's too old for candy?

Who's too old for candy?

It's a good song title.

All right, let's see what we got here.

-[indistinct chatter] -This is just crazy!

Crazy. I know, I know.

-Oh. -Okay, Mazzy, my love.

Pick five pieces and it's off to bed, okay?

[scoffs] But we just got home.

-[Tess] Whoa! -[sighs]

-Ten. -Six.

It's bath time, off you go.

What is that? What?

You had to have seen that coming.

Mazzy gets bigger every time I come home.

I swear, it's like--

it's like she grows a half an inch every day I'm away.

You're a great mother.

No, you do your best to raise her as a single parent

and provide all the love and support

that any kid could ever want. You are too hard on yourself.

Hm, I guess.

-So what's the dreamboat like? -Who?

How many dreamboats are you working with?

I fell on him today.

You lucky duck.

Let's switch lives.

You can't sing and I can't design my way

out of a paper bag.

-That is true. -Mm-hmm.

-How was recording, though? -It was funny.

As soon as we started singing, he faltered.

It was like he was afraid of the mic,

which is weird. You'd think he'd be more cocky.

I mean, he has sold more albums than I can only dream of.

Did you get to see his sensitive side?

Uh, that just makes me love him more.

Well, I don't need him to be sensitive.

I need him to be confident.

I need this album to work.

Look, it's been a while. Maybe he's just rusty.

Trust the process, it will all work out.

Okay, Oprah, you have to go home 'cause I have to go to bed

so I can wake up and be Christmas cheer-tastic

in the morning.

♪ Christmas cheer-tastic ♪♪

-Go! Get out of here! -Yes, ma'am.

-Yes, take-take all the candy. -These are candy...

-Really? Thank you. -Well, you know...

-That one, too. Bye! -Bye!

[chuckles]

♪ Something's missing ♪

♪ With you ♪

[strumming guitar]

♪ Something's missing ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ You-u-u ♪

♪ Oh some something's... ♪♪

[instrumental music playing]

♪ This moment could be anything ♪

♪ Untangled and I'm wandering... ♪♪

♪ And the mistletoe is hanging everywhere... ♪

♪ Mm-hmm hey-y-y-y ♪♪

So I listened to your albums last night.

You did?

-Yeah. -What'd you think?

All your songs are fun,

but they have this underbelly to them.

Let me guess. "Kaleidoscope's" your favorite track.

[both chuckling]

Yeah, sure, that one's catchy

and it's a great single, but...

Honestly, "Geronimo" is the best song you've ever recorded.

-Seriously? -Yeah, yeah.

The way you layer sound, the, the haunting vocals

and those lyrics about being on the precipice of the abyss

spoke to me.

That song was actually the only one

in the last two albums that I wrote.

You got to write more.

[Liam] Hey, that was a good session yesterday, y'all.

I think that track just might make the album.

Did you ever come up with a list of other songs you wanna record?

Yeah, you know, I actually, I think we should do originals.

Put our own stamp on the album.

Why risk it on a bunch of songs

that no one's ever heard of?

Let's just stick to the standards

and we can put on a twist to them.

Oh, well, you just literally told me I should write more, so.

No, I meant on your own album, not on this one.

Okay, before we get ahead of ourselves,

I think we need to decide

what the sound of this record's gonna be.

Yeah, we need a-a clean and polished sound for the record.

-Right? -No.

Think it needs to have a more

organic live vibe to it.

Well, people stream music on $5 speakers now.

It needs to be as clean as possible

to stick out above the fray.

I think we let the recording process dictate the sound.

-Of course, you do. [scoffs] -What does that mean?

Okay, all right, all right. H-here's what we're gonna do.

There's only one way to settle this.

We're gonna have a bake-off.

That means you both go in the booth

and we record, uh, let's say,

"Silent Night," one raw and dirty,

and-and one clean and pure.

Then we'll listen back and decide.

Mr. Copeland, you're first.

-I'm first? -Well, it was your idea.

It wasn't my idea.

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm ♪

♪ All is bright ♪

♪ Round yon Virgin ♪

♪ Mother and Child ♪

♪ Holy Infant ♪

♪ So tender and mild ♪

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ Shepherds quake ♪

♪ At the sight ♪

♪ Glories stream ♪

♪ From heaven afar ♪

♪ Heavenly hosts ♪

♪ Sing Alleluia ♪♪

[Liam] Okay, kids, let's see who wins this argument.

Go ahead, Chris, let's play back one.

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ All is calm... ♪

-[Liam] That's nice, huh? -Yeah.

[Liam] Now let's hear number two.

♪ Silent night ♪

♪ Holy night ♪

♪ Shepherds quake at... ♪

-[Derek chuckles] -That's good.

[Liam] How about, on some of the songs

we go for that slick produce sound,

and then on the more emotional, majestic ones,

we-we-we capture that raw gritty live feel?

-I can live with that. -Me, too.

I cannot referee every little small decision between you two.

If you don't get on the same page,

we're not gonna have an album to even talk about.

So why don't you go get out of here

and get to know each other a little bit better,

bond, talk about Christmas or Twitter

or whatever it is you talk about

and I'll work with Chris

and we'll finish this thing?

Now.

-At, at this moment. Now, yeah. -Okay.

-Yes, leaving currently leaving. -Go, go, go, please.

-Thank you, Liam. -[Liam] Thank you.

Bring me back a plate of ribs.

Would you?

All right, they're gone, now let's get some work done.

So has that little girl in Portland always dreamed

So has that little girl in Portland always dreamed

of making the big move to Music City, USA?

[sighs] Well, my ex is here, my daughter was born here

and, you know, the music's here, so...

That's why you went trick-or-treating.

-Mm. -Yeah.

So how long were you married for?

[sighs] Diving right into the deep end, aren't we?

-I-I'm just curious. -Mm-hmm.

I was almost married once.

-Well, it's been a consolation. -Really?

Yeah, she was the love of my life, I thought.

[Tess] Hm. What happened?

Marie was my best friend. Trevor's, too.

-Your band mate? -[Derek] Marie.

We had this love that was organic,

passionate, kind...

[Tess] Hm.

But she also loved Trevor.

Platonic at first and then...

Romantic?

I just wanted things to go back to normal.

Back to the way they were.

And then when I asked her who she wanted to be with...

[clears throat]

She didn't choose you?

And then I lost it.

And then the band broke up?

Sometimes things don't work out the way you expect.

[mellow music]

And I haven't been in a serious relationship since then.

What about you? What's your story?

I was young, dumb. Fell in love with a roadie.

-Roadie? -Hm. Yeah.

-Wow. -Yeah. It was my first tour.

I was opening for Alabama Shakes.

-[Derek] That's nice. -I showed up for sound check.

And he was tuning their guitars.

He saw me watching him and he broke out in a Prince riff.

-Show-off. -Oh, yeah. He nailed it, though.

I was in love before I knew what hit me.

Jake, he has more talent asleep

than most people exhibit in their entire career.

But he doesn't have the desire or the drive

to do anything about his own music.

Which is okay, it's just Mazzy came along.

Oh, and then you needed security?

-And stability. -Mm-hmm.

And then we booked different tours--

And you weren't spending the time...

It just withered on the vine, you know?

I mean, Jake is my best friend.

He's a great dad to Mazzy.

He's just... [chuckles] not a good partner.

When you date another artist,

you end up dating their careers, too, you know?

[music continues]

[cell phone vibrates]

Oh.

What?

The label wants us on DJ Randy

in the morning to talk about the album.

-Uh, so soon? -[Tess chuckles]

They wanna promote it, and DJ Randy's

the biggest influencer in Nashville.

We should get back to the studio.

Yeah, and get some rest. Early start tomorrow.

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

[Randy] So the rumors are true!

There's a new dynamic duo in town.

Tess Stapleton and Derek Copeland

are making beautiful music together.

Guys, welcome to the show. I'm a big fan.

Oh. Thank you.

-Appreciate it. -Good to be here.

Derek, Saturn Records has

dusted you off the shelves.

Where have you been hiding this whole time?

You know how it is, you get success young,

and you hit the road, kinda have the time of your life

and then after a few years or ten, you've seen it all,

you've done it all and then you just get burned out.

-[Randy] Took a sabbatical? -You could say that.

Where'd you go?

Uh, here, there, everywhere.

An international man of mystery.

And, Tess, you just got off tour with the Dixie Chicks.

Yeah, yeah, I did. It was just the last few days.

So, guys, how's the album coming, what's the sound?

-It's country. -It's pop.

Pop-Country? Is that a new genre?

Yeah, it is now.

It'll be definitely more country, though.

Maybe both. Give the fans what they want.

Well, you better figure it out soon.

So what sort of songs you're working on?

-Original material. -Standards.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

You guys in the same studio?

I mean, what's it like working together?

Great. It's been awesome getting to record with Tess.

Yeah, yeah. Every day's been a real treat.

[chuckling] Well, am I sensing some tension in the studio?

-No. No, no, no. -Not necessarily, no.

No, I mean, some days are better than others.

Wow! You are en fuego today. [chuckles]

So, guys, what's the name of the album gonna be?

It's still a work in progress, Randy.

I think it should be called "Country Christmas Album."

[Randy] Well, it's either gonna be charming

or it's gonna be a train wreck.

This is DJ Randy on 102 FM The Mix.

Give us a call to talk to these cool kids after the jump!

[automated voice on radio] DJ Randy, n-n-non-stop...

Whoo! That was awesome, guys. I loved the drama there.

It was amazing, I mean, like, you and you,

and... [grunts] like, that's what we do.

I mean, I can't wait to hear the album. It's gonna be...

[cell phone vibrating]

-Hello? -[Pete] What was that?

-[Tess] What? -Don't "What" me.

You know exactly what I'm talking about.

You don't think the label was listening

to today's little interview?

Do you think it was that bad?

[scoffs] You are gonna destroy

what little career you have left.

Well, you're booking us on promo tours

and the album's not even halfway done.

You know what happens to an album nobody's ever heard of?

-Coasters. -DJ Randy is a troublemaker.

Of course he is, you know, there's no such thing

as bad publicity, but just don't piss off the label.

Otherwise, kiss your deal goodbye.

-I hear you. -I sure hope so.

Oh, oh, oh, right there, right there. Oh, yeah.

[strumming guitar]

What was that, by the way?

I'm sorry. I just... I guess I was in rare form.

Were you trying to sell an album or tank it?

Look, I just got reamed out by my manager.

I don't need this from you right now.

[Derek] Your manager isn't the one

promoting this album with you.

We have an opportunity to make some great music, all right?

Don't mess it up by self-sabotaging--

Okay, all right, all right, you two. Come on now.

What's life without a few hiccups along the way?

I'll tell you what it is, it's boring.

I'm lovin' this fire and passion, but let's use that

and turn it into a killer Christmas record, okay?

Now I'mma jump back there, we're gonna get started.

-What are we singing? -"Twelve Days."

These lyrics are from the Stone Age.

You think you can do better?

Yeah. I do.

[scoffs]

[instrumental music]

[exhales sharply]

[humming]

[groans] DJ Randy is such a little pot-stirrer.

But you did not have to give him a bat and a ladle.

-You heard the interview? -Oh, yeah.

Any chance to listen to Derek's dulcet tones.

Today was rough. Pete was not happy with that interview.

-Well, there'll be others. -Yeah.

Derek thinks I'm a self-saboteur.

[laughing] Yeah.

-No. -Well...

-In eighth grade-- -No. I'm not.

I plead the Fifth.

You know what you need after a horrible day?

What? Oh!

-Dancing. -Oh, no, I want to.

I can't. I have Mazzy.

Well, she's gotta be in bed

in an hour anyway.

We can text Jenny to sit.

Jenny's good.

The Chuck Wagon is having

a Secret Santa Singles' Party tonight.

No, no, no, no. It's not even Thanksgiving.

Well, 'tis the season.

Ho-ho-ho! You know you want to go.

I have to be in the studio in the morning.

Oh, okay.

We will go for two hours, tops.

-Put this on. -Oh... I love this dress.

-Yes! -Okay. You win. Fine.

-Yes! -We're going.

Whoo! Two hours, tops!

[instrumental music]

[man] Let me try.

Cool.

[Liam] Hey, Derek, can you check this level for me?

-[Derek] If that works for you. -Oh, that's great.

[Liam] Thanks, thank you.

[Derek] Nice of you to join us.

"Twelve Days."

Why are you walkin' like a duck?

-Dancer's legs. -That's not a thing.

-You smell like a brew pub. -[blowing raspberry] I do not.

[chuckles] Your "Twelve Days" lyrics really, uh,

are more contemporary now, though.

Are you gonna be able to sing today?

[chuckles] Oh, yeah.

Here you go, senor.

You sure you're okay?

Okay, people, let's get this Christmas party started, huh?

See if we can get this in one take. We're burnin' money.

You start.

Well, this oughta be interesting.

[man] Let's do it.

[instrumental music]

♪ On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ♪

♪ A full life filled with glee ♪

♪ On the second day of Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ Two back rubs and a full life filled with glee yeah ♪

♪ On the third day of Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ Three French kisses two back rubs ♪

♪ And a full life filled with glee yeah ♪

♪ On the fourth day of Christmas ♪

♪ My true love gave to me ♪

♪ Four fat frogs three French kisses ♪

♪ Two back rubs and a full life filled with glee ♪♪

[chuckles] All right!

Well, that sounded surprisingly good.

Yeah. So I didn't think you were gonna make it.

-Congrats. -Me neither. [chuckles]

[Liam] Hey, uh, Derek, why don't you take,

uh, Ms. Tess down to the diner, put some food in her belly?

We got a lot of work today and I'm gonna need

her conscious later, okay?

-That's a good idea. -[chuckles]

-[Liam] Yeah. -Let's go.

[Liam] Good job, sweetheart. Good job, fellas.

[Tess] Good job, guys. [Derek] See y'all in a bit.

-Thank you. -You guys rocked it.

[Tess] Thank you. Yeah.

Oh, I'm so hungry.

-This good? -Yeah. No, I love it.

Best cure for dancer's legs,

hummingbird cake.

Whoa. And ribs.

-Okay. Excuse me. -[chuckles]

Two coffees, two hummingbird cakes

and ribs for the lady.

[Tess sighs]

I...

I really am sorry about yesterday.

It's water under the bridge.

You really came through on those "Twelve Days" lyrics.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Do you think we could have

at least one original track on the album?

Yeah, if you write it.

-We can. -Yeah?

What are you thinkin'? Something up-tempo?

A Christmas dance song?

[chuckles] No.

No, I think, like, a... a love song.

Oh, really? See someone you like?

-Thank you. -Thank you. Oh.

-What? -[Derek] Don't ask questions.

Just eat.

Hm. Yeah.

-It's-- -This will do.

An old love?

No.

I'm not tryin' to pry, I'm just tryin' to get a sense of what

this Christmas love song's about.

Falling out of love, like "Last Christmas."

No, I think... falling in love.

When was the last time you fell in love?

[sighs] It's been a while.

What did it feel like?

Like... being pulled out in an undertow

and then washing up on shore.

That sounds intense.

Do you think our fans are gonna like this album?

[chuckles] They will if they know what's good for them. Yeah.

You think I should tell them that I'm living with my brother

in a spare bedroom while we make this album?

You think it'll make me more relatable?

Oh, yeah. Mm-hmm.

Well, my ex-husband Jake lives with Mazzy and I

whenever he comes in to town,

and we've been divorced for three years.

-[scoffs] Really? -Mm-hmm.

Yeah, I mean, he's on the road so much,

it just makes more sense.

Good to have him on deck for some midnight snuggling?

[chuckles] There is none of that.

That arrangement must wreak havoc on your dating life.

What do you mean?

How is somebody supposed to get close to you

with your backup in the next room?

Oh-ho! Hello. Mm!

[whispers] Napkins.

[instrumental music]

[sighs] Speak of the devil.

[chuckles] Hey.

[sniffs]

[chuckles] You smell like Cleveland.

Well, you look like Hawaii. [chuckles]

Like a storm comin' in off the water?

No, I mean beautiful.

Don't start.

How long are you stayin' for?

[exhales sharply] Till the day after Thanksgiving.

Mazzy will be excited.

How about you?

-Let's get you settled in. -Mm...

[Derek] Hey, so Tess' ex stays with her and Mazzy

whenever he comes into town.

Don't you think that's weird?

[exhales sharply] Not really. No.

How are you supposed to get over someone if you live with them?

You like her.

-Don't be absurd, dude. -[gasps] Oh, you do.

You like her like her. Hey, Ange--

Don't wake up your wife just to make fun of me.

No, this is worth it and hilarious.

-Ange, get in here. -Shh!

I'm not in love with Tess.

You do realize all you do is talk about her, right?

-You're crazy. -You're crazy.

She's a single mom, Derek.

Okay, well, hold on. What's that supposed to mean?

It just means that it's been a long time

since you've been in a relationship

or had a commitment.

And kids are a big commitment.

You don't have a pet or a house plant.

You really think you could have two females in your life

and really nurture that? Ah...

Who is doin' all the yelling in here, you two?

-Oh. Great job. -Oh!

Nothing sexier than a man with tools in his hand.

-Come on, do you think so? -[Derek clears throat]

Hey, guess who Derek is in like with?

-[Angela] Who could it be? -Stop it.

-Let's see. -Okay, all right.

[indistinct chatter]

-It sounds a little like mess. -Sounds like mess?

-You ready for bed yet, kiddo? -Just one more time, please.

-[sighs] Really? Again? -Yeah.

-Come on. -Not a problem, darlin'.

"The Night Before Christmas."

"'Twas the night before Christmas,

"and all through the house,

"not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

"in hopes that Saint Nicholas

soon would be there."

Oh, thank you.

You know, she is getting so big.

-I know. -[chuckles]

Yeah.

How's that Christmas album comin'?

Okay.

Is that all I'm gonna get?

Tess, the country purist,

and Derek Copeland, the popstar,

cut an album.

I am certain you have opinions.

Okay, um, some days I wanna kill him and then other days

I just think he's... so talented.

I don't know. It's weird. It's complicated.

Sounds like it.

[chuckles] What?

Well, you can't say his name without smilin'.

[blubbering lips] That's not true.

Go ahead. Say his name without smilin'.

Derek.

Well, you look like you're about to have an aneurysm.

No, he's not my type. He's just--

he's spoiled, he's entitled...

-No. Mm-mm. -Uh-huh.

[chuckles] Do you think I wanna be doing a Christmas album?

At least you're in a studio.

I mean, ten years ago when we were first startin' out,

we would've killed for some free studio time. Remember?

Yeah. I do. We've come a long way.

[guitar music]

[Tess humming]

Hey, you wanna try that original track today?

It's not ready.

You can't be precious about it.

You're gonna need to release that baby to the world

so people can hear it.

-And soon. -I know.

Let's just give it a go.

What's the worst thing that can happen?

-You guys hate it. -[Derek chuckles]

What do we know anyways? Let's give it a try.

[guitar music]

Okay, Tessie, your turn to shine.

Yeah, "Winter Wonderland" on the board, take one.

♪ Snowflakes falling in the air ♪

♪ Like diamonds shining in your hair ♪

♪ You call my name all I can do is stay ♪

♪ 'Cause Christmas time means miracles ♪

♪ And lights make you so beautiful ♪

♪ And mistletoe is hanging everywhere ♪

♪ I could walk every mile around this world ♪

♪ But nothing would compare ♪

♪ To growing old with you ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ Stay warm by the fireside ♪

♪ The flames reflecting in your eyes ♪

♪ The heat from your love the-- ♪

[chuckles] Hey!

Hey, you! Hey, girl!

-What are you doing here? Aw! -Nothing.

Well, we just figured we'd come see ya at work.

-Aw. Cool, huh? -Is that a new song?

-[Tess] Yeah. Did you like it? -[Mazzy] Of course.

-Oh, thank you. -Yeah.

-I'm Jake. -Uh, uh, Derek.

Copeland. You don't have to say anything else.

Every woman over 35 knows who you are.

Now, this is our amazing daughter, Mazzy.

-Hi. -Hey, Mazzy.

Uh... Nice-nice to meet you.

Your-your mom talks about you all the time.

My mom's favorite song of yours is "Love You To The Max."

-Oh, really? -No, it's not.

Yes, it is. I've been listening to Enigmatic on Spotify.

It's on our treadmill workout mix.

You're grounded until you're 18.

-Whatever. -That's all right.

I'll break you out of kiddy jail.

[chuckles] Thanks.

[clears throat]

Um, do you wanna come over for Thanksgiving?

[instrumental music]

-What? Come on. -Um...

You know, he probably has plans or something, anyways.

And he can't come over for Thanksgiving.

Well, do you have plans?

I, I do have family in town. So...

Well, then you bring them. Duh!

[laughing] Mazzy!

What? The spirit of Christmas told me to invite him.

Mazzy loves Christmas.

More than my birthday, and that's a big deal.

Well, wow!

Uh... the more the merrier.

-[Tess] Thanks for dinner, Jake. -[Mazzy] Yes, so good.

[Jake] My pleasure. Anytime.

So, Maz, are you ready for that Christmas pageant?

-Yeah. I'm still a bit nervous. -You are?

Well, let's see if we can do somethin' about that.

-How about a new capo? -[chuckles]

[Tess] That's a nice one.

Nothing but the best for our little artist.

[chuckles] Thanks, dad.

So, Mazzy, what's with all that Thanksgiving business earlier?

-He seemed lonely. -Oh, did he? Hm?

Maz, he has a family,

and probably a girlfriend.

-[chuckles] Of course. -Yeah.

But family has to hang out with him.

I wanted him to feel like people wanted to spend time with him.

She definitely gets that from you.

[Tess chuckling]

And you worked up quite an appetite

flirtin' with Derek today.

Okay. No, I'm not talking with you about this.

You know, that's not a bad look on you, though.

What?

-Happiness. -[chuckles]

Well, yeah, I think the album's gonna turn out all right.

-[Jake] Oh, yeah. -Yeah.

The album. [laughs]

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

[sighs]

-Hey. -Miss me?

Oh, yeah. Tons.

So... I met her ex.

-Really? -Yeah.

How did that go?

Awkward. Yeah.

It was like two rams sizing each other up,

getting ready to lock horns.

-It's not a great look. -No.

But her daughter invited me over for Thanksgiving.

-Huh. -Yeah.

-You're gonna go? -I don't know.

It might be rude not to, right?

Well, yeah, especially if you're tryin' to date her mom.

-Shut it. -[chuckles] I'm just sayin'.

You guys could come with me.

Mm-mm. No, it's a busy night at the restaurant.

It's a pre-fixed menu.

And you said yourself a monkey could execute that.

Do not use my words against me.

Oh, what about Angela? Huh?

This is when she loves to cook.

Are you gonna put a woman who's eight months pregnant

on her feet for 12 hours cooking you a meal?

What is this, the Stone Age?

Okay, fine, we will join you

at your new girlfriend's house for Thanksgiving.

-She's not my girlfriend. -Yet.

-Mm. Yeah, that looks good. -Oh!

You've outdone yourself, lady.

-[door bell ringing] -Oh, they're here.

-Really? -Yes. Coming!

-Hey-hey! Welcome! Hey. -[Mike] Hey. Is that her?

-Come on in. Hey, guys. -Hello. Hello.

-Come on in. -Yeah.

[Tess] Uh, Christina!

-Hey, this is Derek. -Hi.

Derek, this is my best friend, Christina.

Hi. Uh, charmed, I'm sure.

Uh, I'm sorry, I'm a huge fan.

-Thanks. -Yeah.

Uh, you remember that tour that

Enigmatic did with Christina Aguilera?

-Uh, parts of it. [laughing] -Yeah.

Hey, uh, uh, how do you like Nashville so far?

Uh, it's-it's been really nice.

Cool, hey, let me know if you want somebody

to show you around town, you know?

-Somebody hot, single-- -Thank you. Appreciate it.

-Okay, that's enough. -Are you dating anyone?

This is my brother, Mike, and his wife, Angela.

Oh, hey! It's so nice to meet you guys.

He has told me so much about you.

-No. No. Not really. -Hi. Mike.

-Hi, Derek. -Hi, Mazzy, I brought you gifts.

-An Advent calendar! Thanks. -Ha-ha!

Okay, that is so sweet, but I'm gonna take that,

otherwise this one will be eaten before Black Friday.

-[Angela] Come on. -Uh-oh!

Yeah. Okay, who's hungry?

-That'd be me. -I am. I'm starving.

Yeah? Just grab a seat?

[indistinct chatter]

-Yes, she made it. -Oh, yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

Yeah. Oh, that was a great, that was a great--

-That's a good turkey. -[chuckling]

Okay, guys, grab your drink.

-I wanna make a toast. Yeah. -Yeah... Oh!

To friends old and new, to people tried and true,

break the bread and drink the brew,

happy Thanksgiving from me to you.

-Aw... -[Mike] That's really great.

-Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you. -Perfect.

-I like that. I like that. -Thank you.

Um, I'd like to toast our beautiful hostess if I may.

-Oh, you may. -[Derek laughing]

I wanna express my gratitude to Tess,

and, of course, Mazzy for inviting me and my family

to join you on this holiday.

I don't think either of us could've guessed

that we'd end up here sharing a meal with our families,

but I'm thankful that the record label brought us together.

You've helped me rediscover my love for music

and I'm grateful for the time that we've spent together,

and the time still to come.

-Oh, good grief. -To Tess.

-To Tess. -Cheers.

-[chuckles] -Cheers.

Mm. Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

-[chuckling] -Let's eat. Yes?

-Does anybody need a roll? -Dig in, yeah. Oh, Thank you.

-Mazzy made the corn... -[indistinct chatter]

Absolutely, yeah. [sighs] I'm so full.

-Yeah. It's so good. Seriously. -Yeah.

Oh, Tess, thank you. It was a wonderful evening.

But I need to get this one home.

Yes, we had a great time, but I am tuckered.

Thanks for coming.

-It was wonderful. -Thank you.

I'll stay to help with the dishes.

Yeah, of course, you will.

Food was amazing. Thank you.

Coming from you, I know that's a lie. But thank you.

-Thank you. -[Tess] Goodnight, guys.

-All right. -[sighs] All right.

I'm going to beg off, too.

-Oh, yeah? -Yeah.

I got a hot date tonight.

[chuckles] Well, tonight?

There are lots of lonely, single guys out there

looking to start families.

Mm! Single Santa?

-Number 23. Yes. [laughing] -Oh, oh! Okay. Good luck.

Um, it was nice to meet you.

-See you. -Bye.

-Mom, here he comes! -[Tess] Okay.

So every year after Thanksgiving dinner,

Jake sets up the tree.

[Jake grunting]

Ooh! [panting]

May I present this year's Christmas tree.

It's finally time for Christmas!

Maybe I should go. This feels like a family moment.

Oh, n-no, no, no, no. Please, no.

As soon as Jake pulls out the tree,

I'm pretty much invisible to them.

Stay. Keep me company?

-All right. -Right.

-Thanks for dinner. -You're welcome.

[strumming guitar]

That's it.

Sounds amazing.

Your brother and his wife seem nice.

They are. Criminally so.

[Tess chuckling]

Jake seems... nice.

[laughs] He's harmless.

He's a big kid, but he's a great father.

-That's good. -Mm-hmm.

-For Mazzy, I mean. -Yeah.

What's good for you?

What do you mean?

In a partner, what works for you?

-Dependable. -Sure.

Stable, loving, supportive.

Loves Mazzy.

It's all standard.

Puts our relationship above their career.

Puts in the time.

Ah.

Do you think you're in a place

where you could do that for someone?

Put someone before myself?

A romantic someone?

Do you still have feelings for him?

No. Not like that.

[Jake] Hey, Derek?

Mazzy wants you to help her with her guitar.

-[clears throat] -We should get back out there.

[Jake] You seem like a good dude.

I can be.

And Mazzy loves you, too.

Though I cannot see why. [chuckles]

She's a good kid.

Best thing I created in my whole life.

You know, the more time you spend around Tess,

the deeper you're gonna fall in love with her.

So if your intentions aren't entirely pure,

[sniffles] I'd end it now

while it's still fairly innocent.

I don't know what you're talkin' about.

Sure you don't.

You're not gonna threaten to hurt me if I break their hearts?

Tess can handle you all by herself.

It's you that'll be hurtin'.

Wondering how you messed all this up.

[upbeat music]

[automated voice on radio] DJ Randy, n-n-non-stop...

[Randy] Check it out, rock and rollers!

Word on the street is, Carrie Underwood is looking

for a co-headliner. I think Tess Stapleton fits the bill.

Her management slipped me this little Christmas ditty.

So this is "Twelve Days Of Christmas"

from your Tess Stapleton and Derek Copeland.

The phone lines are open!

["Twelve Days Of Christmas" playing on radio]

♪ On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ♪

♪ A full life filled with glee... ♪

I think I need to look for a place of my own,

you know, for when I'm not on the road.

I should probably spend more time in Nashville.

What's wrong with you staying here with us?

-It's confusin'. -Not for me.

You both love me, you're just not together.

[Jake] It's confusin' for us, kiddo.

Your mama, she deserves a real partner.

So do I.

I mean, it's not gonna change how we feel about you.

[scoffs] I know.

Hey, look, I won't be that far away.

You could have your own room, uh, it'll be closer to school.

-A pool? -We'll see. Um...

I'll definitely have a barbeque.

It still sucks.

I'll still see you just as much. I promise.

[Tess] More, even.

[Jake] Well, I'll be back in a few weeks.

Bye, Jake.

You know, you might wanna give the guy a chance.

Can't break your heart if you don't let him in.

Do you like him?

No. [chuckles]

-But I don't have to. -[Tess chuckles]

Oh! Mazzy.

-I'm gonna miss ya. -I'm gonna miss you, too.

[chuckles]

Hm...

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, are you okay?

-Yeah. I'm fine. -[bell ringing]

Okay, we're back in

five, four, three, two...

[audience cheering, applauding]

I'm Erika Saunders, and today on "Sunshine Morning,"

I'd like to introduce to you our next guests.

Derek Copeland and Tess Stapleton.

You guys are here this morning to promote

your new, upcoming Christmas album

"A Country Christmas."

How are the both of you?

Doin' great. Yeah. Thanks for having us.

Yeah, pleasure to be here.

-The album's done? Yes? -Not quite. Almost.

Just a few more finishing touches and then it's there.

What made you want to do

a Christmas album?

I've always enjoyed the--

the classic Christmas standards.

The challenge of topping the greats who have come before,

putting a new spin, and Tess loves writing new songs,

exploring feelings and traveling to untapped places of emotion.

So we thought we would get together

and make some beautiful music.

And what better time than Christmas?

What's been your favorite song to work on so far?

Uh, let's see, mine would definitely

have to be "Silent Night."

I also really liked reworking the lyrics

to "Twelve Days Of Christmas."

-Yeah. Yeah. -That was fun.

And this original that-that Tess wrote, too.

Sounds like you guys have been having a good time

in the studio.

Perhaps, maybe a new romance in the work?

[chuckles] We're just, um,

havin' a good time makin' the album.

Yeah, you know, when you, when you work together

and you, you're recording an album together,

you just spend so much time together.

So you have to get in the same head-space, you know?

Make sure you're on the same page, in the same groove,

and, you know, we've just, we've become really good friends.

Just friends?

[audience applauding]

If you say so. [chuckles]

Stay tuned to hear them sing live after the break.

-[bell ringing] -[woman] We're out! Back in two.

[indistinct chatter]

[Tess] The song doesn't feel ready.

I'm nervous.

-We got this. -[bell rings]

Live in the studio,

Tess Stapleton and Derek Copeland

singing this original Christmas track, "Winter Wonderland."

[audience cheering, applauding]

[instrumental music]

♪ Snowflakes falling in the air ♪

♪ Like diamonds shining in your hair ♪

♪ You call my name all I can do is stay ♪

♪ 'Cause Christmas time means miracles ♪

♪ And lights make you so beautiful ♪

♪ And mistletoe is hanging everywhere ♪

♪ I can walk every mile around this world ♪

♪ But nothing would compare ♪

♪ To growing old with you ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ Stay warm by the fireside ♪

♪ The flames reflecting in your eyes ♪

♪ The heat from your love it took me by surprise ♪

♪ Somethin' about the way you smile ♪

♪ Makes me feel this Yuletide ♪

♪ It's Christmas I just want you by my side ♪

♪ And I could walk every mile around this world ♪

♪ Nothing would compare ♪

♪ To growin' old with you ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ I want this ♪

♪ Christmas night ♪

♪ Forever you and I ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you oh ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪♪

[Derek] For the chorus I think we should hold the last chord.

-You know, like... -[Tess] Instead of--

Hold it double,

'cause it feels like the reason why it's thin

is just because it feels rushed going into the chorus.

-[Tess] Yeah, I guess. -You know, hold it longer.

Okay, that's a good idea, actually.

Oh, Pete. Hey, Pete, what's up?

[Pete] Carrie Underwood's manager just called.

They want you on the tour starting in January. Ha-ha!

-Are you kidding me? -No.

You have a week to decide.

Make the right decision.

I'll call you later.

[Tess chuckles]

-That's a big tour. -[Tess] Yeah. Yeah.

[Derek] That's a lot of time on the road.

What are you gonna do?

I've no idea.

Hey, my two cents. Y'all remember Fleetwood Mac?

They took all their pain and heartache

and they poured it in their music.

That's why the music sounds so great.

Sometimes I think that's where great art comes from,

is being able to open your heart and bleed for a little bit.

Anyway. Hey.

I got a lotta work to do here, y'all worked hard enough.

Why don't you knock off the rest of the day and, uh,

we'll pick this up tomorrow?

Go enjoy yourselves.

[instrumental music]

Wow, there are some good skaters here.

-Yeah, it's-it's humiliating. -Oh, my gosh.

Not me, but, Mazzy, I'm including you in that.

-Oh, come on. -[Tess laughing]

Hey, do you wanna come to my Christmas pageant at school?

-Are you performing? -Of course.

Well, then I'll be there.

Cool. Hey, guys, watch this.

[Derek] Wow! [Tess] Right? She's so good.

[Derek] Seriously.

My dad just got into town for the holidays.

Oh, yeah? Oh, he's probably so glad to see you.

I wouldn't exactly say we're best friends.

Oh.

When my mom passed,

it was hard on all of us.

But my dad thinks he has the monopoly on pain.

Everyone grieves differently.

Sometimes you just don't wanna be around someone

who feels the same way you do.

Well, yeah, especially if you're trying to hide those feelings.

Or get over them.

I'm actually ditching my brother's tree trimming

to be here right now.

What? No, you didn't have to do that.

I wanted to. Trust me.

You need to go be with your family.

You guys could come with me.

You don't need a buffer between you and your dad.

Please? Please, please, please, please. Please, please...

-Mazzy? Hey. -Hey.

You wanna go do some tree trimming?

-[gasps] Yeah! -Yeah?

Thank you.

[Tess] We'd love to.

-All right. -All right, c-check it out.

-[Tess] Wow! Look at that. -See the snowman?

[Mazzy] Yeah.

-[Tess] Christmassy house. -[Mazzy] Yes, always--

[Derek] You have three of those snowmen, don't you?

-[Tess chuckles] -No, but I need them.

-Right there. -[Derek] Check out the tree.

[indistinct chatter]

-Thank you. -[Mike] Hey!

Hello. We finally made it.

What a nice surprise! Merry Christmas.

-Hey, Mazzy. Hi, Tess. -Hey, Angela.

Where have you been? I've been blowin' up your phone.

Uh, avoiding you. That's what I've been doing.

Great. Yeah, uh, thank you, Tess, for bringing him home.

-Oh, you're welcome. -Happy holidays, old man.

It's good to see you, son.

I missed you, both of you.

Dad, this is Tess and her daughter, Mazzy.

-Hey. -Oh, hi there.

You didn't tell me he had a new girlfriend.

-Oh, we're just friends. -We're just friends.

-Oh, brother. -What can I say?

My son doesn't think he can be tamed.

Ladies, can I get you something to drink?

-Little eggnog maybe? Come on. -[Tess] Sure.

-[Tess] Thank you. -Yeah.

-Dad, you seem different. -Yeah, he's, uh, happy now.

It's kinda been freakin' me out, actually.

Oh, I'm trying to be happy. You guys could do the same.

I'm sure your mother's sick of us being down in the dumps.

Well, yeah, she would be.

Is that why you booked this Christmas cruise?

Hey, you don't even like boats.

Yeah. Yeah, but your mom would have loved it.

She always told me I needed to see the world.

So I'm doin' exactly that. You should, too.

-[Mike] You want a drink? -Yeah, thanks.

[Angela] What's Santa bringing you?

[Mazzy] A white...

-What are we talking about here? -[Tess] Eggnog and Santa.

Um, well, those are both great topics.

-[Angela] You need something? -So what's the deal there?

I mean, you're as smitten as a kitten with catnip.

[chuckles] We're just recording an album together.

Just an album.

Yeah.

So, uh, you're gonna ask her out

after you stop workin' together, is that the plan?

-There's no plan. -Yeah, don't try, dad.

I've tried and, uh, he's useless. There's your drink.

-Thank you. -Mm-hmm.

[Mazzy] Uh, there. There we go.

This one right there.

[indistinct chatter]

All right, my love, let's get you to bed. Say goodnight.

Hey, if you ever want to trade Mazzy in,

I've got two boys I would trade for her in a heartbeat.

[chuckles] I-I've met your boys, and they're trouble.

I'm not the wanna-be rock star here.

I-I just need to point that out.

Oh, like I said, trouble.

Trouble ain't always bad.

It was nice meeting you.

You, too.

-And you. -[chuckles]

Come on, I'll walk you guys out. Come on.

[Tess] Bye, guys. Thank you.

-Goodbye. -Bye, guys.

[Tess] Merry Christmas. Happy holidays.

[Mazzy] Merry Christmas.

Um...

I guess, uh, get home safe, all right?

Yeah.

Goodnight.

[instrumental music]

[Randy] Hey, listeners, I've got Trevor Gallagher

in the studio today talking about

the upcoming boy-band revival tour.

Trevor, as you know, is from the boy band Enigmatic,

whose other founding member, Derek Copeland,

is actually working on a Christmas album right now.

Trevor, are you excited about this album?

Yeah, uh, I'm excited that he's back in the studio making music.

Trevor, there's no love lost between the two of you.

Why did the band break up?

Sad to say it was over a, a girl.

Because of a lady. Okay. Was it worth it?

Losing my brother, my best friend, my, my partner?

Come on, what do you think?

You're about to go on an aughts tour

with the other bands from the era.

I mean, that sounds pretty fun.

Yeah, it's, uh, everyone that came up with us in the business.

So we're doing the songs that made us famous,

but also our new songs and solo stuff, too.

But without Derek.

I mean, does he even know about the tour?

[scoffs] I, I don't know, I don't think that anyone thought

he was back in the business until recently.

Would-would-would you want him on the tour?

I mean, is there any bad blood?

No, all that stuff was so long ago, and...

[sighs] I think the-- the fans would love it.

And I would love it, too, so... Yeah, who knows?

Maybe I'll give him a call later this week to see what's up.

I got a better idea. How about we call him right now?

[snaps fingers]

-[line ringing] -Uh, r-right now?

-We'll do it right now. -Uh...

Uh, just, you'll be fine. Just...

-Here we go. -Uh...

[cell phone vibrating]

[sighs] Hello.

[Randy] Derek, this is DJ Randy

from 102 FM The Mix.

Top of the mornin' to ya.

[Derek] How'd you get this number?

[Randy] Derek, and I'm sitting here with Trevor

and we're talking about putting the band back together

for the early aughts nostalgia tour.

Trevor Gallagher? That's impossible.

Hey, hey there, brother.

Yeah, yeah, it's really me.

-Okay, I'm dreaming. -I know it's been a while.

But I thought maybe we could clear some things up.

Not just for the fans and for the music, but for us.

I don't know if I'm ready for that.

Maybe just a meeting or a talk.

We could see what comes from that, maybe we could

do a few dates and sing a few songs.

Yeah, we'll see.

All right, well, that's all I can ask.

And, D-Derek...

[sighs] I'm sorry.

Me, too.

Oh, this is crazy exciting!

Yeah, so exciting I'm going back to bed.

-[phone beeps] -Possibly a Christmas miracle.

The band Enigmatic might be getting back together,

even if it's just for a few of the upcoming tour dates.

We'll take whatever we can get.

This is DJ Randy on 102 FM The Mix.

And we'll be right back to you after a few paid sponsorships.

[automated voice on radio] DJ Randy...

You just wanna run it while we're waiting for Derek?

Yeah? "What Child Is This?"

See what happens. [chuckles]

♪ What child is this ♪

♪ Who laid to rest ♪

♪ On Mary's lap ♪

♪ Is sleeping? ♪

♪ Whose angels greet ♪

♪ With anthem sweet ♪

♪ While shepherds watch ♪

♪ Are keeping? ♪

♪ This this is ♪

♪ Christ the King ♪

♪ Whom shepherds guard ♪

♪ And angels sing ♪

♪ Haste, haste ♪

♪ To bring Him laud ♪

♪ The Babe ♪

♪ The Son of Mary ♪♪

[chuckles]

-Nice. Thank you... -[Liam] Whoo! Oh, man!

That was incredible!

I'm really glad I pressed record.

[Derek and Liam chuckling]

Are you really gonna do this tour, Derek?

-What tour? -What tour?

Well, Enigmatic is doin' a nostalgia tour,

and Derek here agreed to get back on stage with Trevor.

Well, that's, that's huge.

I didn't know you guys had made up.

We haven't.

You got on the radio and told everybody

you were gonna tour and get back in the band with Trevor.

Well, I guess I'll just accept that offer, too.

Why, because I can't have success

without this being a competition?

No, because career is what's most important, right?

Isn't it Mazzy's Christmas pageant tonight?

I don't think it's a good idea for you to come.

Why not? She asked me to. I want... I wanna go.

'Cause she'll be excited to see you. Kids get attached.

And if you're not gonna be around, I'd just assume

rather you not be there, I'd rather set the tone

for that now than later, you know?

-I'm coming. -Don't bother.

[scoffs] What's her deal? I mean...

She should want these kinda opportunities for our careers.

Well, sure, for your careers, and if your relationship's

strong enough to handle it, that's great.

But, you know, if you lose her in a cloud of what-ifs,

well... that's tough.

Why won't she just tell me what she wants?

Yeah, or you could tell her.

Hey, you guys sounded great. Why don't you take five?

[instrum

♪ Joy to the world ♪

♪ The Lord has come ♪

♪ Let Earth receive her King ♪

♪ Let every heart ♪

♪ Prepare Him room ♪

♪ And heaven and nature sing ♪

♪ And heaven and nature sing ♪

♪ And heaven and heaven and nature sing ♪♪

[audience applauding]

Don't be nervous. Remember, they want you to succeed.

Okay?

♪ The first noel ♪

♪ The angels did say ♪

♪ Was to certain poor shepherds ♪

♪ In fields as they lay ♪

♪ In fields where they ♪

♪ Lay keeping their sheep ♪

♪ On a cold winter's night ♪

♪ That was so deep ♪

♪ Noel, noel ♪

♪ Noel noel ♪

♪ Born is the King ♪

♪ Of Israel ♪♪

[audience cheering, applauding]

[instrumental music]

[chuckles] Hey!

Oh, I'm so proud of you.

So proud of you.

-[indistinct chatter] -Mazzy.

-Come here. Ah, ah. -Hey.

-You were magical. -Oh, thank you--

Hey. Mazzy.

You were amazing. Really.

Thanks. I'm accepting all compliments.

-[chuckles] -Told you not to come.

Yeah. Come on, Maz.

-What? -[Christina] Come on, babe.

-[sighs] -I'm just here for Mazzy.

Yeah, well, I'm here to protect my kid.

And I don't want her getting close to you

if you're not gonna be around.

Are you talkin' about Mazzy

or are you talkin' about you?

Both.

We have something here. Everyone sees it.

But how do you expect us to nurture this,

whatever this is, if I never see you?

-You're going on tour. -You're doing the same.

But it's not the same thing.

I hadn't even said yes to the Carrie tour,

and you just so cavalierly jumped ship.

You would be crazy not to take that tour.

That is the difference between you and me.

Because if I ever have to choose between family and career,

I choose family every time. I've done it before.

I want her to grow up here in Nashville.

I want her to go to school, I want her to have a normal life.

So I'm only gone a few days and I don't miss

the important stuff.

But you're willin' to be away from her now.

She's just gonna have to come with me.

This tour would just, it would set us up for years,

I can't pass it up.

But you expect me to?

[scoffs] If neither of us is willing to sacrifice...

then where does that leave us?

Alone.

[mellow music]

What's up?

Goin' back to LA to prep for the tour.

What about the album?

We've got the release party tonight

and then it'll be done.

And what about Tess?

We're already done.

Life isn't all about work and success.

You have to make time for the good stuff.

[Derek sighs]

[chuckles] You look so pretty.

[chuckles] Thanks, honey.

If you get stage fright, just remember,

they want you to succeed.

[chuckles] Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

[cheering]

[instrumental music]

Great numbers so far, by the way.

And the first single off the album is tracking great.

We think you guys have a real chance at a hit album here,

which we all know both of you need.

The label loves the new album name

and wants to renew your contracts, as well.

Great job.

[sighs]

-You ready? -Yup.

Are you sure?

[audience cheering, applauding]

[instrumental music]

♪ O holy night ♪

♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪

♪ It is the night ♪

♪ Of our dear Savior's birth ♪

♪ Long lay the world ♪

♪ In sin and error pinin' ♪

♪ Till He appeared ♪

♪ And the soul felt its worth ♪

♪ A thrill of hope ♪

♪ The weary world rejoices ♪

♪ For yonder breaks ♪

♪ A new and glorious morn ♪

♪ Fall ♪

♪ On your knees ♪

♪ O hear ♪

♪ The angel voices ♪

♪ O night ♪

♪ Divine ♪

♪ O night ♪

♪ When Christ was born ♪

♪ O night ♪

♪ Divine ♪

♪ O night ♪

♪ O night divine ♪♪

[audience cheering, applauding]

Yeah!

It's too bad both of you guys are goin' out on separate tours

since we just resurrected your careers.

Tess...

I don't wanna end things like this.

I don't wanna end things.

Then what about everything you--

Just stop.

Wait.

[mellow music]

Come here.

Good to see you.

I'll, uh, I'll give you guys a call when I get back to LA.

-Okay. -Yeah, man.

It's been good seein' ya.

Mm, we're sad you won't be here

when... you know.

I know.

I'll be here in spirit.

Okay. We'll miss you.

-I'll miss you, guys. Thank you. -Cheerio.

Well, now get back inside, it's freezing.

-[Mike] Yeah. -[Angela] I know.

[groans]

Be safe.

-You be safe. -[Angela chuckles]

-No guarantees. -[chuckles]

Check it out, Nashville, requests have been flying in

for the hot, new Christmas single

from Tess Stapleton and Derek Copeland,

only here on 102 FM The Mix. DJ Randy out.

[automated voice on radio] DJ Randy, n-n-non-stop.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

♪ Mm mm ♪♪

[Liam] Great take, Derek.

Couldn't have done it without you, old man.

Hey, you did all the heavy liftin'.

All I did was make sure to hit record here.

Right.

You think this will work?

Only one way to find out.

[strumming guitar]

♪ It gets so cold this time of year ♪

♪ And I am frozen now that you're not here ♪

♪ 'Cause something's missin' ♪

♪ I can feel it in my bones ♪

♪ Why call it Christmas if we're both alone? ♪

♪ I'm so lost in this weather ♪

♪ Only you make me better ♪

♪ It's Christmas time ♪

♪ All I want is you under the tree ♪

♪ The silent night ♪

♪ Baby you complete me ♪

♪ Beneath the lights ♪

♪ You're my song and I'm your harmony ♪

♪ It's Christmas time ♪

♪ You feel like Christmas to me ♪♪

I...

I don't know what to say.

[sighs] What's the point of all this

if there's nobody to share it with?

[chuckles] What about work?

I spoke to the label.

And they want us to do an album of love songs.

Originals.

I'm writing all the songs?

We are gonna write all the songs.

There'll be a tour. We'll do it together.

The album should be done by late spring

and if we tour this summer...

-Mazzy can come with us. -[chuckles]

[Tess chuckles]

You understand my life is... complicated.

Not anymore.

[instrumental music]

[inhales sharply]

Just kiss me.

[instrumental music]

[Tess chuckling]

[music continues]

[door shuts]

[instrumental music]

♪ Snowflakes fallin' in the air ♪

♪ Like diamonds shining in your hair ♪

♪ You call my name all I can do is stay ♪

♪ 'Cause Christmas time means miracles ♪

♪ And lights make you so beautiful ♪

♪ And mistletoe is hanging everywhere ♪

♪ I could walk every mile around this world ♪

♪ But nothing would compare ♪

♪ To growing old with you ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪

♪ I want this ♪

♪ Christmas night ♪

♪ Forever you and I ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ In this winter wonderland ♪

♪ I could fall in love again ♪

♪ With you ♪♪