The coffee’s hot, the guitars are tuned, and the Christmas lights have been glowing late into the night here at The Clam Shack Studio in Tuckerton, New Jersey.
I’ve been spending a lot of time writing, recording, and putting the finishing touches on two brand-new Christmas albums, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally share what I’ve been working on.
The first project is Christmas on the Airwaves, a collection of original Christmas songs inspired by the wonderful world of Amateur Radio. Whether you’ve spent Christmas Eve talking around the world on HF, chasing DX, checking into a holiday net, or simply enjoying the friendships that Ham Radio creates, I think you’ll find a few songs that hit close to home—and maybe even make you laugh along the way.
This album is especially meaningful because 100% of my proceeds from Christmas on the Airwaves, along with all of my Ham Radio-themed albums, will be donated to the ARRL Teachers Institute. Their incredible program helps train classroom teachers, who then return to their schools to introduce thousands of students to the exciting world of Amateur Radio, electronics, science, and technology. It’s a wonderful way to help inspire the next generation of hams.
The second album, Christmas at the Clam Shack, is almost finished, and I honestly think it’s one of the most fun projects I’ve ever recorded. It’s packed with original country Christmas songs filled with family gatherings, small-town traditions, South Jersey charm, plenty of laughs, and the warm holiday spirit that makes Christmas so special. You’ll meet colorful characters like Cousin Cledus, Grandpa Buck, Grandma June, Old Aunt Mabel, and the rest of the Clam Shack crew as they celebrate another unforgettable Christmas down here in the Jersey Pines.
🎙️ The first single from Christmas at the Clam Shack is scheduled for release on Friday, August 21, 2026!
I can’t wait for everyone to hear these songs.
Until then, I’ll be right here in The Clam Shack Studio, making a little more music and getting everything ready for another Christmas season.
As always, thank you for listening, for supporting independent country music, and for being part of this incredible journey.
— Forest Raynes 🌲🎸📻