A PASSIONATE musician has launched his bid to have the next Christmas hit after sharing not one but two festive singles.

Rob Prince, 42, a software engineer, grew up in Mile End Colchester and now resides with his wife and two children in Brantham near Manningtree.

For years, Rob has always been interested in writing music and started at the tender age of 17-years-old when he recorded something on a two-tape cassette for his now wife.

He has performed a few shows and made demos but it was only last year he decided it was time to start recording his collection.

Songwriter - Rob PrinceSongwriter - Rob Prince (Image: Rob Prince) He then teamed up with AJ Jones of Black Cactus Studios, releasing a mix of songs that traverse indie-pop, folk, pop, and indie-rock.

And he has now launched his bid to join the likes of Mariah Carey, The Pogues, and Wham, with two Christmas singles – Father, Christmas, I Think He’s Still With Us, and Leave Me Sleigh.

Rob said: “I’ve got kids, they will enjoy it, it might be fun to record and release them, and to see if I can get on some big playlists as a personal challenge.

Festive - the artwork for both singlesFestive - the artwork for both singles (Image: Rob Prince) “I think these Christmas songs are something my children can keep, and hopefully they come across as a fun, Christmassy folk songs.

"It’s hard to get noticed, people are so passionate about Christmas and If I can write one of those songs and become part the fabric of Christmas, it would be great for a small artist.

“I’m trying to hack a way into the music industry through something really niche and It just felt like fun.”

The prior single is about capturing the wonder of Christmas, and exploring themes of belief and nostalgia, where the latter is a nod to the infectious energy of classic 1970s Christmas hits.

According to Rob, one of his personal favourite Christmas songs is from Caribbean artist Lord Kitchener’s album Calypso Christmas which “wipes the floor of the more classic” hits.

Rob’s big ambition with the two singles is to make it onto a big Spotify playlist or receive some radio airplay and he would be delighted if they are well received this Christmas period.

He said: Wouldn’t it be nice if I could get a little bit of airplay.

“I suppose in some respects it would be validation; it would show you don’t have to be the best or biggest artist in the world, You just have to have a dream and execute it.

“When I created this music, I know my kids will have it, it will be a little family heirloom if nothing else and that is nice.”

To find out more about Rob Prince’s music, visit tinyurl.com/46bwsyfh.