‘Christmas Now’ puts city duo in brighter, wider spotlight

A pair of 17-year-old singers – Laren England of Dorchester and Danny Rivera of Mattapan – will get a star turn at Thursday night’s Christmas Tree Lighting on the Boston Common, a televised event on WCVB-Channel 5. The singers, both seniors at Boston Arts Academy (BAA), will perform their new single “Christmas Now,” which will debut on Amazon Prime on Dec. 5.

England, who performs as Laren Taylor, grew up in Dorchester. Her performance career began after her mom, Jen England, hearing her singing along to the car stereo, was shocked by the power of her daughter’s voice.

“I wasn’t really the type of person that put myself out there and showed people that I could actually sing,” Laren says. “But then I started doing vocal lessons, and I really enjoyed performing in front of other people once I got myself out there.”

She transferred to BAA for her junior year in 2017, and began her lessons through her participation in choirs and ensembles. While writing her own songs, she received support and guidance from faculty, and made friends like Rivera in her small classes.

Last fall, England made her way to Los Angeles where she walked the red carpet at the American Music Awards. She spent a couple of months in LA, writing new music and gaining a better understanding of the industry.

Rivera has been singing since the age of five, first with his local church and then in various school ensembles. From a young age, his talent was obvious, and in 2011 he was selected to perform – and sing a solo – at an event hosted by President Barack Obama. At BAA, Rivera has had “the chance to really nurture my gift in multiple ways,” so he didn’t hesitate before agreeing to collaborate with England.

The pair wrote “Christmas Now” last month and sent it to Amazon, where they got approval from producers. In a whirlwind couple of days, they recorded the song, which Amazon has submitted for Emmy consideration. Hoping to get it out and into the world, England contacted Mayor Martin Walsh who enthusiastically agreed to let Rivera and England preform “Christmas Now” at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

“We want more people to hear this new sound because it’s not your typical Christmas song,” England said. “It sounds more this generation’s Christmas song instead of older, traditional songs. And we think that it’s just different, and it shows our generation more.”

On Monday, England and Rivera learned that “Christmas Now” had already made it on to the radio with the TJ Show on 103.3 FM.

“A lot has happened in such a little bit amount of time, and we’re so grateful for the support of the community really helping push this,” Rivera said. “It’s encouraging to both of us to continue what we’re doing in terms of our musicianship and our artwork.”

Although both England and Rivera are “shocked” at the success of “Christmas Now,” they are embracing the moment and enjoying the support of the community.

“I have everyone rooting me on, and it just feels really amazing to have a group of people, have a community, really pushing me towards greatness, pushing me towards the door of opportunity,” Rivera said. “I’m speechless.” 


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