Dustin Kensrue Will Release Holiday Album That Spirit of Christmas

The Thrice frontman will drop his sixth solo record on October 23, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Holiday Music

Dustin Kensrue Will Release Holiday Album That Spirit of Christmas

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Thrice frontman Dustin Kensrue is set to release his sixth solo album, That Spirit of Christmas, on October 23, 2026. The project features two original tracks and a reworked version of the song This Good Night Is Still Everywhere.

Why it matters

The album draws inspiration from mid-century soul music, reflecting a creative pivot for the artist as he expands his catalog. The release follows the debut of the lead single Joy Lives Here, which was originally commissioned as a writing assignment for the Hallmark Channel.

This release marks the sixth solo record in the career of Dustin Kensrue, who has previously released albums including Please Come Home and Desert Dreaming. The new holiday collection contains two original songs alongside several reworked tracks.

The players

Dustin Kensrue

He is the lead singer and songwriter for the rock band Thrice.

BMG

This international music company serves as the production label for the upcoming holiday record.

Hallmark Channel

This cable television network commissioned the writing of the lead single for their programming.

The details

The album, produced by BMG, leans into mid-century soul influences to shape its holiday sound. The project includes a new version of the artist's previous song This Good Night Is Still Everywhere, alongside the lead single Joy Lives Here.

2007: Kensrue released his debut solo album Please Come Home.
2015: Kensrue released his solo album Carry the Fire.
2024: Kensrue released his solo album Desert Dreaming.
October 1, 2026: The album was announced and the lead single was released.
October 23, 2026: The album That Spirit of Christmas will be released.

Industry Dynamics

The album follows the industry pattern of songwriters creating specific content to align with the Hallmark Channel holiday movie franchise. It reflects how major streaming and media partners drive original compositions in the seasonal music market.

Listeners can access the lead single Joy Lives Here ahead of the full album launch on October 23, 2026. The record will be available through standard streaming and physical distribution channels managed by BMG.

The takeaway

This project highlights how established rock musicians are increasingly integrating seasonal-themed writing into their creative cycles. Listeners interested in the genre can look for how mid-century soul arrangements influence contemporary holiday pop standards.