Locally produced song set for October 30 release
Rookie singer-songwriter Stephen P. Schaefer is beating Hollywood to market with the release of his debut single “Boo! Merry Christmas.” The new A-list movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol is slated for release in mid-November. But “Boo! Merry Christmas” launches October 30, in time for Halloween, too.
Inspired by the same legendary story, “Boo! Merry Christmas” features cameo solos from the three Ghosts of Christmas, including Chili resident Sarah Engel as the Ghost of Christmas Present, with Schaefer singing the lead role as Jacob Marley’s ghost. The result is quirky, fun, and a little spooky — perfectly bridging the span between Halloween and Christmas.
The song hits all the hot buttons that execs Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall from Warner Chappell Music discussed in their Billboard podcast on December 18, 2025. Its success hinges on its strong appeal to kids. “Kids are going to be singing ‘Boo! Merry Christmas’ all the way from Halloween to New Year’s,” Schaefer predicts. “And Dickens’ original message of charity and compassion comes through loud and clear, so parents will love it, too. It’s even fun to dance to,” Schaefer continued.
Schaefer, who now lives in Geneva, NY, is releasing the song as an unrepresented independent artist. “I have no agent, no manager, no PR firm…and no budget.” A team of 16 musicians from Syracuse, Rochester and the Finger Lakes recorded the 64 parts in multiple sessions over the summer at Tones Studios in Rochester. “I’m a musical hobbyist, not a professional,” Schaefer explains, “and many of the ‘Boo Crew’ are as well. We do have some pros in the mix, but they’re not recording pros, so this is an exciting opportunity for all of us!”
Composing is a more recent pursuit for Mr. Schaefer, who began his musical career as a choral singer with the Syracuse Symphony under the late Christopher Keane. After graduating from high school in Central Square, he moved to Buffalo for college, where he continued singing with the Buffalo Schola Cantorum, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the prestigious Westminster Presbyterian Choir. In the early 1990s, he relocated to Rochester and continued singing with the Rochester Oratorio Society, the Finger Lakes Choral Festival, and several area churches.
“Boo! Merry Christmas” is scheduled for release the day before Halloween and will be available on all major streaming platforms. Radio stations have also been invited to include it on their holiday playlists.
Singer-songwriter Stephen P. Schaefer sings the lead role as Jacob Marley’s ghost.
Chili resident Sarah Engel (front row, center) makes a cameo as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
