Originally a joke between the singer and her mother, Dead Sara‘s Emily Armstrong hadn’t planned on writing a Christmas song ’til she brought it up to her band mates for a good laugh. Surprisingly, the band was into the idea and began the writing process.

Armstrong told Rolling Stone, “It never snows in Los Angeles’ was one of the first lyrics written and everything just seemed to make sense after that. So, Merry Christmas Mom!”

The Southern California rockers are still riding off the high from their well-received single “Weatherman” and even bigger news, Muse‘s invitation for Dead Sara to open on select U.S. tour dates. Armstrong tells the story of listening to Muse drummer Dominic Howard being interviewed on L.A. radio and mentioning her band by name, saying “There’s this huge riff and this girl is screaming her bloody head off – it’s quite good.” After an endorsement that big, Armstrong couldn’t help but reach out. Even after being on the road with the Van Warped Tour, Bush and The Offspring, the Muse opening slot still has the band pinching themselves.

Head to the band’s official website for dates.

– Jay Tilles, CBS Local