Indie Kids Rock

Wake Up! Video

2011-09-17T15:52:00.011-04:00

Yosi & the Superdads release a 3-song medley just in time for school!

Having 15 kids between the four of us dads we know a thing or two about trying to get the kids up for school. Sure, the first week or two they are excited, but soon they are not so chipper in the morning. So, it's our (& your) job as parents to get these munchkins fed, dressed, brushed, kissed & sent out the door. Of course, on weekends when YOU want to sleep in the kids get their revenge!

To hear samples &/or download of the three-song morning trilogy:

1) Wake Up,
2) Vitamin A-K,
3) Bus Stop

Click here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/yosithesuperdads

Oh, and enjoy the first song & video: Wake Up! Turn it up LOUD!!! ...in the morning. http://youtu.be/uPK1PCeuWGg

Have a great day!!

Love,

Yosi & the Superdads

Joanie Leeds Rocks!

2010-05-05T20:14:00.011-04:00

I met Joanie at Kindiefest this past weekend. We spoke briefly about music, kids & radio. The next day I popped in her latest disc I'm A Rock Star & was immediately energized by the opening guitar riff, followed by the very well crafted, hook-laden pop rock styling. Tunes like "Jump, Jump", "I Like Jazz" & the fully Spanish "En Espanol" showcase Joanie's engaging singing & songwriting. Kids are bound to feel like rock stars singing along whole-heartedly. So, I called Joanie & said, "this is great!"

1) How did you get to be a "rock star" & how does it feel?

I feel like every move I've made over the course of my life has been preparing me for "rock stardom". When I was born, my parents told me that the nurse said instead of crying like all the other babies, it sounded like I was singing in the nursery. That must have planted a seed in their brains because at the ripe old age of two, my parents gave me Suzuki piano lessons. I started singing lessons by middle school and learned how to play guitar in 10th grade and never looked back. Once I graduated college with my first "grown up" CD in hand, I realized playing the NYC clubs like The Bitter End and The Living Room wasn't quite doing it for me so I switched gears and started writing and playing for kids. I have to tell you, I have lived the life in the music clubs and I have never felt more like a rock star as I do when I'm singing for kids and their families. It's really the best feeling in the whole world and I'm so grateful to my amazing fans!

2) What are some of your musical influences (as a kid & adult)?

I grew up in Miami Florida listening to 105.9 Classic Rock station but mixed in with Broadway show tunes my palate was pretty eclectic. My favorite music was the music my dad liked: Dylan, Grateful Dead, Cream, Beatles and Rolling Stones. In high school and college along with my love of Phish and any other jam band, I was all about chick singers: Indigo Girls, Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos and Ani DiFranco. These days I listen to more indie rock: New Pornographers, The Mountain Goats, Wilco, Felice Brothers, The National, The Weepies, The Decemberists and Regina Spektor. I worked at the music club The Bitter End for a few years after college and I found my influences playing there. I think as a young kid I just knew who the famous people were and I didn't realize that many of the very best musicians are unsigned, unknown and playing to audiences of 20. I learned that lesson really fast and these independent artists changed my entire thinking. Dan Zanes is my biggest musical influence in the kids world. I started out playing folk music so his style really resonates with me. I got a chance to meet him at Kindiefest this past weekend and told him how much his music means to me! I'm sure I wasn't the only one.

3) Tell us about your love of sunglasses? What's that all about?

I'm from Miami so having beach access is as normal as having yellow cabs whiz by in my new home, NYC. Some of the best memories I have as a kid was riding my bike past the mangroves on our way to Matheson Hammocks Park. We used to picnic there, sit by the sand and go swimming. I just love wearing sunglasses, it reminds me of home. I wrote "Sunglasses" in Central Park while sitting with my friend Jess and Briana. I brought my guitar and said to them, I am going to have written a song about sunglasses within the hour. It took me about 30 minutes and then I played it for most of Sheeps Meadow.

4) My kid wants to know 'do you really have an Elf in your room?'

Ha ha. No I don't have an elf in my room though I wish I did if it meant I'd have someone help clean up my messes. This song came from a true story going way back to when my little brother Jonathan was really little. He had an imaginary friend, "The Elf", whom he would blame EVERYTHING on. If something was messy, "The Elf did it". If something was broken, "The Elf did it" I'm 6 years older than him so I wouldn't let anything slide back then but we went with this one because I found it fascinating. Also, when he blamed things on the elf, at least my mom knew I didn't do anything wrong. The elf was genius! I even went so far as to make a stuffed elf toy (looking very much like the lucky charms character) out of paper and cotton balls which I kept in his room for full effect. Luckily a few years later he learned about accountability, now he is in law school!

5) Finally! Someone understands the need for more cowbell. Do kids really like cowbells?

This SNL skit had me on the floor a few years back but when the iPhone application came out, that's I got the idea to write "More Cowbell" the song. People go crazy over cowbells and I think I understand why. It's a pretty loud bell that you hit with a stick, plus cows more often than not get to use them exclusively. I love playing guitar and piano but I secretly want to be a drummer so this song gives me a chance to rock the bell!

6) Your first album is more intimate & this one is more rockin'. Is this a new direction?

My songs from 'City Kid' were written for the kids I play music with at nursery school in a solo setting. I wanted to write mostly "doing" songs so the kids would have easy direction in class along with having fun, of course. I find when playing solo giving the kids something to do works better than singing a story song. After playing more with my band, it was clear that with a drummer involved, I had more options because kids can just dance. For 'I'm A Rock Star', I aimed to write story songs in every possible genre for my audience that was now a few years older. I co-produced with an awesome team from Nashville, Zodlounge Music, and together we came out with an incredible CD. I really love it.

7) What's next on the drawing board?

In the September of 2009 while recording with Zodlounge in Nashville, I was selecting the songs for 'I'm A Rock Star' from my list. I had 24 originals ready to go but this time wanted to go with a shorter CD, better for kids attention spans. I put 13 songs on 'I'm A Rock Star' and the rest will be on the next CD set to release in early spring, 2011. We already recorded most of the basic tracks in the summer of 2009 and I am heading into the studio next week to start recording my vocals. It's a CD (untitled) all about animals. The story behind this animal themed CD is I was asked to write a bunch of songs for a DVD project in focusing on endangered animals in early 2009. Because of that, my repertoire is very "animal heavy". This came in handy when I played two concerts at The Bronx Zoo last month! The CD will have 10 originals and 4 cover songs and a re-mixed previously released song from 'City Kid'. You'll find some folk, rock and blues on this one, I'm psyched! There is a cool video on YouTube of my recording experience from these two albums where you can get a sneak peak of some new songs!

Keep on rockin', Joanie!

http://www.joanieleeds.com

A Kindie Christmas: Interview with Tito of The Hipwaders

2009-12-19T18:13:00.005-05:00

The Hipwaders rock this holiday season with tasty power pop rock for the whole family on A Kindie Christmas. At my house we love the toe-tappin' rhythms & grooves of "Wake Up" & "It's Wintertime."

Frontman, Tito Uquillas, shared some thoughts about this great holiday album:

1) What got you started in this kindie biz?

I think like you a lot of children’s music performers, I was already a songwriter who had performed music for a long time and began writing songs to entertain my own children when they were born. I never considered what I was writing for them was children’s music but my own style of music with lyrics I thought they’d most appreciated when they reached grade school age. Actually, the first song I wrote for my kids was a song called, “So, You’re a Boy” for my unborn son, Aidan. During her pregnancy my wife was convinced she was going to have a girl and very soon had been convinced and mentally prepared on how I’d act as a father to a girl. When she had her 22 week sonogram we were told it was to be a boy and the song immediately came to me. We have yet to record it as a band – although there is a live version of it on YouTube – but hope to have it on our next release.

2) What spirit were you trying to capture in A Kindie Christmas?

I was trying to capture the spirit I feel for the Christmas season. I grew up in a house with adults that enjoyed the religious and secular aspects of the season. I always enjoyed the ‘tinsel & lights” and the memories of those times are always good ones. There are some things that always stick in my mind like how during our teenage years my father attempted to find the perfect gift for my hard-core punk rock-loving younger brother and got him a Ted Nugent album because it looked like a punk rock record. My brother, who usually knocked heads with my Dad, recognized the attempt my father made and with all sincerity thanked him and didn’t make any kind of issue of it. That in a nutshell is Christmas for me.

3) I love your pop sensibility & I’m hearing influences like REM, XTC, & even Johnny Cash. Are these some of your early influences?

Ah, you nailed it. What kid doesn’t like Johnny Cash? They say your teenage years and early 20’s is the time that your taste in music is forever shaped and for me that’s ’78 – ’83. Give me all that punk rock/new wave/ska/rockabilly music from that era and I’m happy. Earlier than that I was a huge Beatles/British Invasion and ‘60’s American Garage Rock fan.

4) What do The Hipwaders do when not playing music?

I’m a paramedic and try and balance work, music and raising two boys with my wife of 23 years. Nick (drums) is a High School art teacher and DJ (bass) is a mystery man. We know very little about him and Nick and I feel if we pry too much our livelihood, citizen status, and perhaps even our lives may be in jeopardy.

5) I love the groove on “It’s Wintertime.” Was that born of a jam session?

The main verse music was forged during a jam session & I just tried to keep the James Brown feeling it had. At first I was trying to sing a melody over it like James Brown but realized I sounded silly and came up with the legato vocal lines that seemed more natural to my “white boy” style. It’s hecka fun song to play!

6) What’s next on your drawing board?

We just did some performances at Children’s hospitals in San Francisco and I would really want to pursue some more shows like that. On a personal level it was wonderful as a children’s musician but more so on a paramedic level. I’ve been a paramedic for over 25 years and performing for sick children reminded me of why I became a paramedic and to be less of a clinician and more of a caregiver.
Looks like we may have a song included on a very high-profile compilation coming out next spring so we want to take advantage of that by performing as much as we can and get ready to be a available for any gigs that may come our way. We also want to save up our money to get back into the studio and try and make the perfect Hipwaders album!

Thanks, Tito!
Happy holidays!

Enjoy The Hipwaders: http://www.hipwaders.net/

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-18T14:53:00.003-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!
We have a new CD!
Plus a concert on Sirius/XM 116 all weekend long!
PLUS: this Father's Day article is running in several on-line publications.
Enjoy!

Hey Daddy-o!
By: Yosi Levin
www.YosiMusic.com

“Hey there, kiddo! Enjoying your day? How about a bike ride? Let’s go!” Dads are great! From teaching you how to ride that bike, kissing your boo-boo, helping with homework, to taking the family out for ice cream, they are sweet & so much fun! Sure, they have work to do, bills to pay & things to fix. Dads come in all shapes, size, temperaments & attitudes.
They are special guys, but what makes a Dad so special? As the leader of a band of Dads, Yosi & The Superdads, I realize we have lots of differences but even more in common. Some of us have more hair on our heads than others. We have different size families, houses, cars, pets, & outlooks. But at the heart of being a Dad are some super qualities. It took several months to tease out those super qualities, but they are so simple we wonder why it took so long.

So here they are:

1) Patience: Now we’re not patient ALL the time! Let’s face it, who is? Sometimes it’s downright hard to be patient & we know it. But a great super-virtue of a Dad is the ability to assess a situation calmly, think about it and decide on a course of action. Did your Dad teach you how to tie shoelaces, throw a ball, or ride a two-wheeler? You know what I mean. It takes time & a lot of biting of one’s tongue to teach & be a part of a kid’s life…but we love it!

2) Care: You’ve heard it …”good night”, “good Morning”, “great job”, “watch out”, “hey silly goose”, “I’m gonna catch you”, and more…plus you’ve seen his silly faces, smiles & crazy looks …all spell I L-O-V-E Y-O-U …every time.

3) Humor: Now Dads tend to be natural goofballs. It’s like they were built to be human whoopee cushions. Whether they’re laughing loudly at a funny movie or TV show, cracking jokes, tickling, or making bathroom or silly noises you gotta admit they LOVE to crack you up.

4) Perseverance: No, not sweating! You know, hanging in there & doing the right thing. (OK, maybe there’s some sweating involved.) This is the glue for any family. Someone’s got to take care of daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal & yearly tasks. But more importantly, there needs to be a vision of the future & working towards it. Moms have their way of doing it wonderfully, & Dads have theirs. Sometimes it may not look like much more than work, or chores, or even reading the mail …but there’s a bigger picture in that man’s head. Ask him. You might be surprised.

And so my good friends it’s nearly Father’s Day. You could buy that tacky tie, or an iPod for your special Daddy. But what any Dad really wants is what we all want; some appreciation. I don’t need a big gift to feel appreciated. For me a hand drawn card from my kids makes all the difference.
However, if you REALY REALLY want to make a Dad super-happy I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You ready? Shhhhh! Secretly, Dads want to feel like they are cool again. There was a time when they were younger & rode a motorcycle or went to rock concerts wearing a leather jacket. They’re not sure if they are cool anymore & you CAN’T TALK TO THEM about it. They’ll just deny it. So, if you REALLY want to make a Dad feel super special all you have to do is say “Hey, Daddy-o! You’re the coolest!”
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!

Award-winning children’s recording artist & performer, Yosi Levin, is a father of four children, ages: 7, 12, 12, & 15. Yes, that’s twins in the middle! He with his wife & kids live in the sleepy seashore town of Island Heights, NJ where they plant butterfly gardens, rear moths, play various musical instruments & go on bike rides. Oh, somewhere in between bills get paid.

PS- You can hear Yosi & The Superdads recorded concert on Sirius/XM Channel 116 all Father’s Day weekend (June 19 -21).

Billy Kelly's Happy Club

2009-06-01T21:06:00.007-04:00

Billy Kelly is the newest kid rocker on the block, & his first disc is a blockbuster! Clever, fun, great pop melodies, hooks & humor. This CD is on my Top 10 for 2009. Check it out! You'll be happy you did.

1) How did I suddenly become an OFFICIAL member of The Happy Club? and are there any annual fees?

All you gotta do is SMILE and youre an OFFICIAL member of The Happy Club! It's that simple. They say smiling only uses one muscle (the mouth muscle, located in the mouth) but frowning uses over 18 million muscles, many of which are located in the feet & leg area. So you can see that smiling much better than frowning when it comes to things to do with your face.

Joining The Happy Club is free. Staying in The Happy Club is FREE. The only thing you're required to do as an official member of The Happy Club is spread cheer & love around. Smile at people, give your friends hugs, pet your dog and stuff like that.

2) If the first song is called This is the First Song why isnt the last song called This is the Last Song?

Mainly because the word Last could mean PREVIOUS, and there would be no way to truthfully play a song called This Is The Previous Song, because you could never play the previous song while playing the song youre currently playing. Also because I didnt think of it in time.

3) I see the Talking Heads had an influence are there other influences?

Gravity is a big influence on me. It really keeps me grounded. I like Talking Heads interesting/absurd way of looking at the world, but musically The Monkees were the biggest inspiration for this me while recording this CD. I love their harmony vocals especially, but I also like the way they jump around from one musical style to another. I also just like the way they jump around period. I like the way actual monkeys jump around too. Thats awesome.

4) Why do People Really Like Milk?

That's a great question, and one I never bothered to ask myself, so I dont have the answer. It can't be because it comes from a cow because there are other things that come from cows that people really don't seem to care for. It can't be simply because milk tastes good, because milk tastes GREAT. All I know for sure is that people really DO like milk. Open everyones refrigerator if you dont believe me they all have milk in there.

5) My kids & I LOVE Digby on The Billy Kelly Show. How did he become your manager & what plans does he have?

One of my socks got a big hole in the heel and I threw it in the garbage. (You can't recycle socks.) As I turned to walk away, the sock started talking to me (the hole in the heel was apparently its' mouth) and asked me if I needed a manager. I told him what I really needed was a new sock, but Digby ODoole wont take no for an answer. Our conversation continued for about 2 hours and in the end I let him manage my music carrer. Now he does stuff for me like sending my CD to radio stations, booking concerts, and setting up interviews with cool kids-music blogs. I only wear yellow socks, by the way.

6) Did The Blah Blah Blahs used to be The Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

No No No.

7) Why is Springtime your favorite?

I've always loved Springtime the best. Its not too hot, and its not too cold. Sometimes you get a little snow in the Springtime, but not TOO much snow like in Winter. Plus lots of trees and flowers change color in Springtime, just like in Autum, but unlike Autum, they don't all drop their leaves onto the ground and die then. In Springtime everything changes color and STAYS ALIVE! Springitme is the best!!!

8) Where can folks catch your show?

Episode 1 of The Billy Kelly Show is currently posted on my youtube channel: youtube.com/thebillykellyshow. Its split into two parts because its over 10 minutes long, and youtube apparently thinks all videos should be less than 10 minutes long. Im looking for a home for it on a more kid-friendly video site. Eventually itll be on my site, thebillykellyshow.com, but thats still under construction. Digby says the web site will be done in 2014.

Thanks Billy (& Digby, for making this interview possible). Hope to be seeing more of both of you. -Yosi

www.youtube.com/thebillykellyshow

Flow dreamily with Sunflow

2009-05-31T22:50:00.003-04:00

Feelin' kinda mellow?

SUNFLOW is the brainchild of two transatlantic songwriters Nancy Falkow (USA) and Fran King (IRELAND). Upon a chance meeting at a train station in Dublin, Ireland, Falkow and King became fast friends.

The following is an interview with Nancy:

1) How did Sunflow form?
OK in a nutshell....I moved to Ireland from Philadelphia in 2004 and in
2005 I randomly met Fran King at a train station (I recognized him from seeing him on TV). I later joined his band playing some keys and singing.
One day he played me a beautiful song he wrote, "Eve's Lullabye - (My Little One)" and I thought, why haven't I written anything like that for my kid? So I wrote 5 tunes and we worked on some more together and decided we'd make a record. We enlisted his mate and producer extraordinaire Duncan Maitland (who's also a Sunflow bandmember). And Sunflow was born.

2) What inspired you to create "Under the Stars"?
Babies.

3) Do you perform these songs live?
We've done a few band shows and some radio. Schedules permitting, more to come.

4) How do kids respond to your sound? (If they fall asleep does that
mean the concert is a success?)
That's the thing, as a band we're new, so we haven't performed for kids yet, we've mostly played shows for adults, you know, at night-- and only a few people fell asleep. But I would say sleep is a success!

5) I hear Paul McCartney & XTC in your songs. What are your influences?
My influences hover in the B section of the alphabet - Beatles, Bowie, Beck, Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and I love Ween, Daniel Lanois, Stevie Wonder, Aimee Mann, Joni Mitchell, Patty Griffin and so many more!

6) What's next on your drawing board?
Well, I'd like to get the word out about this record. The children's world is new to me, I've been a singer-songwriter a while, but promoting a record that's meant for kids is a whole different animal!

And speaking of drawing board - I've been drawing images and creating videos for some of the songs from "Under the Stars" and putting them up on YouTube(inspired by the artist Roseann Endres from Eric Herman's videos).

Here's a few links:
I Wish You Love - http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=zbhQWP9AZzs
Dreamboat - http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ir0qusdXU

Band Links -
Download or buy cd here:
http://www.itsaboutmusic.com/sunflow.html

We are:
http://www.myspace.com/sunflowmusic

Meet The Boogers

2008-11-21T19:24:00.002-05:00

It was high time someone did it... a kids Ramones parody band. Lots of artists have dabbled in the garage/punk/pop style, but the Boogers do nothing but rock Ramones-style. A sonic pop onslaught, & brief, catchy kid tunes that truly rock.

Here's a fun interview with Crusty Booger:

1) How did the Boogers form?

The formation of the Boogers was the result of two things. The first was mucus, which our bodies make to prevent our nasal passages from drying out and to humidify the air which we inhale. The second component was dust, lint, and other contaminants which are removed from the air we breathe by contact with the sticky mucus. As the water in the mucus evaporated it left behind the contaminants and thickened mucus which is commonly called the Boogers.
The idea actually hit me almost 10 years ago when I was in a “serious” punk rock band. We were at my guitar player’s house and put on one of our CDs for his young daughter (who had only been exposed to Barney and Veggie-tales at the time). She immediately responded to the fast beat by jumping around like crazy. Subsequent exposures to other young ones confirmed that kids cannot resist this kind of music. I came up with and promptly forgot the idea for a punk rock band for kids because it wasn’t relevant to me at the time.
Then I met my awesome wife and our first son (Josh) was born. As I’m sure you (and every parent) knows, having children is a transformational experience in many ways. Despite my proclivity for harder rock and roll, I started out by playing ‘nice’ nursery rhymes and folk songs for Josh. Then one day I put on a Ramones CD while Josh and I were hanging out and he immediately freaked out. The idea for the band came back and I started retooling the classics and writing new stuff. Then I recorded some rough demos and started playing for Josh and his friends and small gigs at local schools. The initial reception was fantastic from both kids and adults. So I thought, “why not make a real album?”
For ‘Road to Rock’ I did all the parts myself. Since then, as the demand for (and size of) our live shows grew, I recruited Greenie Booger for bass and Sticky Booger on drums. Sticky was tricky…it took a while to extract him. Greenie is a father of twin boys and lives right down the street from me. Sticky (who has three of his own) and I have known each other since high school and we’ve spent a lot of nights on the road and the stage together. We are a very tight group…Boogers stick together.

2) How do kids respond to Boogers …err, your punk sound?

Kids love to pick the Boogers because they make them dance, bounce around, and sing. Kids find Boogers irresistible. There’s something about a four-on-the-floor beat at 160-180 bpm that just resonates with kids. We have yet to play for a kid who hasn’t become a fan.
Interestingly, a lot of the fan mail we’ve received from our website (meet-the-boogers.com) has the parent first telling us how much they like it personally…and then telling us that their kids loved it too.

3) Ramones influences are everywhere, jacket, music, emblem…was there any issues of getting permission or paying royalties?

For us, the Ramones epitomize the spirit of rock and roll…short, simple songs with catchy melodies that make you want to jump around. As you might guess, we think the Ramones are among the greatest rock bands ever…at a time when the airwaves were dominated by Adult Contemporary (James Taylor), Disco, and huge arena acts, they came along and saved the essence of rock and roll…and we want to do the same thing for kids’ music. Don’t get me wrong, we love and appreciate all kinds of children’s music and musicians – it’s just that every time we listened to a kid’s band that claimed to really “rock” they always fell short in our opinion.
To answer your question after that digression, there were no real issues. The jacket is essentially a parody of the Ramones’ Road to Ruin album and the emblem is a parody of their emblem (which itself is a parody of the presidential seal) and parodies don’t need permission. Jay Lynch did the cover art – He is super interesting guy…he was one of the founders of the underground comics movement from the 60’s, he worked for Mad magazine, designed almost all of the Wacky Packages, and recently released an awesome children’s book (Otto’s Orange Day). Anyway, Jay knows John Holmstrom who worked on the original Road to Ruin cover (as well as the back cover illustration for Rocket to Russia). He showed the stuff to John, and John was totally into it. It didn’t hurt that Jay is one of John’s heroes. So in terms of visually presenting the band, we wanted to make sure that proper homage was given and to clearly indicate what the band is going to sound like once you open that CD. In terms of the music, we covered two Ramones songs on this album (but completely rewrote the lyrics). Of course for these we had to pay to acquire the proper licenses.

4) I’m hearing a bit of DK’s & other punk influences. Am I off?

There’s certainly a bit of that in there, but it’s fairly minimal. As you get outside the Ramones style of punk, you tend to get more dissonance and stuff in minor keys (which kids don’t like so much). Like the Ramones, major key bubble gum pop with a buzz saw guitar is our bread and butter. On the album, I think the biggest departures from that style are the songs “Peanut Butter and Jelly” and “Mary” which are much more of a thrash style. There’s a fun video of PB&J starring two of my sons on YouTube.
Besides the Ramones, we’re influenced by a range of stuff. As a kid, I grew up listening to my Mom’s old 45’s – early Beatles, Chuck Berry, Monkees, Beach Boys, Tommy Jones. My Dad was a country fan and really turned me onto Hank Williams, Sr.. All of these artists had a beautiful simplicity to their songs, so it doesn’t surprise me that I gravitated to the Ramones as a teenager. I’m also very into reggae and Frank Zappa. On our version of Wheels on the Bus, there’s Zappa reference from Joe’s Garage.

5) What do the Boogers do when not rockin’ kids?

We hang out with our families and do normal Dad stuff. Go to the park. Play games. Read books. Listen to music. Talk. Play superheroes. Coach tee-ball. My boys and I play a lot of music together. Josh seems like a natural for the lead singer spot – like most five-year-olds, he already has the requisite ego. He likes making up the set lists. My second son, Matt, is a stone-cold natural on the drums. He’s four years-old and can already play a floor-tom ride like nobody’s business. My third son is a year old and is still discovering what role he might like to play.

6) Does your Psychology background influence your music? How?

While I have to say that having kids is a bigger influence on my music than my background in developmental psychology, it definitely has had an influence. While working on my Ph.D., I worked at the university’s day care center for children with developmental disabilities and would play guitar for them. It was really my first experience playing music for kids. I also learned a lot about and did a lot of research on language acquisition, cognitive development, and social development. I find it incredibly interesting that music (pitch, tempo, rhythm) is the basis/building block for almost all spoken language across almost every culture – we communicate with music before we can even speak. And music can help facilitate language and social development. For example, “call and response” songs help teach kids how conversations work and rhyming teaches kids about how words are constructed. Understanding attention spans at different developmental levels is pretty important too. You shouldn’t write a 5-minute song for a 5-year-old. So things like this influence my songwriting.
In my opinion, the ability to creatively adapt has always been one of humankind’s greatest abilities and that ability will only become more important for future generations. By adding new sections to classic kids’ songs and creating mash-ups like ABC/Twinkle/Black Sheep (which I believe you have also done, Yosi), adaptation is one of the hidden themes in Road to Rock. And it’s amazing how kids can learn to creatively adapting and co-opt. My boys are already doing this. Unfortunately, most of the lyrics they come up with right now have to do with pooh.
But enough of this pretentiousness. Unlike the makers of Baby Einstein, we don’t claim that our music is any better than any other for turning your kid into some kind of Einstein. There is, however, ample research which demonstrates that listening and enjoying music with your kids will increase their love of music. And a love of music will last a lifetime. At the end of the day, the Boogers just want kids to have fun and rock out.

7) Where can punky families pick the Boogers CD & see them live?

Our debut CD ‘Road to Rock’ is available on Amazon and CDBaby. CDBaby has snippets of the songs and our website has a number of free songs to download. Our next show is January 25th at the Wonder Works Children Museum in Oak Park, IL. We plan on playing a lot of shows during the festival season, so be sure to check back! Thanks Yosi!!

Thanks Crusty!

Enjoy folks: http://www.meet-the-boogers.com/

Facebook

2008-10-16T22:40:00.001-04:00

Yup, it's busy here with the Yosi, & the Yosi & The Superdads, & the Yosi & family gigs. How busy? So, busy I don't get to think of posting for months (again). Sometimes I just want to drop out of the blogging game. However, I'm not. Seems that when music is sent to me that really strikes me to think of posting you KNOW it rocks. I'm waiting for that wonderful disc or MP3. In the meantime, several old friends have beckoned to join Facebook. So I bit...and...wow! I really really like it! Much better than myspace. Lots of ways to connect & get in touch with old friends. So, may be you'll like it. Give it a shot.

On a fun note, Yosi & The Superdads added PIC's of ourselves at different ages on our site: http://www.yosimusic.com/super.html

Enjoy!

Oh, if you've heard any really rockin' indie kids music let me know. Much appreciated.

Get on Facebook now!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy-o's!!!

2008-06-13T16:32:00.003-04:00

Yosi and The Superdads Father's Day salute to Musical DADS:

Yosi & the Superdads salute all the hard-working, caring & often goofy dads out there in the world of children. We know first hand what it takes to be a dad. We appreciate all you do on a daily basis for your kids & household. And so... we thought it would be great to talk to some super musical dads.

Yosi interviews rockin' musical dads...
such as:

Ralph's World,
Brady Rymer,
Daddy A Go Go,
Scribble Monster,
Hot Peas 'N Butter,
& more!

See below.

Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day!

Love,

Yosi and The Superdads

Hey, Daddy-o Brady Rymer!

2008-06-13T09:05:00.007-04:00

Cool rockin' daddy-o, Brady, has a wonderful new award-winning album, Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. At heart he's just a mushy sentimental dad.

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?
Two kids – Boy, 11 – Girl, 9

2) Best thing about being a dad?
Lots of things - here are a few-
Hearing my kids laugh together from the other room
Watching my son play baseball
Watching my daughter dance
Having a catch with them
Drawing with them
Listening to them tell stories about their day
Reading with them before bed
Walking with them to the bus stop & then later picking them up
Making breakfast & getting them ready for school

3) How does being a dad influence your music?

Becoming a dad has made me very busy - busy with living, & when I’m busy living, it usually means I’m busy writing & having fun with my music. So that’s good for me & my favorite songs have come out of this relatively new experience of bein’ a dad. Always surprising…

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:
My kids like to make gifts – a drawing, a sculpture, a ?? – I get a big kick out of those!
They also love to write up little coupons good for “one free car wash”, “one undisturbed nap (hmmm?!)”, “one walk around the garden!”, “one kiss” with an expiration date of “neffer”.
Worst gift from your kid on Father’s Day…there isn’t one!

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?
We usually go to the Strawberry festival, the first of MANY carnivals that come to town in the summer. The strawberry shortcake is monumental and even though I literally can’t stomach the rides anymore, we blow our piggy banks on classic carnie games like Whack-A-Mole! I think it’s a popular father’s day destination based on the amount of dads walking around with their brand new, extra large “World’s Best Dad” t-shirts on!

6) Words of wisdom to dads:
I honestly don’t feel qualified –ask me in 20 years!
Learn how to call an audible!
be yourself, let them be themselves, trust your instincts, be present, positive & loving. Basic human stuff… I’m finding that if you just be yourself and encourage & help them be themselves, it’s all working OK for us…so far!

Yosi, with these answers, I’m sure that you now have your new kiddie smash-hit, “I’m Just A Sentimental, Mushy, Dorky Kind Of Dad!”
---(Ha! Yup, you know me Brady , I'm just doin' research.)

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room Robbie...is your dad (Robbie) cool or goofy?

For my daughter. She says:
“My Daddy is goofy when he sits in the middle of me & Gus (her brother) in the car & moves around. And when he plays the Flo Rida song with Gus.”

Thanks Brady!

Happy Father's Day!

http://www.bradyrymer.com/

Hey, Daddy-o's ...Hot Peas 'N Butter!

2008-06-12T22:43:00.004-04:00

Daniel and Francisco are two cool daddy-o's of Hot Peas 'N Butter. They're new CD is Hot Peas 'N Butter Vol. 4: The Pod Squad. www.hotpeasnbutter.com

DANIEL LAPIDUS
1) How many kids do you have? Ages?
One kid, age 3 1/2

2) Best thing about being a dad?
The best thing about being a dada is being able to watch my daughter experience new things, and re-living my childhood vicariously through her!

3) How does being a dad influence your music?
It's easier to write music for kids now that I'm a dad because I'm more in tune to what kids really care about.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:
The best father's day gifts are all the self crafted ones. My favorite so far is a portrait of myself autographed by my daughter (even though it looks nothing like me!)

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?
Swimming in a pond in the Berkshires, Mass. as a family.

6) Words of wisdom to dads:
Try to be there as much as you can. As corny as it sounds, it all goes by so quick. One minute they're a baby and then one day, they're treating you like a baby.

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room dads...is your dad cool or goofy?
I had to ask her, and believe me...she said, "cool"!

FRANCISCO COTTO:

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?

I have one, an 11 year old

2) Best thing about being a dad?

Watching my son grow and helping him deal with life's many mysteries

3) How does being a dad influence your music?

Being a dad teaches me that it's the simple things that kids love the most. I try to apply that to my music.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:

The best gift is being able to spend time with my family. I don't ever remember getting a bad father's day gift.

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?

Probably have a barbecue or maybe go out to a nice dinner with the family.

6) Words of wisdom to dads:

Communication is an important factor in maintaining a good relationship with your child. Always pay attention no matter how unimportant somethings may seem to you. It could mean the world to your child.

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room dads...is your dad cool or goofy?

Both!

Thanks, Daniel and Francisco!

Happy Father's Day!

www.hotpeasnbutter.com

Hey, Daddy-o Mr Ray!

2008-06-12T22:27:00.004-04:00

Mr. Ray is a fellow artist from NJ I've had the pleasure of sharing a couple of stages, an occasional cup of coffee, & met his lovely wife & daughter.

Hey, Mr. Ray!

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?
Hi Yosi! Thanks for inviting me....Patti & I have one beautiful girl, Layla, who is 3 1/2.

2) Best thing about being a dad?
Being blessed with the awesome responsibility of raising a child: it's the ultimate selfless act.

3) How does being a dad influence your music?
Boy, I thought I was inspired before Layla! Now there is inspiration at every turn....

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:
No 'worst' Father's Day gifts so far! =-)

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?
We're having a lot of family members at our first house this Sunday...first Father's Day we're hosting....can't wait.

6) Words of wisdom to dads:
From my song, 'First Father's Day':
They warn you like you’re goin’ to battle
You’ll never do the things you used to do
But she doesn't take away my passions
She adds a new color to everything I do

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room Ray...is your dad (Ray) cool or goofy?
Cool AND Goofy! Happy Father's Day to you, too, pal.....

Thanks Ray!
Happy Father's Day!
http://mrray.com/

Hey, Daddy-o Thaddeus Rex!

2008-06-12T22:17:00.004-04:00

"Read Like a Rock Star," says Daddy-o Thaddeus Rex. He's a recent dad. Welcome to daddyhood, Thadd!

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?
Two, Gavin turns 4 in a month and my daughter, Ivy Justine, is 13 months.

2) Best thing about being a dad?
It’s the only chance you’ll ever have to be a real life superhero!!! (At least in the eyes of your kids…)

3) How does being a dad influence your music?
It’s added huge emotional depth to me as a person and that’s reflected in my music. When you have kids, you know without a doubt you would do anything for them. You’d make any sacrifice. That sort of love changes your life. Being a dad helped me find emotions I never knew I had. Those emotions get expressed in the music.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:
Best gift is time with your kids. The worst Father’s Day gift is anything you send/get mail order.

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?
Somewhere with my kids. Don’t know where, doesn’t really matter. It’ll be the best day of the year regardless!

6) Words of wisdom to dads:
Leave work early. Surprise the kids at daycare. Take ‘em out for ice cream or a movie or a trip to the park. Do it often!!

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room Thadd...is your dad (Thadd) cool or goofy?

I’m on the road so will have to answer for them. My kids are still pretty young and think I’m pretty cool! I hope I can maintain the status for a long time. We’ll see what happens…

Thanks, Thadd!

Happy Father's Day!

http://www.thaddeusrex.com/

Hey, Daddy-o, Robbie Schaefer!

2008-06-10T22:29:00.003-04:00

XM Kids Music Director & recording artist, Robbie Schaefer, is said to be "stuck in a real tall tree" & has a "carp in the tub." What's he doing in a tub with a carp up a tree? I can't figure out. But maybe he'll tell us something about being a dad.

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?

I have three boys. Noah (14), Ethan (11), and Owen (9).

2) Best thing about being a dad?

You know that clay project that your kid made in art class? And you’re not sure if it’s an ashtray, a pterodactyl, or a self-portrait, but it says, “I love you, Dad” on the side? Love those!

3) How does being a dad influence your music?

My kids are my test market for new songs. They’re almost always right. Also, Ethan and Owen often sing on stage with me, usually stealing the spotlight.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:

Best: My son Ethan was born on Father’s Day, 1997

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?

A brunch with the boys and my parents and sister’s family. For the first year since he was born, Ethan’s birthday falls on Fathers Day again! In celebration, I plan to make him wear a diaper and not let him sleep through the night. OK, maybe I’ll just make him wear a diaper.

6) Words of wisdom to dads:

Every time your child asks you to play catch or read to them, say yes.

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room Robbie...is your dad (Robbie) cool or goofy?

OK, I’m at work, so I’m gonna have to answer for them. I would say I’m cool and goofy. They would say I’m goofy.

Thanks, Robbie!

Happy Father's Day!

Listen to Robbie Schaefer's Stuck in a Real Tall Tree - LIVE! on XM Kids 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Also, Robbie's music can be heard on: http://songsforkidslikeus.littlestarrecords.com/

Hey, Daddy-o's Ernie & Neal!

2008-06-10T12:55:00.004-04:00

Rockin' Ska Daddy-o's, Ernie & Neal, rock the house!

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?

Ernie = 3 kids 7, 12, & 18

Neal= 2 kids 1 & 7

2) Best thing about being a dad?

Dominating the remote control

3) How does being a dad influence your music?

We started out before we had kids. So we got our inspiration from our nieces and nephews. Now we have 24 hour access to what kids are thinking about. We also get instant feedback on what works for them.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:

Becoming fathers was the best gift we could ever have gotten.

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?

Just hanging out with the whole family. Hopefully in a cool place, maybe with a pool!!!

6) Words of wisdom to dads:

Laugh, sing, play, and laugh laugh and laugh

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room dads...is your dad (Ernie & Neal) cool or goofy?

BOTH are BOTH

Happy Father's Day, Daddy-o's!

See: Ernie & Neal

Hey, Daddy-o Ralph Covert!

2008-06-10T12:42:00.004-04:00

Ralph Covert of Ralph's World is the rockin'-est daddy-o!
What's he doing this Father's Day? Let's see...

1) HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT ARE THEIR AGES?

I have a daughter Fiona (13) and my girlfriend has two daughters, Abby and Jayme (9 and 11).

2) WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A DAD?

Being inspired by the kids' constant sense of wonder.

3) HOW DOES BEING A FATHER AFFECT YOUR MUSIC?

I've co-written two Ralph's World songs with my daughter Fiona- including the title cut to "Happy Lemons" and I help her with her own music now that she's a teenager. It has also recently inspired a song that's on my new album, The Rhyming Circus. Abby had been struggling with her letters and sounds, her mom asked if I would write a song to help her learn them. In fact, Abby was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. Apparently one in every five children have some degree of dyslexia. Now that she's getting specific help, she's reading better every day! And she got her own song out of it, too: "Abby's Alphabet Soup"! But in general, it re-fuels my sense of childlike wonder.

4) WHAT WAS YOUR BEST OR WORST FATHER'S DAY GIFT?

Fiona once sent me a Father's Day card that was very simple and from the heart and that meant a lot to me.

5) HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING THIS FATHER'S DAY?

I will be performing in Alexandria, Virginia, at a benefit to raise money for the Red Cross.

6) DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OTHER DADS?

Let your children bring out the kid in you.

7) HE WANTS TO KNOW IF YOUR KIDS THINK YOU ARE COOL OR GOOFY.

One the funny things about being a rock' n' roller and a father is that no matter how cool your job is ultimately it's just "that's Dad's work" and it's not that interesting. Happy Father's Day!

Thanks, Ralph!

Happy Father's Day!

Ralph's World

Hey, Daddy-o Eric Herman!

2008-06-10T11:48:00.003-04:00

Cool tunes for kids by a cool, & according to at least one child ...a "goofy" daddy-o, Eric Herman:

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?

Hi, Yosi. Happy Father's Day to you!

Two girls, Evee, who is 3 and Becca, who is 5.

2) Best thing about being a dad?

Getting to know these two wonderful people and discovering their personalities and talents and sharing and experiencing life with them.

3) How does being a dad influence your music?

There are always the in-the-moment inspirations, where something happens related to being a parent, or something that your kids say, where you think, hmm, that could be a good song. That has led to a number of songs including "Hide and Go Seek with the Moon", "In the Box", "Bounce and Flap and Twist" and "Come Play" (which will be on my next album). Also, just being a part of their lives and experiencing the world from their point of view can be a great way to connect with a kids' perspective in terms of the kind of material you create for them.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:

Best: hugs, songs ("I'm so glad when Daddy comes home" and Frances England's "Daddy-O" are favorites in that vein) Worst: a tiara, liverwurst, a smelly sock (I've never received those things for Father's Day, but I imagine it wouldn't be very much fun to receive them.)

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?

We're on the road now, so we'll be going to church somewhere in the Baton Rouge area, then we'll probably hang out in the motorhome and watch a movie with popcorn and play some games together.

6) Words of wisdom to dads:

Like Lou Reed said about becoming a father, "It's the beginning of a great adventure." Buckle in and say "wheee!" through the twists and turns. Enjoy them, appreciate them, learn from them, let them be silly, recognize that they're all individuals (what works for one may not work the same for another), and try to give them tools that will help them be strong and independent and happy with who they are throughout their lives. Think of how big of an influence your parents were on you, for better or worse, and what incredible importance they had in your life... your kids will observe and usually reflect who you are and what you do, to some extent... so be kind and be careful about who you are and what you do.

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room Eric...is your dad (Eric) cool or goofy?

My wife interviewed my girls and apparently this is what they had to say...

Becca (age 5): "What is Daddy like?" Daddy is a boy. He has glasses to help him see. Daddy is good and nice... "Is he cool, or goofy?" He's cool and goofy. "Anything else?" I love Daddy! I will give Daddy a hug for Father's Day.

Evee (age 3): "What is Daddy like?" Nice and cute. He likes to play on his computer. "Is he cool, or goofy?" Daddy is cool and silly both... but he's not really really super cool.
(Follow up...) "Who IS super cool?" Me and Becca."Anything else?" He loves me a lot and he gives a lot a lot of good really big hugs. Daddy! I'm makin' a map for you.

Happy Father's Day, Eric!
http://www.EricHermanMusic.com

- Cool Tunes for Kids -

Hey, Daddy-o Scribble Jim!

2008-06-10T11:34:00.003-04:00

Scribble Jim is the scribbliest Daddy-o of ScribbleMonster scribble fame. He is downright scribbleful & scribblerific. We think he's just smurfy...err scribbley.

1) How many kids do you have? Ages?
We have three really cool kids: Jameson- 15, Elaina & Cooper- 9

2) Best thing about being a dad?
Seeing the world from the perspective of my children and discovering all the things I had missed or forgotten about. Their unfettered creativity awes and inspires me. As they grow, every year I keep finding myself thinking, “This is a fun age.”

3) How does being a dad influence your music?
My kids are my muse. They inspire songs from things they say (Don’t Cry, Dance!, My Imaginary Friend) and do (Candy for Breakfast, Oh Well). As a parent, I use music as a tool to celebrate positives (I Like the Way You Share, Hooray), turn negatives into positives (Scrub-A-Dub, The Bedtime March) and just to play around (I’m a… (Anything I Like), Play the Table). There’s a song for everything; ask my kids. An awful lot of ScribbleMonster’s songs existed in our house before there was any thought of sharing – the public has been spared from many.

4) Best &/or worst Father's Day gift:
Best: Visiting with family and friends; playing games, music, sharing stories and eating good food.

5) How are you spending this Father's Day?
Visiting with family and friends; playing games, music, sharing stories and eating good food.

6) Words of wisdom to dads:
“No Good Can Ever Come of a Sleepover”, “Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child”, “Why Must Everyone Talk at Once?” and other pearls of musical parental wisdom will be available this summer on our new disc, Songs with No Character.

7) (For your kids only)...walk out of the room Jim...is your dad (Jim) cool or goofy?
Jameson: “Cool and goofy. Do I have to do this? You’re ruining my life!”
Elaina: “Both – he’s an amazing dad which makes him cool, but sometimes he likes to goof off.”
Cooper: “Goofy. Like when he tells me stories as Barney.”

Happy Father's Day, Scribble Jim!

See ScribbleMonster

Hey, Daddy-o!

2008-06-10T11:20:00.005-04:00

We, Yosi and The Superdads, salute all the hard-working, caring & often goofy dads out there in the world of children. We know first hand what it takes to be a dad. We appreciate all you do on a daily basis for your kids & household. And so... we thought it would be great to talk to some super musical dads.

Enjoy the following interviews!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy-o's!!

Best,

Yosi and The Superdads

Daddy A Go Go Interview

2008-06-08T09:50:00.011-04:00

Rockin' Daddy-o, Daddy A Go Go (John Boydston), has released his 6th CD, Rock of All Ages. Father's Day is just around the corner, so let's catch up with this papa John & see what's shakin':

1) You've been performing & recording kids music for many years. How did you get started & keep it up so long?

It was 10-years ago today - that I was busy working on my first CD release, and I realized then I was insane to be doing it, but I didn't care. I had been entertaining my kids with my little ditties for a couple of years (as a stay-at-home dad, I had time for this sort of thing, thanks to preschool), and after I brought my guitar and a boombox to school to entertain my son's kindergarten class, his teacher suggested I make a CD, and it sounded just crazy enough for me to think 'yeah, that sounds fun.' It was truly a labor of love and I was cool with that. I figured if I sold 100 copies to 100 future best friends, it would be worth the effort cause I had too much fun making the recording...in my basement, one track at a time, doing everything but the drums. You have to be crazy to do that at age 40 without an iota of real recording or writing experience. Then one day I woke up and found my CD "Cool Songs for Cool Kids" on Amazon.com's Top 10 BEST KIDS CD'S OF THE YEAR LIST (1999). So that was very encouraging....to say the least. 4 OF MY first 5 CD's ended up on that list, so that has been very encouraging. I still do everything with my CD's, writing, engineering, producing, recording, playing, literally everything but the art work and layout, which I hire and supervise artists to do. new - I finally starting having a guy, Jeff Bakos, mix my songs starting with my 3rd CD. He's very good and we work very well together.

Now Ten Years After, and I've just released my 6th CD, and I still think there's a bit of insanity involved in doing this. The CD's aren't any easier to make, cause its still basically me in the basement, going track by track, and the technology is harder to get my arms around, but it is still every bit as fun. I love the creative process and having an outlet to express myself that way. It has been said 'you gotta write about something you love' so following that advice and playing the music I love to play, has kept me going.

2) What are your thoughts on the growing independent children's music world?

To be honest, I don't know what has changed the most, the indie kids music scene or just my awareness of it. When I started out (1998) I was oblivious to any of it, and was slow to learn about it. I thought I had an original idea - to make family oriented rock and roll (guitar-bass-drums) music for kids that didn't sound like kids music at least on first listen. Music that if you took away the lyrics you wouldn't think it was kids music. Then about a year or two after my first release, the Dan Zanes tidal wave hit, and everyone's doing it which was great, and you had a much wider acceptance of all kinds of kids music.
But lately I've noticed a broader regressive trend back to two types of kids music, either toddler-oriented stuff, something that I have never tried to do, or music for 'tweens.' It seems like increasingly what gets all attention these days are either Wiggle's type acts or Naked Brothers band wanna bees. Have you've noticed XMKids playlist lately? They used to play a whole range of kids music....indies and all. But recently they've gone 90-percent toddler music. That next to their Disney Channel and they've got those two bases covered, Tots & Tweens. I guess that is what's selling in massive quantities, but what about the 3 -10 year olds? Check out the front page of kids section at iTunes. Every week they feature a preponderance of tots & tweens artists, most of them from Nick & Disney TV shows. And those are the supposed critics choices there, not paid placements. There's automatic acceptance by the deciders there of anything with a TV show behind it. Come to think of it, I guess I noticed this trend back in 2004 when I wrote a song called "Radio Dizzy" for my 4th CD. The lyrics are on my website, check it out. I tried to make it a funny song, but the song is based on this observation.
(Speaking of Naked Brothers Band, for the record I just want to say I wrote a song called "I Don't Wanna Go to School" back in 2004. It was the lead off song from my 4th CD, "Mojo A Go Go," for which I earned my 2nd Parents Choice Award. The NB's are much cuter than me, but I was first with that title. So nana nana boo boo.)

3) Seems you're quite a rock fan...with ACDC, Ramones & many influences. Do you enjoy any guilty pleasure music? (You know the kind you hum in the shower when no one's around.)

To be honest, I've never been a huge ACDC fan, but I heard my kids playing that song "For Those About to Rock"...and that inspired the title I ended up using "For Those About To Walk (We Salute You). A year later I wrote and recorded the song. That's why the song I did rocks hard, but doesn't sound like the ACDC song, I wasn't trying to parody them, just the title. My bigger influences on my guitar playing and the music I like to make, are people like Dave Edmunds and Rockpile, The Replacements, earlier Beatles & Stones. Creedence. The Long Ryders in the 80's. Earlier REM. Even 60' s era psychedelia, like the Nuggets Box Sets I & II I just got, I love that stuff. My iPod is a history of rock and roll, with a bunch of new bands my kids keep introducing to me that I really like. But when I start to write songs, those artists I mentioned are the styles that motivate me.
The guilty pleasure question is easy - Frank Sinatra and people of that era. I love lounge music. You spend 3 hours with headphones on trying to record a song with a guitar in your hands, and your brain and ears are toast. I set my iPod to Easy Listening, and its loaded up with Frank, Babs, old jazz, the complete Capital Records Lounge Series CD's, and my brain is on mellow and I love it. That is usually what I have on around the house. Now my kids know who all those artists are as well. We'll be in a restaurant or somewhere and one of my kids will say "Dad, that's Frank Sinatra." I love that.

4) My kids love the School Bus Driver song...especially the stops. They also dig The Root Beer Song...is that based on an actual experience? (some comparable experiences?)

Glad to hear you like those tunes, thanks. I just shot what could be the first Daddy A Go Go Video, of the School Bus Driver song. Waiting to hear back from the editors how it turned out. That song I just made up on the spot with a drummer, and was listening to it later and just said - this song is about the stops, so the Bus Driver idea was born. The Root Beer song - kids say the darnedest things and the scoundrels in the crowd always strive to say the words they think they aren't supposed to say like "Beer" in root beer, or the Dam in Hoover Dam. Kids always do that and it has always cracked me up....and I heard a kid say at some point - "I drink beer...(long pause waiting for someone to notice...)...yeah, Root Beer." It made me laugh so I thought it would be a funny song...

5) Do your boys get allowance for being in the band or do they really dig it, & think you're the hippest dad ever?

In lieu of payment for being in the band, they get to see their favorite bands when we go do shows like SXSW & Austin City Limits Festival, with an artists' pass on their wrists, so its backstage access...they love that. At ACL they were backstage for The Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Kaiser Chiefs, at SXSW they were front and center for Kings of Leon, Iggy Pop, Pete Townsend. Such a life.
It's funny, 10-years ago my kids thought I was a rock god cause I made CD's and did shows and gave interviews and stuff. Then about 5 years ago, it was "dad, can you not mention the kids music thing when my friends are around?" And I was cool with that, cause I knew they'd aged out of the kids music program, just like aging out of little league baseball. But now that they are teenagers and pretty good musicians - they are like to their friends 'my dad's got a guitar like that, or...my dad's on iTunes, or my dad played Lollopalooza...and to me they are like 'can I play that guitar,' 'dad my amp isn't working, can I use one of yours,' and 'heck yeah we'll learn more songs if it means going to back to Austin.' It's gone full circle, and I'm glad. I was persona non-grata for a while, which I suspect every dad goes through. Especially us more goofball-inclined dads.

What do you say boys? (Leave the room dad.)

Yosi, the kids are sleeping....I'll ask them to fill in these blanks later, but honestly doubt you'll get much of a reaction. Music has become an amazing device for me to still be a big part of their lives....we can relate on every level, either as fans, players, guitar lovers, etc. Course they wouldn't tell you all this, mainly cause they're still asleep. To me its amazing that I started doing this for them, documenting their lives in songs, etc. Now 10-years later they are still motivating me, not as children, but as players. They bring a lot of energy into the live stage mix, and they make good suggestions on arrangements and things. Its very interactive.

Max: zzzzz

Jake:zzzzzz

6) Throughout your CD's I've noticed a pattern of plenty of puns, silly jokes, & nods to rock legends. Do the kids get it? How about the parents?

I throw that stuff in cause it makes me laugh, and my hope is it makes others laugh too. If the kids don't get it, then having the parent explain it to them kind of makes it interactive between the two age groups listening. I am always explaining things to my kids when something has flown over their heads on TV, or on a record, or in a movie. Good family entertaining has always had the element of 'something for the grown-ups the kids might not get', like The Lion King, or "Toy Story." Or the Muppets. Kids loved em cause they were cute and funny, The writers always threw stuff in for the grown-ups. And kids are so smart today. When I think of the wherewithal my 8th grade son has today compared to me when I was in 8th grade, its fairly mind-boggling. So I try and play up to kids that way, not play down to them. But don't get me wrong, I do like silly. And the kids do get it. I got an email from a mom telling me I was the funniest guy in the world to her two kids because of the false endings at the end of "The Guy Who Couldn't Make a Rhyme" which closes the CD. She was kind of groaning about having to hear it so often, but her kids were amused, which of course was the point. It was nice of her to share.

7) What do you get on Father's Day?

I spoiled myself this Father's Day (came early this year) by getting a Bill Nash T63 Western Cowboy guitar. It's so retro looking and such a fine playing guitar I still can't get over it. It's like a Fender Nocaster with a big fat neck, a leather Tele pickguard, stars burned on the front of the guitar, and horseshoes burned onto the back. (guess I'll have to learn to play a solo with my teeth to show off the back of it sometime.) I'm going to put a pic of this on my website its that cool.

8) Any advice for dads?

Far be it from me to give advice to any dad, cause I feel like I've been the luckiest dad in the world by having the opportunity to be a full-time parent. I just loved it from the gitgo....there was a period of adjustment and not every day was sunshine and pixie-sticks, but it was all good. I used to be a TV news producer, and when given the chance I figured being a hands-on parent would be much more rewarding and important way to spend my time. As for future dads - just make sure you want to be a dad before you become a father. Cause you only get one shot at it, and kids need a dad, and if you have the chance to be one, be the best you can, and the saddest things to me is when someone looks back on their life and says something to the effect of 'I wish I had been a better dad.' I'm glad I waited til I was 30 or so to start having kids. I was much readier and that much more mature, which are big bonuses in the parenting department.

9) What's next for Daddy A go Go? A 7th disc? World tour?

I don't know about a 7th CD - I'm on the 2-year plan so far, and while I'm lucky enough to get good reviews on my CD's, I never get enough publicity to carry me over to the next release and I have to kind of reintroduce myself to the CD-buying kids audience. It's not easy. I might do a best of volume or two for release in 2009, then ponder a 7th disc for 2010. As for world tours, I really don't do that many live shows. I'm more of a studio creature,I love coming up with new riffs, & songs, and trying to make them sound good. And with my kids in the band, trying to schedule an event around 3 teenagers schedules is almost impossible. (Our drummer is Jonathon Paz, a family friend who is also 16, and the only person I'll ever know to have played onstage with a Beatle.) When we were rehearsing for SXSW last year, I had to cancel a practice cause everyone else in the band had strep-throat. I said 'Oi Vey, this could only happen to me...'

10) What's one of the coolest things to come from the whole Daddy A Go Go Experience?

Having Rick Derringer do a cover of one of my songs. Its a long story as to how it happened, but this guy is a living rock legend in my book and I was a big fan when I was my kids ages...and since.
The song was "Pink Floyd Saves Hugh Manatee" one of my quirkier tunes, and it was great hearing what a producer and player like Rick D did with it.

Thanks John!

Happy Father's Day!

Check out the new disc at Daddy A Go Go.

Bill Harley's Dirty Joe the Pirate

2008-04-26T04:36:00.013-04:00

On our way to Philly last week I popped in Bill Harley's "Blah, Blah, Blah." disc. I had a feeling my three active boys would take a shine to it, but didn't expect they'd be completely attentive for THE ENTIRE TRIP! Yes, indeed there was family harmony & QUIET for an hour. Back at home my 5 yr old insisted I read "Dirty Joe the Pirate" again to him. So, I had a few questions for the Grammy Award winning Bill Harley

1) Is this story autobiographical? What was your inspiration?

Nope – I don’t have sisters – I have a brother older and younger. And really, when I started writing the poem, I didn’t know where it was going. When it was time for something to happen, Stinky Annie showed up.

2) Often in your stories siblings are big pests. How were your brothers?

My little brother was a pest, but really not horribly- I do remember enjoying getting him mad at me. My older brother was always very kind, and hardly ever teased me.

3) How did you manage to have girl pirates swipe boys underwear & keep it rated G?

Living as close as I can to what’s not allowed, but not going completely over the edge – that’s my job. And remember, I just use words – you make the pictures in your head, and I don’t have control over those. That’s what’s great about stories.

4) Speaking of rated ARRRGH, I think I found Barbie's Head. How much is it worth to ya?

Well, I’ve been offered more than one Barbie’s head – there seem to be a lot disconnected from the body. This is a little troubling to me, but I think there is a life cycle to all Barbies, and the unattached head is one of the final stages.

5) Do we have another book or CD to look forward to? What's on the drawing board?

Yep. Just finished a dvd and cd of a live performance which will be out later in the summer. I’ve got a new book, Night of the Spadefoot Toads, coming out this fall, and am working on recording of songs for the grownups, due out in November. Then I plan to do nothing.

6) Where can folks see you?

I know where I am only for tomorrow, but if you look at my schedule on my website, you can see.

Thanks Bill!

Check out the site: http://www.billharley.com/

Oh...don't miss out on the "Dirty Joe the Pirate" Poetry Contest: http://www.billharley.com/dirtyjoethepirate.htm

Thanks, Cory!

2008-04-01T22:25:00.001-04:00

That crazy PIC.
That incredible story.
Best of all, the Fishy Wishy song: Exclusive Song Demo

Happy April Fools, everyone!

Doctor Noize a/k/a Cory, The new Wiggle!

2008-04-01T22:15:00.002-04:00

News flash!

The Wiggles have chosen ...Doctor Noize a/k/a Cory!

Press release:

Wow, do I have some big news for you this month! Here are this month's Top Five Noizy Thingz...

1) Doctor Noize Joining The Wiggles!
I wanted the Noizemakers to be the first to know of the amazing career development that has just been presented to me: I am joining The Wiggles. It has all happened very quickly and unexpectedly, and I am as shocked as you are by all this, so let me explain...

2) The Inside Story! (Noizemakers Exclusive)
To thank you all for your support over the year(s), I have been given permission by the legal team to give you the exclusive inside scoop on all this before the official announcement in May. So here it is: Those in the know know (is writing "know know" a "no no"?) that things have been a bit squiggly in the Wiggly world for the last several months. This is because, quite simply, a creative rift occurred between the founding members of the band.

3) Murray's Choice
Hip parents know Murray. He's the Wiggle who plays an instrument. Anxious for a new creative direction after 16 years on the road with The Wiggles, Murray wanted to go in more of a "wiggly wiggly wip wop" direction to urbanize the sound and appeal more to kids in the big city streets whose parents never buy children's music. But the other three members held firm and wanted to honor their time-tested "wiggly wiggly woo hoo" style. And being a band of four white guys from Australia who can't dance, the "woo hoo's'" won out. So after this tour, Murray is bidding farewell to the band he co-founded to start his own band, which has a working title of "The Booty Cuties." Needless to say, Murray is this month's Noizemaker Of The Month, for messing up a good gig and opening the door for me to step into the block-colored shirt. Here's to you, mate!

4) My New Persona!
This is where I come in. In privately assessing a host of possible replacements, the Wiggles Management Team ascertained that I had made a quick splash on the scene but that my career was still relatively in its infancy. In other words, I was market tested, but had a small enough share of the market that nobody would really care if I stopped. So I guess you could say the stars were aligned and it was my lucky day. They rung me up and the rest is history. In marketing meetings down under, we’ve already determined my Wiggles personality: I’m gonna be Cory, the rebel American Wiggle with the Miami Vice stubble beard. Also, sometimes I will wear a striped shirt instead of a block color. Because I just can’t be contained. Exclusive for Noizemakers, here's a sneek peek of an early promo picture. Note that I'm takin' over the red shirt, but I'm takin' it in a new direction: My own!

5) My New Artistic Direction!
I realize one or two of you will be disappointed that the next Phineas CD will never be released, which means you'll never learn the end of the story (that's part of my contractual agreement). But I'm sure you'll understand that I have to do what's best for my family, which is to make a bunch of money and be off on tour most of the year meeting "Woupies" (Wiggle groupies). And the music I contribute to The Wiggles will be more geared toward the average mass market listener -- you know, the ones whose favourite classical composer is Andrew Lloyd Webber. Click here for an Exclusive Song Demo featuring some characters I'm developing for the Wiggles canon -- The Fishy Wishies, a multicultural and politically correct group of Five Fin-tastic Fishies who sing about proper behavior. I hope you love it!
More soon, I promise. Thanks for yer support from yer buddy for life,
Doctor Noize a/k/a Cory "The American"

Catching up with The Hipwaders

2008-03-03T22:28:00.007-05:00

Pop-power trio, The Hipwaders have released two truly great children's discs. But what are they up to now? Let's catch up with frontman Tito Uquillas to see.

1) Are you hip? Waiters? Or do you wade up to your hips while waiting? How did your name come about?

Decidedly unhip, I was attempting to come up with a name that had double-meaning like "Beatles" with the word "beat". I thought "hip" something would be cool as the word "hip" has connotations of the 1960's - my favorite musical era where it seems every genre of music from soul to rock was at a peak.

2) What kind of music did you enjoy as a kid? Does it influence your songwriting?

Of course I enjoyed kid t.v. shows and loved the music. The Beatles cartoon series, Banana Splits and the Archies were all huge in my book. My sister, who's a year older than I, used to love to switch channels to watch American Bandstand and Soul Train to watch the "big kids" dance which we found hilariously funny. Of course, I loved the music I heard on those shows also. When I was 8 years old I caught "Help!" on t.v. and right then and there I became a Beatlemaniac and would save my lunch money instead of eating to buy Beatles albums. I became the huge fanatic the same year they broke up and would then purchase all of their solo albums as they came out. Of course, The Beatles would be my primary songwriting and arranging influence. I love a good, catchy melody. I also love vocal harmonies, (soul music-influenced) moving bass lines and jangly guitars. It's a recipe that's served me well!

3.) Both your albums got a kid wide-mouthed on the cover. Is this some oral fixation?

Nope. While we appreciate the work of La Leche League, we merely have an aural fixation. The first album has a photo of me getting my teeth brushed by my mother - much to my chagrin. Our "Educated Kid" album art was done by the amazing Garth Kauffman without any input by us other than payment made up entirely of blow pops.

4) "Educated Kid" is one of my kids fave songs. What was your inspiration?

Our friend, Kelly the Clown, had attended one of our rehearsals and suggested we write a song about how kids don't necessarily have to go the traditional 4 year college route in order to get educated. I quickly had to give her props by stating in the first line, "Clown college, trucking college...." Also, I had a new tremolo guitar effects pedal and that gave me the riff idea. I've always love Bo Diddley songs with the heavy tremoloed guitar sounds and wanted to do something like that.

5) When not rockin' the kids world what do you do?

I've been a paramedic for the past 20-odd years, drummer Nick Baca is an art instructor at a local high school and new bassist, DJ Kinville is a "numbers guy" (accounting/bookkeeping).

6) What are your plans for 2008?

More rocking! We just want to continue performing for the kids and working on new material. As always, I want to hone our band into a very tight-sounding unit that flows easily between song and banter with the audience that I always appreciate in my favorite live musical performers. Also, I'd love the meet more of our fellow "kids music" performers. We've had the pleasure of meeting a bunch of the SF Bay Area artists (e.g. Abby & the Pipsqueaks, Andy Z, Charity Kahn, Frances England, Mr. David, The Sippy Cups). A very diverse bunch of artists with common interests we're trying to unify the scene. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of venues catering to music for kids and families like other areas. We're all trying to get a kid music festival together but so far it's been very difficult.

Thanks for the interview Tito!

Check out the great tunes & upcoming concerts: The Hipwaders

Oh, my!

2008-03-03T21:57:00.004-05:00

Has it really been 6 months since the last post?! Oh, good lord & gravy! Sheesh! To say things have been busy would be a bit of an overstatement. I mean, 6 months. Who'd believe that? No, I haven't forgotten about the blog. No, I'm not just sitting around eating Doritos watching The Flintstones. Although that might be fun. There have been some cool Kindie discs I've been listening to. Stuff like The Jimmies, Peter Himmelman, & I've especially been taken by Putumayo's Brazilian Playground. I just love to cook to those cool rhythms.

So, without further excuses, I think I'll blog again. Just because it's fun to share my thoughts about CD's & talk to artists.

Cod Liver Oil Music (CLOM)

2007-08-10T22:51:00.000-04:00

Important music with a capital "I." Mozart. Miles Davis. Sonic Youth. It's music that's good for you. Expands your auditory palette & intelligence. Enhances your cultural aptitude. However, like the essential omega-3 fatty acid, it's kinda hard to swallow at first. I hear Cod Liver Oil does wonders for kids too. But, kids tend to like the sugary, easy-to-swallow-whole, rockin' music. So, how does a parent get their youngster to listen to the likes of the funky organ/drum duo Sugar Free Allstars? I've tried. Dos Ninos has got some great grooves & sounds like nothing ANYONE else is doing in kids music today. But, my kids aint diggin' it. "It's weird, Dad," they say. "It's different, cool, interesting," I retort. "Check this track out." They're not having it. Is this kids music for parents too hip for kids? I'm enjoying it. Why aren't the kids? I think it will help them appreciate other forms of music. It's a gateway sound to Jazz, Electronica, etc. That's when I remembered my first experiences with self-imposed "Cod Liver Oil Music" (CLOM)...a term my friend coined back in the mid-80's.

See, I got a copy of "Bringing Home The Bait" by Live Skull, a NY No Wave band more edgy than Sonic Youth. I've been reading about the sound, plus the graphics were pretty wild. I was determined to love it. I was going to be hip! I was going to get into this whole No Wave sound. Well, like an 8 yr old getting a first sip of beer from dads mug it was a bit off putting to the system. Damn it, everyone else who I consider cool likes this stuff! What's wrong with me? It took a few listens to catch the nuances, & the feel for the music. Then something clicked. CLOM had an effect. I no longer just tolerated this stuff. I looked forward to it. I was hooked. It was definitely a gateway to other such Avant-garde music, newer & older. Now, I could really appreciate the wide array of hues & flavors the likes of Laurie Anderson, Pere Ubu, Einstürzende Neubauten, Big Black , Lydia Lunch, & Swans.

So, maybe I ought to sneak it in to their daily music diet. Kinda like crushing a pill & blending it in with chocolate pudding. They'll thank me for it someday. I'm sure of it.

Maybe you can do the same: Sugar Free Allstars

Interview: Doctor Noize

2007-07-12T23:34:00.000-04:00

Cory Cullinan, AKA Doctor Noize, is the freshest new face & sound in kindie rock today...but don't let the rookie status fool you. His first release, The Ballad of Phineas McBoof , is no flavor of the week. It's a musical & narrative rock opera that is surprisingly one of the best children's CD's of 2007!

(Mind you, I don't make that sort of claim lightly. Last year I said Justin Robert's Meltdown was one of the best CD's of 2006, & boy, was it ever!...also many others "seemed to" agree.)

How did he do it? Let's find out...

1) Are you a real doctor? A noisy doctor? Or a Doc of Noize?

Phineas is the one who named me Doctor Noize. So I am a real Doctor without a Doctorate. I would not recommend hiring me to perform surgery on you. I cannot fill prescriptions, so please don't ask, although I will tell you that fruit is very, very yummy and can, in fact, solve many physical, mental and emotional ills. I do not have an advanced degree. However, I am an expert of sorts in music, and yes, I am very, very noizy. Also, make sure you drink lots of water. It makes you pee a lot, but it's worth it.

2) My kids & I love the story. I was amazed at how it kept them quiet in the car for the entire disc. How did you come up with the story? Did it come to you in a dream?

First of all, I'd like to say that you and your kids are obviously insane, which is perfect, because that is precisely my demographic. Second of all, you shouldn't leave your kids in the car like that when you go shopping, even if they do like the disc. And thirdly, the story is 100% true, so I really consider myself more of a historian/documentarian than a traditional storyteller. Okay, fine, maybe it's not 100% true -- for example, truth be told I have never actually met a bass playing hippo. Like most of us, I have met many fine hippo flautists, but never one that played the bass. So I admit there was a little creative leeway with Bottomus The Hip Popotamus. But most of the other stuff is true, except for the stuff that isn't. And yes, I dream about the International Band Of Misunderstood Geniuses all the time -- for example, I have a nightmare that Bottomus mistakes me for a chair.

3) What was the inspiration for the song "Banana"?

Phineas McBoof composed the art song, "Banana," as an ode to his true love -- which is, not coincidentally, the common banana. Phineas is, in fact, a master chef of banana delicacies, creating new and unique dishes featuring all forms of the great banana, including the Common Yellow Banana, the Ridiculously Ripe Green Bananas Of Melamango, and the Pink Flaming Bananas Of Mars.

4) Phineas: How did you learn to play the guitar & sing?

Phineas here... I taught myself how to play guitar. I was assisted by a bright yellow book called "Playing Guitar For Munkies." Like most hairy musicians, initially I learned guitar to impress the lady monkeys. Then I started impressing myself, which was scary. And eventually I became more interested in the music than the monkettes, which was even scarier. How did that happen? I don't know.

5) How can one join The International Band of Misunderstood Geniuses? Is there a waiting list? Do you have to send an essay in triplicate?

If you have some sort of misunderstood genius -- and let's face it, most of us creative types do -- than you are already an honorary member of The International Band Of Misunderstood Geniuses. I played my CD launch show last Saturday, and I was shocked at how many honorary band members were out there in the audience. They really know how to sing and shake their booties. In order to officially join the band, you gotta be there when the band passes through your kingdom, and you gotta be ready to perform when the opportunity arises. And you're up for it. Sometimes Phineas and I invite new members to join -- new members are generally people who are totally dedicated to their art and talent, even when those around them just don't understand the greatness of what they do. Phineas is great at spotting unheralded talent, and you got it, baby, you got it. Concerning your other excellent questions... There is no official waiting list, and the essays actually have to be written in Sanskrit. So, needless to say, we don't get many essay submissions, and the ones we get, we can't read.

6) What can one expect at a live show?

If the full band shows up -- especially Bottomus and the monsters -- you can expect a show performed by a band consisting of more tonnage than other bands you've seen. At my solo shows, you can expect to see me singing, dancing, and shaking my booty like a funkomatic maniac. You can also expect to see me performing songs from my CD and playing keyboards, guitars, percussion, saxophone, and kazoo. And you can count on one or two songs being arranged and recorded live on the spot using some totally boffo wowza technology that Riley The Robot developed for me. Kids get to come up onstage and contribute their own vocals to the mix. The next day, kids, parents, teachers, old ladies and robots alike can download the song(s) we created together from the Doctor Noize website. But above all else, there is one stone cold rule at Doctor Noize shows, and that is that there will be absolutely no silliness or fun having. Music is a serious business, and these are serious times. Hey -- somebody get that rubber chicken out of my office! Sorry, I got distracted there, what were we talking about?...

7) This disc is part 1 of two(?) or a trilogy(?). What can we look forward to in the next disc?

Okay Yosi, I am going to spill the beans a little bit here, because I know we are both fellow family musicians, we take what we do very seriously, we are adherents of the Secret Family Musician Codes Of Secrecy, and you would never, ever post this private conversation between the two of us on your web for all to read, for example, on your blog. So I will now reveal to you Three Top Secret Thingz that occur in the next recording and book:
(1) We learn how I became Doctor Noize and joined The International Band Of Misunderstood Geniuses. It is not a flattering story, but it must be told.
(2) We are properly introduced to Sidney The Beak (the rapping songbird) and I Tre Tenori (Luciano Frogerati, José The Ferret, and Placido Flamingo), who, they themselves cannot help but admit, are the world's greatest singers.
(3) Spoiler Alert!!!... We finally get to hear The World's Greatest Song, recorded live at its debut performance, which the band spent countless hours and months composing together. The song makes most listeners go crazy with excitement, which causes its own set of problems...

Thanks, Cory...err Doctor Noize, for a great disc & interview. Here's wishing you success.

Enjoy folks...http://www.doctornoize.com/

Interview: Rob Reid

2007-06-30T22:52:00.000-04:00

“I truly believe I’ve listened to more children’s musical recordings than anyone in the history of mankind.” - Children’s librarian, teacher, senior lecturer, presenter & humorist, Robert Reid.

Two of his books have just been simultaneously published by the American Library Association: Children’s Jukebox,2nd edition, is an updated version of Reid’s first book. It is a subject index of children’s recorded music and, as a reference tool, is aimed at libraries and schools. Something Musical Happened at the Library incorporates music with children’s literature with practical suggestions and is aimed for librarians, teachers, and parents.

INTERVIEW:

1) Did you really listen to over 500 recordings? How? Do you ever sleep?

I actually listened to about 650 children's recordings. Because of book length restrictions, I couldn't include all 650. Children's Jukebox contains listings for 547 children's recordings.

How did I listen to them all? I was on the Newbery Award Committee the year before I worked on this project and I found myself reading every single free minute of the day - between eating breakfast and brushing my teeth, between pulling up in the driveway after work and kissing my wife, and so on. OK, I'm exaggerating, but I truly had no social life that year. Nor the following year when I spent every free minute listening intently to children's music. My family was very patient and understanding.

I state in the Introduction to Children's Jukebox that I'm confident I have listened to more children's music than anyone in the history of humankind.

2) During your research did you get feedback from kids or friends & family about the music?

Definitely. I was constantly telling friends and family members of all ages to give me feedback on a variety of recordings. A lot of the recordings were kid-tested.

3) What type of criteria do you follow in making decisions about what gets printed?

I got a lot of feedback from folks when the first edition of Children's Jukebox came out. They were having trouble purchasing the various recordings because no one source handles all of the recordings I had listed. For this edition, I made sure that each recording could be ordered online, either through a jobber or the artist's personal website. The recordings also had to be available in CD format. There were a few recordings I wanted to list in the books but didn't because the artists either took mail-only orders or the older recordings hadn't been converted to CDs.

Otherwise, I was looking for solid recording production, topics that kids could relate to, pleasant vocals/instrumentation. I was aware of several major artists and found other artists from reviewing recordings for School Library Journal and Booklist, and from awards, such as Parents Choice Awards and the American Library Association's Notable Recordings listings to name a few.

4) Why is children's music important for libraries & literacy?

I don't have any stats or studies to share, but I intuitively see how kids react to music and books together through my years as a children's librarian and children's performer. Many librarians and classroom teachers overlook children's musical recordings as a primary resource for great ideas, so I wanted to spread the word. For example, when I heard a children's song while indexing it, I often thought of a specific picture book to go along with it. I have a section of these pairings in Something Musical Happened at the Library.

Another practical function of using music comes from the fact that many teachers use cumulative pattern stories as a reading readiness activity. I listed several cumulative songs that perform a similar function.

5) Are there certain artists or music trends that stand out for you personally?

It's nice to see a richness of songs about diversity out there. I have subject listings of songs sung in different languages and also songs related to different geographic regions around the world. These subject headings are certainly more extensive than in the first edition of Children's Jukebox. I also see several artists writing intelligent songs that aren't dumbed down in content and production quality. Adults and children can enjoy them together.

Out of the 547 recordings I indexed for Children's Jukebox, I listed 46 recordings as a recommended Core Collection (since few individuals or organizations can afford to buy all 547 recordings). In the book, I state Eric Nagler's Improvise with Eric Nagler is my all-time favorite children's recording. I must admit Billy Jonas's What Kind of Cat Are You is sneaking up as #1. I also have a listing of my favorite children's original songs (as opposed to traditional songs like "Old MacDonald" - it's not fair to compare the two categories). My all-time favorite children's song is "Walk a Mile" written by Jan Nigro for his group Vitamin L.

BUT - picking favorite artists/recordings is almost like picking your favorite child. There are SO many great artists out there.
For example - you YOSI are so much fun to listen to and I'm glad I found you for the book projects. Your song "Goodbye" is featured in Something Musical Happened at the Library !

6) I understand that you do some entertaining at schools & libraries. What kind of performance do you do?

I teach full-time at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire - mostly Children's Literature and Literature for Adolescents. When I can work around my class schedules, I like to visit schools and libraries. I bill myself as a Children's Humorist and tell stories, poetry and wordplay, and musical activities. I'm known in some circles as Rappin' Rob because of my library/reading raps.

7) Will you be making any appearances where educators, librarians, etc. can hear & meet you?

In addition to kid shows, I travel all over the United States and Canada to conduct workshops for teachers and librarians on the topic of Making Literature Come Alive for Children and I pull material from my 8 books that I've published with ALA Editions and Upstart Books plus my magazine columns in LibrarySparks and Book Links. LibrarySparks has upcoming tours in Texas and New Jersey this summer. I will be one of three authors on this "Road Show." Check it out at http://www.librarysparks.com/. Otherwise, I'm usually hired by organizations to speak at conferences or to conduct workshops.

8) How can someone get copies of these titles?

Children's Jukebox and Something Musical Happened at the Library are both available from ALA Editions at the ALA Bookstore: http://www.alastore.ala.org/

Thanks Rob!

Have a fun tour this summer.

Interview: Joe McDermott

2007-06-28T21:34:00.000-04:00

"The Maestro of Imagination" Joe McDermott rocks on his latest disc Everybody Plays Air Guitar, where he actually plays a REAL guitar...or so it's rumored. We got to talkin' (via e-mail) & Joe shared some insights on Zombies, Trains & Hollywood

1) Does EVERYBODY play air guitar? I seem to recall my grandma playing air-balalaika. Does that count?

Was your grandmother one of the Skomorokhs ? It only counts if she was a card-carrying Skomorokh. And no, not everyone plays air guitar. I actually tried many variations - air oboe, air euphonium and air accordion, but air guitar just seemed to resonate more in our focus groups.

2) I think the vocals really shine when you sing a cappella . How many parts did you sing on "Working on the railroad"?

Thanks Yosi. I'm not really sure how many parts I sang. I usually do a pretty standard barber shop quartet to start with (standard in everything but actually knowing how to write one) and then fill in with funny stuff and sound FX vocals wherever possible. It took a really long time. I don't consider myself a great singer by any stretch, so I do lots of takes until I have the ones I can live with. After all my work was finished I had a few gospel singers come in and REALLY sing. To me that's what makes the track. I really did have a job on the railroad once though-and loved it. My dad worked for the railroad his whole life, so it's really in my blood. I grew up around a lot of trains.

3) I understand you're a father of 4(?)...(like me)...how do you make time to write, record, & perform?

Actually, I'm the father of three boys. I have morning insomnia and get up really early and work. fortunately, it's my full-time job so I basically have to do it and have to make the time for it. On days that I perform, I'm often finished at 11:00 or so which leaves the rest of the day to write and record. And also, I'm a bit of a workaholic.

4) What are your kids fave tunes? (on your CD's)

I think the general consensus around our house is that "Come To Hawaii" from "Great Big World" is one of our favorite songs and recordings. It's between that and "Great Big World" from the same album. But really, as far as the kids are concerned, their favorite songs of all are the songs from a Super Nintendo game that I did the soundtrack for in the 90s. It's called "Zombies Ate My Neighbors." It's apparently become sort of a cult following thing. I still get emails from nerds all over the world telling me how much they like it. Weird.

5) Where do you get your song ideas? Especially "Baby Kangaroo."

I have no idea really-especially that song. I found this cool ping-pong ball sound FX and looped it and played it in my car. The song just kind of popped into my head one day. Funny though-it was the last cut on that album that I worked on and I thought it might be too obnoxious-yes, even for a children's recording. I almost left it off.

6) I know you are based in Texas. Will folks be able to catch you live on the East or West coasts?

I'll be playing at Borders in San Francisco July 7th, Steamboat Springs Colorado July 17th and Washington DC at Jamin Java July 28th. for specifics, our web site is joemcdermottmusic.com

7) What's next on the drawing board? A cd? DVD? Full-feature film?

Yes, probably a full-feature Hollywood blockbuster-type film featuring all of today's hottest stars. That's what I'm thinking for now anyway. (Do you have any Hollywood connections Yosi?) Actually, I'm gearing up for playing more shows with symphony orchestras. I've done a few so far and love it. I'm also doing music for a cool company called Team Baby Entertainment. I really need to do a DVD and probably will in the next few years. In the meantime, I'm starting to write for the next album.

Thanks, Joe.
I'll have Al Pacino give you a ring.
We'll do lunch.

Get your air guitars on & check out: joemcdermottmusic.com

Interview: Jarrett's Punk Farm + more!

2007-06-14T18:14:00.000-04:00

Author/illustrator, Jarrett J. Krosoczka , is a talented young fella with five bios! I kid you not. Some say he's an international super spy. Others say he's found sitcom fame. My kids & I love his books, especially Punk Farm.

Who is Jarrett & what is he up to? He was kind enough to spare a momment from his untiring schedule to give the following interview:

1) Are you a Farmer or a Punk? Or are you a Punk Farmer?

Hmmm. Well I've always been a fan of punk music and the attitude behind it, but I wouldn't really consider myself fully punk. I've lived in a city all of my life, so I've never been a farmer. But that's sort of changing as my soon-to-be wife and I are moving to Northampton, MA. Now I drive by a farm with cows and horses, but by the time I get to downtown I see parents with mohawks and kids with individual style hanging around. So I guess now I officially live in a town that is farm/punkish.

2) Did you always want to be an author/illustrator of children's books? How did that happen?

In a sense I did. I always wanted to tell stories with pictures. When I was a kid, I made my own little books and made my own comics. By the time I got to high school, I was all about comics and animation. I took classes at the Worcester Art Museum and there, we published our own underground comics and animated little shorts on 8 MM cameras. By the time I got to college and especially by my sophomore year, my attention focused on making picture books. Which in the end, really isn't too different from anything I had done all of my life - telling the story visually.

3) What was the inspiration for Punk Farm?

I had been trying to crack a story I had going for a few years. It started out about a kid who grew up to be a rock star, then it was a kid who daydreamed on being a rock star... But I was never satisfied where the story was going. Then, I had been volunteering at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and my campers pretended to be rock stars when I played music at the start of the day. Eventually, they took on the personas of rock stars for the duration of the session, living out their daily lives as a famous rock band. I returned home to realize that this story I had going on kept falling short because it was about one kid and a group would offer far more entertaining possibilities. Shortly after that, I was leafing through old sketches and paintings and came across another unrealized story - one about a pig and a chicken. And then it all happened. I had an "A-HA!" moment and my rock star book became a book about a band, not an individual and farm animals, not humans.

4) Is there a "Punk Farm" song on a CD or available on iTunes?

There is a song and it is available as a free download from punkfarm.com.

5) My 5 y.o. son enjoyed My Buddy, Slug. He's a fan of bugs & critters. I love the messages of tolerance, friendship, making amends & forgiveness. Is there a story behind this story?

Not specifically. When I wrote the book, I didn't have any one personal situation in mind. I knew that I had been in plenty of situations where I was Slug and plenty where I was Alex. But when I look back at my childhood and my life, the acts of forgiveness and making amends have both played major roles. I was raised by my grandparents and for many years I held animosity towards my mother, which I was eventually able to move past. She has always been a big part of my life and when I was a kid, she always encouraged me to draw. She's an incredibly gifted artist and as a kid, I always looked up to her for that. Slug was always one of my mother's favorite books and even after the early rejections in my literary career, she constantly encouraged me to get the book published.

6) What's your favorite color? I guess ...orange.

My favorite color is red. But I do love the combination of dark green and orange...

7) How can folks meet you?

Well, I'm out on the road a lot, reading and signing at book festivals and book store events. The best way to keep tabs would be to check in to my events page - www.studiojjk.com/events.html.

8) Is there another book or new project in the works?

Punk Farm on Tour will be out on October 9, 2007. The band packs up a van and travels the country. I finished the art for that book last November (Yes, it takes that long for a picture book to be released!) and I'm really proud of this book. I really pushed myself here. After that, I am currently working on a bunch of new books, but next to be published will be Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute. It will be the first graphic novel in a series about a lunch lady who fights crime, knows karate, and uses her unassuming lunch lady tools as spy equipment.

Thanks, Jarrett.

We're looking forward to Punk Farm on Tour.

Check out Jarrett's books, sketches, games, etc. at: http://studiojjk.com/

Danny Adlerman and Friends: Listen UP!

2007-05-30T13:09:00.000-04:00

Danny & his pals (mostly Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, The Grip Weeds Kurt Reil and Kevin Kammeraad of The Tomato Collection) rock on Danny's sophomore disc, Listen UP! When I say rock I'm talkin' classic rock ala Kinks, Stones & Beatles. The rollicking opener, "When I Grow Up" will get you groovin & set for fun for the whole family. Other rockers include "In The Future" & "Too Much Pizza Blues" in which our pals gleefully gorge upon slices & slices to the point of absurd gastric agony. Now that's the way to write a kickin' kids blues tune. Danny flexes his lyrical muscle in (my fave) "The Dozsins" a cumulative sonic build-up song full of playful homonyms. "Sweet Pea Emily" is a welcomed syncopated transplant from Kevin Kammeraad's Tomato Collection which is getting some decent airplay on XM Kids these days. If you enjoyed Danny's One Size Fits All you're sure to love Listen UP!

First PICs

2007-03-28T22:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Rebecca Frezza (or perhaps more accurately, her hubby, Bob) for these first PICs of the Brooklyn Spare the Rock/Audra Rox event!

Jordan, Steve, Katie & Rebecca.
Yosi & Rebecca.
Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck

Lots more PICs & a recap offered by Gwyneth of Gooney Bird Kids:

http://www.butera.org/blog/str-070324.html

No! Sleep! (in) Brooklyn!

2007-03-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

'Twas a late night for kiddies & kindie rockers at the Brooklyn recording of Spare the Rock.

Lots of acts...a couple 'o dozen very talented acts crammed into the delightful Jalopy.

It was great to catch up with old friends & meet new folks I've heard of or read about, & put the faces to name &/or legend. One such person was THE Lovely Mrs. Davis who only lived up to the first part of her name (lovely), but disappointingly not the second "Tells You What to Think" part. I was SO hoping to be told what to think. Although Bill did let me think I was going on at 3:00am. Left to our own thoughts & devices the crowd dined on delicious middle eastern vegetarian food (pitas, stuffed grape leaves, hummus & more) as we enjoyed each other's music. To say there were highlights would be an understatement, but to number them would be burdensome.

I'll tell ya what stuck in my head:
1) Randy Kaplan's Shampoo Me! Thanks for the humor & beautiful playin' Randy. I had to play that for my twins when I got home & they got a real good chuckle out of it.
2) Lunch Money. These folks are so cool. Love their Silly Reflection disc. Reminds me of VU, & it just makes me smile every time I hear it.
3) Scribble Jim. Sorry your kids got all tuckered out & couldn't stay. Who could blame them...(Jim went on after me & I was on at 11:30pm!) Jim's "I Love Life...I Love You" original was warm, funny, smart & then, of course, it was (electric) Chocolate Milk time.

4) Ella forgot to bring all of her teeth.

There was lots & lots more really great stuff...but I leave that to the other bloggers. How did ya'll enjoy this shin dig?

Anyone got some PICs?
We can post them here.

Warmly,
Yosi

Interview: Bernie Siegel, MD

2007-03-15T21:54:00.000-04:00

Dr.Bernie Siegel, prefers to be called Bernie, not Dr. Siegel. He's the author of many mind-body-spirit medicine books including the best seller, Love, Medicine & Miracles. Recently his attention has shifted to parenting & children with two new books: The children's illustrated story, Smudge Bunny, as well as, Love, Magic & Mudpies, a book full of practical advice about raising your child to feel loved, be kind & make a difference. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Bernie several years ago on the radio, & I'm very pleased to have his ear (& voice) again.

1) You've written & spoke about treatment of cancer patients, as well as the science of mind-body-spirit medicine. Your two latest titles are focused on kids. What prompted this new path?

I was prompted to write these because of the damage I see inflicted upon our support group members and the general population by unhealthy or abusive parenting. A loved child who has self worth and esteem uses information to care for him or herself while an unloved child does not develop a normal nervous system and becomes the addict seeking feelings never received in a healthy way and uses aggression in a violent and destructive, not constructive way such as work or sports. If every child was raised with love our planet would be free of problems in one generation. Our planetary suicidal path is an example of why we need to care for our children. We need to love the children even if we do not like what they do. And not say, "There's something wrong with you" but "I love you but I do not like what you are doing."

2) In Smudge Bunny you tell about courage & a momma bunny's advice that "some good will come of this." Are these words you grew up with?

Yes, I grew up with mottoes to live by and not mottoes to die by. Remember up to the age of six a child's brain wave patterns resemble those of a hypnotized person. So the messages are embedded in the brain and hard to eliminate and abandon when one gets older and conscious of them. I heard things like ; Do what will make you happy; when decisions had to be made. When troubles occurred they were God's redirections from which something good will come and material things were to make life easier for people. Success was not about making more money but about being happy through contributing meaningfully to the welfare of the world. The unloved say they grow up with mottoes to die by because of the negative comments from their parents and other authorities. To quote one woman, "My mother's words were eating away at me and maybe gave me cancer." She has rebirthed and reparented herself due to cancer.

3) In Love, Magic & Mudpies there are short segments & practical advice about various subjects. Two of my favorite subjects were humor & dealing with "failure." What can parents do to bring more humor to their lives & change the perception of failure?

Just don't let the child in you die. I am a multiple personality and the kid in me comes out all the time. Yes, I embarrass our children and grandchildren but my behavior allows them to lighten up, enjoy life and stop worrying about what everyone else thinks about them. I volunteered to serve lunch at our grandchildren's school. The first time I showed up in a rainbow colored wig and the second time with a badge and officer's cap and examined lunch boxes to be sure there were no explosives in them. Sometimes I said I had to sample the cookies and other desserts to make sure they were not contaminated. Boy, did I get a reaction.
Our children often come home and thank me because when they do something silly at work or school people say, "Well you know who his father is."
As I mentioned let your kids know that when they are happy they are a success. Accumulating money may get people to label your children a success but they won't be happy because of it. I meet the children of millionaires who are miserable. As one said, "My father ruined my life when I was 21. He gave me a million dollars so I had to be a success." What if he had started a charity would his father have criticized him? Our children have given money they inherited away to help their friends and others do things, like go to college, that they couldn't have afforded to do otherwise.
Remind your kids to not be afraid to fail until they fail up. As the movie Harold and Maude teaches, "Reach out, take a chance, get hurt even, play as well as you can. Go team go. Give me an L, give me an I, give me a V, give me an E, LIVE. Otherwise you've got nothing to talk about in the locker room." Tell them to follow their hearts and do not impose upon them the profession or life you would choose and cause them to lose their life.

4) Parents & families are very busy these days. There seems to be little quality time with the kids. What are your prescriptions for living fully as a family?

Make time. When our children complained about my being on call as a doctor when other dads weren't I reminded them they went out evenings I was home to do things they enjoyed. So we each have the right to do what makes us happy and we also set evenings aside to do things as a family. I always enjoyed our roller skating night. Vacations also were special as we went to stay on farms, or a weekend in a New York hotel and other places where we could enjoy things together from museums to horse back rides. Also you can take one child at a time for a special treat with their parents when it is their birthday month.
As a gentleman with cancer learned, remember we are all here for a limited amount of time, and when you accept that fact you realize time isn't money it is everything and spend more time with the people you love and less with the people you don't live or who don't love you. My new word is "liove." Live and love and teach that to your children.

5) Will you be making appearances & speaking about the subject of parenting & families? If so, is there a schedule?

I go where ever I am invited. My web site has my speaking schedule. Most of the events are health oriented and not exclusively about parenting. I also write articles and speak at many schools in our area. If you go to http://www.berniesiegelmd.com/ and click on the ECaP (exceptional cancer patients) symbol you will go to cite where my speaking schedule is listed and people can email me through the first web site too.

6) Thank you for your time, Bernie. (I want the reader to know that you want folks to address you by your first name, & I find that warm & welcoming.) Are there new books you are working on, or another future project you can let us in on?

I am always writing to share meaningful aspects of life. Getting things published is the hard part. I want people to know how their body speaks to them through their dreams and drawings and feelings. Also help children and adults deal with loss and death and understand the nature of life and that a perfect world is meaningless. If every parent were perfect and every child loved and life free of troubles we would all go nuts and our actions would mean nothing. So get out in the world and reparent the wounded. You can become a CD or CM; or Chosen Dad and Chosen Mom and save a suicidal's child through your love. I know this from experience. When the child is inspired the information becomes useful and meaningful. Self destruction is not caused by ignorance.

http://www.berniesiegelmd.com/

Telling The Story: A Passover Haggadah

2007-03-13T15:27:00.000-04:00

Is your old Haggadah getting a bit stale?

Ours is so archaic we need a ye olde dictionary.

My mouth gets so exhausted reading aloud all the "thoust" & shouldst" that I can barely chomp on my Haroset...(somehow I manage).

Barry Louis Polisar has re-told the Passover story in this brand new Haggadah that not only tells the story, but gives the background on the spiritual origins of the holiday traditions. Explaining each ritual in a simple and straight-forward way, this Haggadah includes both the English, Hebrew and phonetic pronunciations of the holiday prayers, so that everyone gathered around the table can participate in the Seder; a welcoming and inclusive adaptation that captures the spirit of the holiday without compromising tradition. This book features original full-color illustrations by Barry's daughter, Sierra.

Telling The Story

A Passover Haggadah Explained
Adapted by Barry Louis Polisar
$7.95, 32 p. paperback illustrated by Sierra Hannah Polisar
ISBN# 0-938663-51-8

Interview: Paula (Almond Joy) of The Candy band

2007-03-07T14:24:00.000-05:00

The Candy Band rocks!! Their latest disc, Calling All Kids, has driving punk vocals, guitars & beats. Here's what guitarist, Paula (AKA Almond Joy), had to say:

1) How did the candy band form?

THE BAND FORMED AFTER I HAD MY SECOND CHILD AND REALIZED THAT KIDS MUSIC JUST DIDN'T ROCK - I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. SO I FOUND SOME OTHER STAY AT HOME MOMS THAT FELT THE SAME WAY. I ALSO THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUN PLAYDATES FOR THE KIDS - YA KNOW - BAND PRACTICE, SNACKS AND SIPPY CUPS!!

2) How do kids respond to punk? Do the younger ones get scared or feel it's too loud?

THE KIDS LOVE LOUD! PROBABLY ONE OUT OF 100 WILL PLUG THEIR EARS - BUT I THINK THOSE ARE THE KIDS THAT DON'T LIKE LOUD ANYTHING.

3) You covered Raffi's "Down By The Bay" in punk fashion. Of all kids songs why that one?

IT IS HAS A CLASSIC PUNK VIBE!!

4) What are your musical influences?

IGGY POP, THE RAMONES, MC5 AND BLACK SABBATH (OH YEAH, AND LED ZEPPLIN TOO!!)

5) How often do you perform & where?

WE SOMETIMES PERFORM 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER. WE PLAY LIBRARIES, SCHOOLS, MUSEUMS, OUTDOOR CONCERTS IN THE PARK, LOLLAPALOOZA, BARS, FESTIVALS AND FAIRS.

6) How are folks reacting to your Clash (Elvis Presley) album cover redo?

EVERYONE LOVES IT SO FAR. PEOPLE ARE SAYING THIS IS OUR BEST CD YET.

7) Are you moms? What do you do when not playing in the band?

WE ARE ALL MOMS. STARBURST (TAMMY) IS A PILATES AND AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR, SKITTLES (DANIELA) HELPS HER HUSBAND RUN HIS TRUCKING BUSINESS AND WORKS SOMETIMES AT A CANDLE MAKING SHOP, ALMOND JOY (PAULA - ME) TEACHES GUITAR LESSONS, AND KIT KAT (ANITA) IS A YOGA ENTHUSIAST.

8) What's next for the Candy Band?

MORE RECORDS AND MORE CONCERTS!!!

www.candyband.com

Interview: Alternadad Neal Pollack

2007-02-16T22:21:00.000-05:00

Satirical fiction author turned dad, Neal Pollack, relates his candid parenting experiences & musings in Alternadad. I very much enjoyed this book. Here's a quick interview with the author.

1) Many perspective dads with a "rock history/persona" feel a mix of excitement and loss. You've illustrated some of that struggle. How has becoming a dad defined or altered your persona?
I don't know that it's had much effect on my persona. The rock history/punk-rock guy was just a phase that I was going to leave anyway. It's definitely defined my life, though, in ways that are incalculable. That said, I don't think that I'm a different person because I have a kid. I'm the same person with somewhat reordered priorities.
2) You and Elijah spent a lot of time together. What sort of activities are you sharing these days?
We like to dance around the living room a lot. Also, swim lessons, and going out for ice cream, and various trips to various museums, parks, and aquariums. We also like to go out to eat and try new foods. Pleasant stuff, mostly. He's only four.
3) For Elijah: What's your favorite music/bands?
Elijah replies: "Nellie The Elephant and the Yoda song."
4) Have you explored the recent explosion of indie kids music? What are your thoughts? Any specific trends/bands you like?
I'm having trouble keeping up with it, honestly. There's almost too much, but that's for the good. I like the trend of kids' music becoming more rock-oriented, more garagey. The Dan Zanes folk explosion blasted open an enormous door, but now it's time to turn up the volume.
5) Any recent success at cooking hams for Christmas? Are you cooking these days?

My wife does most of the cooking because she has very specific ideas of what kinds of foods should enter our bodies. We get a twice-a-month box of vegetables from a community agriculture co-op, and there are fish liver oil pills that she forces us to take.
6) Your story ends with hope & promise of a new life in LA, & leaving a crime troubled neighborhood in Austin with personal financial woes. How is the new life in LA?
Oh, you know, crowded, dangerous, dirty, but also pretty exciting and fun. You never know who's going to be behind the door when it opens. There's lots of opportunity here, and the kids seem to have a good time.
7)You've drawn much criticism from The Onion article about Elijah's preschool & biting experiences. What kind of praise or criticism is Alternadad garnering?
That article was in Salon, actually. The book has received about three-quarters positive reviews. Most reviewers are at least amused by it, and some have absorbed the book's not-so-subtle subtext of the decline of the American middle class. Critics have either found it unfunny or not "alternative" enough.
8) What's your dad or mom's reaction to Alternadad? How about your mother-in-law?
My parents have been remarkably tolerant of the book, and extremely supportive. My mother-in-law also has, though she's a little dismayed by the marijuana use.
9) What's next? Another book? New project? A new Neal Pollack Invasion band & tour? Offsprings?
I have many ideas. We'll see how many of them bear fruit.

www.nealpollack.com/

Interview: Bryan Townsend of THE POKEY PUP

2007-02-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

Bryan Townsend (pictured here with son, Gaines) is the owner of The Pokey Pup, a unique online store for cool kid music & hip stuff.

1) What prompted you to start up Pokey Pup?

I've owned a "traditional" indie record store (Underdog Records) since 1997 and have worked in the music industry for all of my life (from marketing at major record labels and music licensing for advertising to working at one of the original online music download companies). With my background in the music industry and especially in owning a record store, I wanted to challenge this expertise in a new direction, providing great music and media for kids and their parents. However, I must say the biggest prompt in starting The Pokey Pup was when my wife and I were expecting our son, Gaines. It really made me think of the things that I loved and wanted to share with my child (music, art, movies, books, cartoons, etc.). So, The Pokey Pup is an extension of my love of great music and wanting to share great music with my own son and I figured that there were other parents out there that wanted to do the same thing and I hope that I can provide that for them.

2) How did you come up with the name?

Like I mentioned my other record store is Underdog Records. When I started thinking of a name for the children's record store I wanted to continue the "dog" theme and naturally something with "Pup" in the title was the logical connection. The "pokey" part came from a more sad thing. Our family dog, Copper, was an Australian Shepherd who was suffering badly from epilepsy. Since he was herding dog he was constantly at our feet and walking in front of us. His epilepsy was taking a toll on his stability so he would walk in front of you very slowly and often stopping right in front of you. It was a struggle to walk from one room to the other in our house because he was constantly "herding" us. Because of this my wife and I would constantly be telling him to move it along and we would start referring to him as "Pokey". "Move it along pokey" was heard throughout the day in our house and after saying that phrase constantly, we started then starting referring to him "pokey pup" and that's where everything connected for me to call the store that. It's a connection to my other record store and a tribute to my dog, who sadly died last year before the store was launched. So, The Pokey Pup is not named after the book, "Poky Little Puppy", in fact I don't think I even owned that book as a kid or could even tell you what that story is about.

3) With all the established online music store (Amazon, CDbaby) & children's music distributors how do you plan to compete?

First of all we are a niche online retailer, so Amazon is not really a competitor. Who can compete with them anyway? Although we carry some of the same independent artists that CD Baby carries, they are not really a competitor either. I have a great respect and admiration for Derek and CD Baby, but our focus is very different from that of CD Baby. They are like a shopping mall consisting of all kinds of independent artists products (not just children's music) and we are like your small independent record store, selling not only independent artists products, but many other unique things that you can't find as readily in the big stores. So, how we compete is by being different from everybody else, by offering unique products, by providing personalized customer service and by having one store where parents can find some cool things for themselves and their children.

4) Are there unique features to Pokey Pup?

I think the uniqueness comes from the products that we choose to carry. Since we are a niche retailer, we handpick the items that we offer to our customers. I think that our store in itself is very unique since there is not really a store online like it.

5) How do you select what gets on the site?

In keeping with our indie kids's music store mentality, we try to select products that are unique and fun. Some of the selection process is subjective. If I like it then it will probably find it's way in the store. We try to carry a little bit of something for everyone. We want to carry a broad and diverse collection of items. That's why we have several sub-genre sections in our store. Most stores that carry music, both online and physical, will have one section (usually very small) that is labeled "Children's Music." That's what parents have been stuck with for many years now when shopping for music for the children and the Pokey Pup is trying to play its part by expanding that Children's Music section to include all kinds of great music.

6) I'm very impressed with your "For The Parents" selections. Pixies, Devo, Shins, & a few others are my faves. Is that the music you enjoy?

Thanks for the complement. Yes, much of the product in the "For the Parents" section like the Pixies, The Shins, Devo, etc. are some of my favorites as well and that's why they are there. I like to offer a unique selection of items that many people would think does not belong in a "children's" store. I think back to my own childhood and yes I had some Sesame Street records and other things that I listened to, but what I really enjoyed was digging through my parents album collection and listening to that. I discovered the Beatles, the Everly Brothers, Fats Domino, old country music, etc. by listening to those albums with my parents. I definitely think that it helped shape my listening tastes today and I want to my children and other children to maybe have those same experiences. Not everything that a kid listens to has to be "kid's" music. I don't believe in forcing children to listen to your music, but I do think exposing your children to the music that you love is good thing that you can share with your children. By the way, in keeping with that inclusiveness, we have recently rolled the "For The Parents" section into a "For the Whole Family" section.

7) Is there a trend you like (or hope to see) in children's music?

I think we all have been enjoying the exposure of great children's music as of late. I hope that it continues to shine the light on some well-deserved artists. I am glad that the children's music genre has broken out of it's stale, cookie cutter routine. Only a few years back, almost all children's music released looked the same on the outside and sounded the same on the inside. I am excited that some new record labels dedicated to good children's music is starting up. The "trend" that I am looking forward to is the continuation of great music that families can enjoy together.

8) How's your "pup" doing? Are you seeing some success?

The Pokey Pup has been doing great for a start-up. We only officially launched in September 2006 and we have had success so far. We had a very good holiday season and we hope that more and more people continue to get exposed to our store. 2006 was our start, but 2007 is shaping up to be our building year.

9) What's next for you?

As I just mentioned, this year we are planning on building on the small success that we have had so far. We are starting a national publicity campaign this Spring, we are looking to sponsoring some tours and festivals this Summer and we are planning to offer some more contests, promotions and giveaways. We plan to add some new features to the site such as continuing to add audio clips for the CDs and additional organization of products by age group. We are also planning to add more products to the store, expanding our book selection and possibly adding some toys and other unique products. That's just for this year. We do have some other cool things that we considering expanding into as well...tune in later for that.

Thanks Bryan!

Check it out folks: http://www.pokeypup.com/

Interview: Kevin Kammeraad

2007-02-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

Author, Illustrator, music producer, Kevin Kammeraad, (pictured here with his toothy pal, Jacob) reads, writes, draws, sings, presents at schools & enjoys Spinach Dip. I wonder if he dances?

He's produced wonderful books & CD's including: The Tomato Collection, & most recently A Curious Glimpse of Michigan.

1) My kids & I love The Tomato Collection. How did the CD & book come to life?

When I was in college (studying film and video production) my grandmother gave me a journal as a Christmas present. I didn’t consider myself a writer so the first thing I wrote was “This is my new book. I don’t know what I’m going to write in it but I guess I’ll know when it’s done.” I continued to fill up five journals, around 700 pages. The process of writing and illustrating the book, and also producing the music, took me about five and a half years. It wasn’t until about three years into making the book that I started thinking about the idea of turning the poems into songs. I had no real plan and asked my friend Andy (http://www.domesticproblems.com/) to consider writing the music for the first song. Slowly, the album began to unfold and really took on a life of its own.

2) You had 53 musicians play on that disc. Wasn't that a bit cramped in the studio? How did you coordinate it? There was no real format or structure other than simply figuring it out as we went. I asked different people to work on different songs in hopes that it would be diverse. There was between one and eight musicians in the studio at a time. Mark Rehl, our audio engineer and co-producer, was able to make the logistics work in the studio.

3) My kids fave song is "The Couch." They want to know if this is your personal couch, or can it be found anywhere else. The idea for that poem/song came from my friend Bill. I was talking with him one day and he suggested I “write a poem about a couch who eats people.” So, it’s based on his couch. (I think, although I never really asked him what couch he was referring to!)

4) You've got a new CD & book about Michigan. Why Michigan? Why not Wisconsin? Don't you like cheese? I love cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese? I guess if you’re lactose intolerant you wouldn’t care for it. The project unfolded from an opportunity presented to us from or friends, EDCO Publishing. We’ve know them for a few years now and they produce Michigan based books and curriculum. The idea was simply to create a “fun poetry book about Michigan.” We then followed suit like The Tomato Collection and turned all the poems into songs. Even though the book and CD are about Michigan, we tried to produce them to have a universal appeal and quirkiness to them.

5) There are 49 tracks on A Curious Glimpse of Michigan CD. Which are your favorites? Why? I produced this album with Ryan Hipp (http://www.puppytron.com/) and he and I worked with over 40 musicians on this project; so it’s hard to choose. It was a lot of fun collaborating with Danny Adlerman on one track and ScribbleMonster on fourteen of them. A lot of the musicians from The Tomato Collection were involved again as well as new friends. Our goal, like The Tomato Collection CD, was to include various styles of music and instruments, and also to create it to appeal to all ages. A few favorites I guess would be the sound clips available at The Pokey Pup: http://www.pokeypup.com/625989555626.html.

6) Did the CD turn out the way you hoped it would?

With The Tomato Collection there were only a few poems that I didn’t know what to do with musically. On that project, the page numbers of the book match the track numbers of the CD. When we began to work on the Michigan songs, I originally thought only half of the poems would “work” as songs. So the plan at first was only going to be doing half the poems and create a shorter CD. As it unfolded though, once again the music took on a life of its own. Jim (ScribbleMonster) in particular really challenged us to make this a full length CD and contributed many ideas of how to accomplish that.

While working on the CD, various patterns began to develop. The first is that we have 15 short facts about Michigan stated at the start of the book. For the CD, they are spread throughout the music. Also spread throughout are each of the state symbols and the four seasons. We also came up with an a cappella opening and ending as well as welcome and farewell tracks. We were really excited with this revolving dynamic.

So yes, it turned out even better than I had hoped!

7) I noticed you've connected with various folks in the kids music scene who contribute to your CD's. Do you feel kids musicians have a strong sense of camaraderie? Absolutely! I really enjoy connecting with others in this business and sharing insights, etc. I’m great friends with Danny Adlerman (a good friend of yours too I know) and also Jim Dague of ScribbleMonster. Both of those guys are very encouraging, inspiring, and great to know. Instead of “going it alone” we often share ideas, insights, connections, etc. In particular, the three of us do both music and books so we really connected (http://mnparent.com/articles/2006/11/24/kid_culture/kid_music/music01.txt). Roger Day is another great guy we’ve gotten to know well. My son loves Roger’s song, Mosquito Burrito. I’ve been working on a project called The Orange Turtle Album which includes songs from all of these guys.

I look forward to future collaboration projects and I’m always up for bouncing ideas around with other artists. I love “swapping CDs” with others.

8) Where do you get your poem/song ideas? Is there a process you use? There’s no process for me other than writing down an idea as soon as I get it. From there it either develops or stays somewhere in a mess of paperwork in my office in hopes that it someday will become a finished poem or song. Some ideas develop quickly, some very slowly. I love bouncing ideas around with people and seeing what other perspectives people may have. Most ideas for me come from real life events, day dreaming, or simply wondering.

9) Do you have a message for parents? For kids? When I visit schools my hope is mainly for kids to have a lot of fun and to get them excited about their own creativity. I emphasize that the writing process and creation of poems, art, music, etc. takes time. I simply try to make books and music that people of all ages will enjoy and hope to empower their own creativity. So my message would be “enjoy your imagination and eats lots of spinach dip.”

10) What music do you enjoy when not producing kids music? I listen to a variety of things but I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to the music scene today, or at all for that matter! Ask Bill Childs, Danny, or Jim and they’ll tell you I really don’t have a clue on “who’s who” and “what’s what.” It’s rather embarrassing actually. I mainly listen to WYCE (http://www.wyce.org/) here in Grand Rapids which is our eclectic independent radio station. I love the fact that it isn’t at all commercially driven.

11) What's next for you?

I just finished the illustrations (and did a little of the signing) for Danny Adlerman’s upcoming CD “Listen UP!” (http://www.dannyandkim.com/) It’s an all-ages rock-n-roll album that has a great variety of good vibes. I’m really excited for it to be released. For the past five years we’ve been working on a songbook for The Tomato Collection (for music teachers mainly). Someday we’ll get that wrapped up! And someday, I’d like to do another book of general poetry. Other than that I’m having fun with my wife and son and eating lots of tortilla chips.

Thanks, Kevin! Pass the tortilla chips. Mmmm...good dip!

We are enjoying your CD's and books at home.

Check out Kevin's school appearances, music & books:

The Tomato Collection

Interview: Kenny Curtis

2007-01-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Kenny Curtis is the XM Kids Senior Director, & the host of a hilarious morning show, "The XMK Animal Farm." If you haven't heard it yet, you simply must. It's quite a treat! He's also a father of five kids & has a recipe for "Monkey Brains!" (I kid you not!)

Naturally, we got to chatting...

1) How did you get into children's radio?
I originally started in TV, actually. In the fall of 1989, I was hired as one of 2 young “co-hosts” of the “Fox 45 Clubhouse” on WBFF-TV in Baltimore. I was replacing a legendary Kids Show host who I grew up watching named “Captain Chesapeake”. It was cool, but kind of strange. I wasn’t paid very well, but on TV in between cartoons 6 days a week. Everywhere I went people recognized me… but I was driving around in this crappy car and living in a row house in a run-down neighborhood, etc, etc… It was a growth experience. I got into radio when Radio Aahs (The Children’s Satellite Radio Network out of Minneapolis) was brought to Wahsington DC and Baltimore by and independent company called, “Capital Kids Radio”. They took a chance and hired me to host their local morning show. Eventually, I became Program Director but I kept doing a lot of hosting and free-lance video work on the side.

2) I love the XMK Animal Farm! Do you do all the character voices? How do you make it sound like real conversations?
Yep. They’re all me except “Dentyna” the Tooth-Fairy. That’s Jinx. I can’t give away any trade secrets, but it involves a voice processor, 4-track audio editing and a lot of post-its. Basically, I’m just doing improvisational comedy with myself. That’s why the bits tend to… uuuhm… digress from time to time.

3) Where do you get ideas for the characters? Do your kids help?
My kids inspire a LOT of what I do on-air… and they also serve as an in-home test market. When I was doing the hands-on programming for XMKiDS, we used to say that I wasn’t really the Program Director – I just represented the focus group that called the shots. Some of the characters have been around since my days with Radio Aahs in DC (Dirk, Uncle Luigi, Forrest Skunk…)Others are brand new to XM (Lorenzo Llama, Vinnie DaPu)

4) For Lorenzo Llama: I heard Dirk hug you on the air. Does this mean your are now open to an occasional hug?
From Lorenzo: No. There is no touching the llama. Don’t believe everything you hear. The Chipmunk lies.

5) XM Kids plays a wide variety of children's music. How do you choose what gets on the air? What are you looking for?
Mindy Thomas has been doing most of the day-to-day music selection, but we both agree that our standards have had to change a bit. There’s a lot of good material out there produced by some truly talented people, but almost all of it is unknown on a National scale. We are always looking for material that stands out.

6) Do you get kid feedback on the music?
Every day – XMKiDS is live almost 13 hours/day and no amount of research can substitute for hearing the real opinions of real kids (and parents).

7) If you could build the ultimate kids band/act what would it look or sound like?
Like nothing that has been done before – only better.
I’m actually not 100% sure what that means, but it’s the first thing that came to my mind. I guess I don’t really know what it should look or sound like. But I can tell you that it shouldn’t be a knock off of whatever the current trend is. Viral marketing trends like The Wiggles, the Power Rangers etc are just that -- trends. You can’t really count on peer pressure affecting your business plan unless you have a LOT of money to invest in a media TV campaign… and even then it’s a bit of a crap shoot. Just be creative, do what you enjoy… and stick with whatever idea suits you best.

8) What are you thoughts about independent artists? Any advice to upcoming artists?
Our format is pretty much based around bringing Kindies to the world, mixed in with SpongeBob and kids movie soundtracks.

9) Any new XM Kids programming ideas on the drawing board?
We want to release an album of Food songs and call it “What’s Eatin’ Kenny?” but I get the feeling that’s been done before…. Hmmmmm …
Actually, our current focus is interviewing and auditioning candidates to replace Denise Hill Smith (aka D.Dynamite, Super Sitter) who left XM to pursue her dream job of launching an Urban Gospel Radio station in New York City. We’ve narrowed it down a lot, but it’s not easy finding someone with the right mix of creativity, Kids experience/sensibilities and on-air radio experience.

10) At home, are you a goofy dad or a harsh disciplinarian? Wait! How would your kids or wife answer that one?
Uhhh…. I think we’d all say “Goofy Dad”. But I’m also a normal dad: I get grumpy, I coach soccer. I like to watch the game. I get annoyed when the kids don’t close dresser drawers. (…I mean how hard is it to do that, really?... You open the drawer, get out your shirt, and then shut the drawer… It seems so simple, but my kids just can’t get that third step down...) I’m your basic, normal suburban dad who talks to imaginary chipmunks on national radio.

11) What hobbies or activities do you enjoy when not on the air?
Sleeping. But I don’t do that all that often… Actually, my wife Kim and I are also foster parents, much to the surprise of some folks who know us (We have 5 kids already).. So we currently have a baby living with us. He’s 6 months old and belches like a sailor. I also like movies, reading, pickles and long walks in the moonlight…

12) What would you like to see next in you career & the children's music world?
I’m hoping to see the current trend in Children’s Music turn into a real genre of content. I hear that sales of Kids Music increased by nearly 60% in 2006… This has the attention of a lot of people, and I’d love to see that develop further. We’re on the verge of something big, but it’s an important time for us –we have to keep going forward if we don’t want to slide back.

You can hear Kenny Curtis every morning on XM Kids, 7AM -Noon, EST.

Call in, or e-mail your song requests:

866-328-2345, xmkids@xmradio.com.

Daria's Free Song for MLK

2007-01-09T19:54:00.000-05:00

International Artist, Daria Offers Free Song Download to Honor Martin Luther King

Thanks to a partnership between Award-winning multi-cultural children’s artist DARIA a popular musical website – SongsForTeaching.com – parents and children can now download free a wonderful new song about the life and legacy of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. The song is called: “I Have A Dream” and speaks in simple and singable terms about the wonderful vision of equality and dignity brought to life in the famous “I Have A Dream” speech. The song is from DARIA’s CD, also titled “I Have A Dream” which won Honor Awards from National Parenting Publications as an outstanding resource for parents. A widely touring children artist, DARIA’s songs have been used throughout the world – in South Africa, Australia, Peru and the Middle East. This song in particular has also been used across the United States as a part of MLK Day celebrations. Available at http://www.songsforteaching.com/freedownload/daria107.htm, the http://songsforteaching.com/ website offers anyone interested in children and music a wonderful place to discover, listen and purchase an exceptional variety of quality children’s music.

The download is available during the months of January and February 2007. To find out more about Daria, check out her popular children’s website at http://dariamusic.com/. The Songs For Teaching homepage is located at http://songsforteaching.com/

Happy New Year!! Winners announced.

2007-01-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

Happy 2007!!

Announcing the winners of the TFIA CD's & DVD's!!
TFIA DVD: Wrekehavoc, Jit, GBK Gwyneth
TFIA CD: Sam, Gonzonia, Izzy

Congratulations!!

(All winners chosen at random.)

(Winners please send your address to: Yosi@YosiMusic.com)

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, & prosperous new year,

Yosi

Interview: Trout Fishing in America

2006-12-22T00:09:00.000-05:00

Keith & Ezra's new CD & DVD, "My Best Day," is a lively LIVE recording, AND it's nominated for a Grammy! This is their third disc to be nominated.

You can enter to win an autographed copy. They were kind enough to take a few minutes out of their busy schedule to answer a few questions.

1) You've been making your own music independently for a long time. Do you enjoy being Indie artists? What are the advantages?

Initially, the idea for being independent artists was the only option we had. No Major Labels were beating down our doors so we decided to see what we could do for ourselves. We were amazed that we could actually make money releasing our albums on our own label, Trout Records. The advantages of doing it yourself are that you control content on your records and the albums you release don't go out of print. Being independent has been especially advantageous to us as our music is so hard to categorize. And yes, we do enjoy anything that helps us keep playing music.

2) Most of your songs are geared for children, yet have an equal appeal for many adults. What makes it appealing to both groups? The humor? Musical styles?

We actually make albums for adults as well as children. When we do children's projects, we bring the same writing and production values to the table. Kids know if they're being talked down to and kids and adults appreciate the authenticity of the music. Most of our subject matter is taken from everyday life looked at from a slightly different angle.

3) When you write songs do you work on melody or lyrics first? How does the process go?

Almost all of our songs are co-writes. Keith is generally the lyrical generator and Ezra is primarily the musical generator. That being said, we'll take it any way we can get it. Sometimes we start with lyrics and sometimes we start with music. After we get started, we're both involved in all aspects of the process.

4) "My Best Day" captures the warmth & energy of your best live performances. What helped make it successful? The audience? Being well practiced?

Thank you. My Best Day is a result of years of performing together. The way it worked, we only had one shot at recording the performance so what you hear is what we did in one show. The audience that attended that day was incredibly inspiring. Over 1,000 people from at least six states were there and their enthusiasm was palpable from beginning to end.

5) My kids & I love "My Hair Had A Party Last Night." Is that tune autobiographical? Exactly whose hair are we talking about?

Ezra's son, Steven, looked in the mirror one morning and casually commented, “Hey Dad, look, my hair had a party last night.” As soon as Steven got on the bus for school, Ezra called Keith and said something like, “I don't know how it goes, but our next song is going to be called My Hair Had a Party Last Night.” But then again, there are a lot of Hair Parties out there.

6) Which song(s) is/are your favorite on the disc? Why?

It's hard to pick a single song as a favorite. Each song has an important part of the whole show. One leads to another. Keith does especially enjoy the performance of The Day Care Blues and you've got to love a Simon Says game with 1,000 people playing.

7) In the past few years more artists have been producing children's music. What do you think about that development, & kid's music now? Any advice for these artists?

The thing that is most exciting about children's music today is that more and more artists are writing and performing quality original music that inspire both kids and adults. If you can do that, then you've succeeded.

8) It looks like your busy touring. Are there favorite or new places you look forward to?

With My Best Day, we just received our third Grammy nomination. We're looking forward to taking our families to Los Angeles in February of 2007 for the award ceremony!

9) Any new developments or upcoming projects on the drawing board for the coming year?

We plan to continue touring and writing. We hope to eventually go to Idaho. That's the only state we haven't been to.

10) Thanks for your time. We look forward to seeing you when you're in our area & best of luck at the Grammys. Do you have a message for the kids & parents?

Our best advice for kids and parents is, learn to swim and enjoy your lives!

http://www.troutmusic.com/

CONTEST: Win a new Trout Fishing CD or DVD!!!

2006-12-15T18:38:00.000-05:00

Autographed by Keith & Ezra!!

You can win Trout Fishing in America's "My Best Day" CD or DVD!!!

This just might be your best day.

Send your first name & e-mail. (Post under "comments.")

Winners will be chosen at random from all contestants.

End of contest: Midnight 12/31/06.

Interview: Bill & Ella Childs (Spare The Rock)

2006-12-11T21:41:00.000-05:00

Bill & I started chatting this past summer in preparation for my guest DJ spot on "Spare The Rock." We quickly realized we had similar tastes & backgrounds in alt/indie/punk & a variety music. Then I discovered that Bill co-hosts the show with his young daughter Ella. The playlist is an eclectic blend of tunes. But the homey feel of father & daughter spinning discs & talking music is wonderful!

1) Ella, how does it feel to be a co-host of a radio show?

"I don't know. I like it."

2) (Bill & Ella, separately) What are your favorite bands or songs?

Ella: "My favorite band is They Might Be Giants, and my favorite song is Dr. Worm."

Bill: I like a ton of music. I grew up in the Twin Cities and love a lot of the '80s and '90s bands - Suburbs, Replacements, Bob Mould, Husker Du, Sugar, Soul Asylum - from there, but also from all over from that era (i.e., fIREHOSE, Soul Coughing, Dead Kennedys, etc., etc.). I like TMBG a ton and have for a long time. Among today's bands, I like Flaming Lips, Lucinda Williams, Old 97's, Gourds, Ben Folds, Mates of State, New Pornographers, Ben Kweller, Shins, The Hold Steady, etc. I also play the violin and have since I was 9, and love classical music.

3) (Bill) How much input does Ella have in the show's content?

It varies mostly based on her mood. I'm trying to increase her role in all aspects of the show as her confidence increases. She now does virtually all of the engineering and she's choosing more records to play too. Part of the problem is that the CDs in the studio are too high for her to reach, so she can't just scan through like I do. But I'll often grab a bunch of CDs and then she'll choose songs. She almost always at a minimum chooses the TMBG songs for the start and the end.

4) (Bill & Ella) Do you tend to agree or disagree?

Ella: Mostly agree.

Bill: Yep.

5) (Bill) I champion quality indie artists over those produced by major music companies. Do you feel the same?

I certainly make an effort to find more indie artists, but wouldn't say that it's "over" major labels either. As you know, we start and end every show with TMBG, who is on Disney. I think the fact that we end up playing more indie stuff is more reflective of the fact that we tend to like indie stuff more -- it tends (on average, not universally) to be a bit quirkier and more interesting to me. So we play more indie music probably for the reason that I own more indie music -- I just, mostly, like it more.

6) Bill, I noticed that many indie kids artists & DJ's have a fondness for new wave & punk. Why do you suppose that is?

Heck of a good question. Maybe most of the people of parenting age who were in Lynyrd Skynyrd cover bands have dropped music as an interest, and that left those of us whose ears were destroyed by seeing Fishbone? That's probably at least part of it -- the people who were really into more obscure music are those who were insane/obsessed/interested enough to maintain the interest.

7) When CD's arrive for possible airplay what are you looking or hoping for?

Something that my kids like that I do too. I know there's a discussion about how much parents' tastes should come into play in getting music for kids, and that's a legitimate debate. But if I'm going to be in a radio studio listening to it, it better at least not make me insane. I certainly have my tastes, and those are pretty obvious, and so I naturally like music that fits within those. But we play a lot of stuff that's folkier (just for instance) than I listen to in everyday life, and that's a reflection of the fact that it's not entirely driven by what I like.Mostly, though, I want interesting and unique music that's well-performed and doesn't sound like everything else I've heard before. I like it when artists have a personality and an identity I can get through the CD, which means I shy away from artists who try to be everything to everyone. (Some people can pull that sort of genre-shifting off, but most end up feeling like session musicians playing advertising jingles.)

8) What kind of music would you like to see explored by a kids band or artist?

More alt-countryesque stuff. There are some artists doing some good "real" country -- Biscuit Brothers, Buck Howdy, etc. -- but nobody sounds like the Gourds or Old 97's to me. And since those bands do virtually nothing that's kid-friendly, I want some.

9) I love the mellow, homey feel of your show. You've invited artists to participate as well. Are there certain moments that really stand out?

Shucks, thanks.We've really enjoyed everyone we've had on the show. It was a particular pleasure to see Ben Rudnick & Friends record songs for us at a local studio -- phenomenal musicians with a real chemistry. He was the first artist we had on the show, too. Two artists who I'd liked before but really loved in-studio were Keith Munslow and Josh Levine. And your friend Danny Adlerman -- who's been on twice, once by himself and once with Kevin Kammeraad -- was a bucket of fun.All of the guest DJ sets (including yours!) have been really interesting -- a chance to see what folks have been influenced by and what they play for their kids. ScribbleMonster and Monty Harper's filling in for the entire show were a lot of fun to hear too. ScribbleMonster is doing it again on December 30.

10) (Ella) What grade are you in & what's your favorite activity at school? What do your friends think about you being on the radio? Do you have ideas for future shows?

"2nd grade, and I like social studies; we're studying Japan. My friend Chloe thinks it's really cool that I'm on the radio. I don't have any idea for future shows."

11) (Bill) Congratulations on the Minnesota Parent magazine column! What's next for you?

I'll presumably keep doing my day job and try to get tenure (I'm a law professor). As for kids' music, we'll keep doing the show as long as Ella wants to, and Liam after that if he's interested. He's starting to learn more about being on the show, which is fun. I'm also writing a column for our local parenting magazine, Valley Kids, and would be happy to syndicate the column more. We've been booking some kids' artists into a couple of venues here, and I'm hoping to start helping some more places get family concerts together.And of course, we have more in-studio guests, guest DJ sets, and all the rest coming up -- and (eventually) the song TMBG is writing and recording for us!

Thanks for the questions and for all of the great interviews you've been doing, Yosi!

http://www.sparetherock.com/

Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child" on Valley Free Radio • 8 to 10 am Saturdays • Northampton, Mass. • 103.3 FM.

Interview: Gwyneth & the Gooney Bird Girls.

2006-12-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Gwyneth & her daughters, Camille (8) and Chloe (4), have their very own children's music radio program on Live365.com. It's called Gooney Bird Radio! How cool is that?!

1) What made you decide to start up Gooney Bird Radio, & give it that name?

We started our musical journey in Ralph's World. After a year or two there, we felt that, while we really enjoyed living there, it might be fun to venture out and expand our horizons. After listening to "Spare the Rock" for a while and then stumbling across Live365, I figured it could be a cool homeschooling project for us...I wanted to give my girls a chance to hear themselves on the radio. I struggled with the name ... I'm not a fountain of creativity. My family nickname as a kid (well, now too) was Goonie Bird, so I went with that. I though it had a nice ring to it. I'm not sure why I changed the spelling. Had someone already claimed it? Or did I want to distance us from "The Goonies"? The reason escapes me now.

2) You must get a lot of CD's. How do you choose what gets on the air?

I was really shocked the first time someone offered to send us a free CD. It wasn't something that I had even considered might happen. At this point we've settled into a certain format, but we are evolving, so it might be different next week. Right now, we update the station once a week. We have a few featured artists, and we work our way through their latest album, playing a few different tracks each week. We also have some themes, based on something we saw or did that week. Themes like colors, trains, pirates, etc. There's also our weekly favorites, which the girls and I pick. I try to pay attention to what CDs they listen to during the week, and I also try to pull out a few that we haven't listened to in a while. We spend a lot of time in the car and thus end up listening to quite a few CDs each week.As time goes on, I'd like to have the girls do more "announcing", recitations and storytelling.

3) Camille & Chloe, what's it like being home schooled? Do you have to sit across from mom while she lectures all day long?

Chloe's answer "Does he have a lot of questions? Too much questions!"

Camille's answer: "No , we don't; my mom helps me pick out good books at the library. I like to read fairy tales and history books. It's fun to be homeschooled; I get to read lots of history books, and sometimes do some math. Because I'm homeschooled, I get travel around the world. I've been to Scotland and France. I take a Latin class."

4) You seem to be driving all over the country. Is that a perk of home-schooling or do you live in a car?

It is definitely a perk of homeschooling. The girls are used to being in the car, and we have lots of great music to keep us entertained on our trips.5) Gwyneth, what kind of music did you listen to when you were a kid? Does it influence your taste (or life) now?As a young child, I listened to music that reflected my parents' values. "Free to Be", Peter, Paul & Mary, musicals, classical music, campfire songs. It certainly influenced the first music that I bought for my kids, but as a family, we've moved a bit away from there. I don't know that the music itself influenced my life, but it was one part of a whole style of life that made me become who I am.

6) What do you think about the indie kids music scene?

I think its great fun, at least from where I sit. By getting to know various artists, either personally or through their music, we've had opportunities to go fun places

7) Chloe, are you married?

Chloe said: "I don't want to answer that."

8) Camille, what's it like being a big, very mature, incredibly smart older sister?

Hmmm. My sister and I enjoy playing games and doing projects together, but sometimes she can get a little annoying.

9) Gwyneth, what do you want to do when you grow up?

A grandparent?

10) How is Internet Radio (Live365) different from AM,FM or XM Radio? Are you actually spinning discs 24-7? When do you sleep?

We take shifts. Camille is a night owl, so she's on 8pm-4am. I like to get up early, so I'm on 4am-noon, and Chloe gets noon-8pm. Right? Okay, not at all. We spend a couple hours once a week picking out tracks and uploading the mp3 files to Live365. The set list (usually 3-4 hours long) that we create from those tracks is then a continuously playing rotation.

Thanks Gooney Bird Gals!

Check out the great music:
Live365 broadcast
GooneyBird Blog

Interview: Eric Herman

2006-11-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

Eric Herman has an invisible band, a recipe for "Where's Waldorf Salad", a blog, songs for your kid, a dream in his heart & a dollar in his pocket (which might be yours). Unfortunately, he has no sense of humor...(wink, wink).

1) How did you get into kids music?

I just turned it on and then I got into it, maaan. Oh, you mean as a performer... That was kind of a 'synchronicity' thing, where over a short period of time back in 2002, several different people each made comments that I should consider doing music for kids. Not being one to ignore synchronicity, especially when Sting has taught me so much about it, I decided to look into it. I think I'm probably similar to others who have recently gotten into creating indie kids music in that I didn't want to do what I thought was the typical kind of trite and sing-songy kids' music. But I kept an open mind and scoured the libraries in Buffalo for kids' CDs, and it turned out that what I thought was typical wasn't really all that typical. There was quite a variety of interesting music for kids, even waaaay back in 2002. And I even appreciated some of the trite and sing-songy stuff, too. I realized that a lot of different stuff can connect with kids, so once I realized I could do a wide variety of music for kids, then I was excited to give it a shot and see what I might do within the genre.

2) What kind of music did you enjoy as a kid? Did it influence your music now?

The stuff I listened to most when I was very young were 45s of Johnny Cash and Elvis. "One Piece at a Time" and "Hard Headed Woman" were favorite songs of mine. And then my father bought an old-style jukebox for our family room and that had a bunch of fun 70's records like "Oh, What a Night", "Ballroom Blitz" and "Kung Fu Fighting", and some other novelty things like "Shaving Cream". I'm not sure of the influence of that stuff on what I do now... well, I suppose "Shaving Cream" was an influence, in terms of how I like to play with expectations on some songs. The biggest musical influences of mine came much later when I got into things like The Beatles, Floyd, U2, Zappa and Rush.

3) What kind of music do you enjoy now when not performing for kids?

I still listen to a lot of kids' music, especially with the blog thing now, and I really do enjoy that as a genre. Otherwise, I like to bounce around on Rhapsody and listen to different things on there, which is a great way to catch up on what's out there, both old and new. Some things I've listened to recently include Maktub, Paul Simon, the Chili Peppers, The Tragically Hip and Kate Bush. I also like classical music quite a lot, and I gravitate toward either the very dramatic kind of classical music, like Tchaikovsky's Concert No. 1 and Beethoven's Fifth, or profoundly bittersweet pieces like Albonini's "Adagio". I'm also a big fan of Louis Armstrong and a huge fan of the show The Music Man. Look for a Music Man related parody on an upcoming album of mine.

4) Let's talk about your latest CD. It's bouncy, upbeat & captures the child's perspective. Where do you get your ideas for songs?

There's a website called IdeasForSongs.com and it's really great, because you can just type in what you're looking for and... okay, sorry... that's not true... But wouldn't it be nice if that were the case? Actually, now that I think of it, there is a website where I've gotten some ideas from, and that would be www.poetry4kids.com. That's the website for my friend Kenn Nesbitt, who is a great children's poetry author. Ideas for songs happen in so many ways; by accident, by observation, by calculation, from experiences, from daydreaming, from exploring... I believe that ideas are available in abundance if we're just willing to seek them out, or willing to work with them when they come to us. Not all ideas are good ones, though, so sometimes it's a matter of hacking away at an idea until it either turns into something interesting or kind of fizzles away.

5) I understand you record with an invisible band. How do you find these people? What keeps you from tripping over any of them?

We discovered The Invisible Band while they were playing behind a broken jukebox at a pizza place in Buffalo. Invisible musicians are more plentiful than you might think, though. They're actually quite prevalent on many internet music message boards, although many invisible musicians don't even know that they're invisible. They keep wondering, "How come nobody notices me??" I think that if you're an invisible musician, then it's often a matter of making yourself known, as opposed to waiting for anyone else to notice you. As for my band members, I do trip over them all the time. You think practical jokes and pranks are bad among regular bands? Well, just try working with invisible musicians. They're merciless! And they have a distinct advantage by being invisible. I get back at them when I can, though... For example, we had a photo shoot recently, and I gave them the wrong address, so the picture we ended up with says "Eric Herman and the Invisible Band", but they're not actually in it. Ha, that'll show 'em...

6) One of the things we seem to have in common is a blog. Why did you start a blog?

Over the last few years since I've been doing kids' music, I kept getting comments from people along the lines of, "Why aren't there more people creating great music for kids like this?" Of course, I've always been flattered to hear that, but I also thought, gosh, there really are many people who are doing great kids' music. Don't these people know what's going on in the scene, man??? The Chicago bigwigs? The New York noggins? The Frisco underground? So I figured it might be worth sharing a little about some of my favorite kids' music, and it's kind of expanded somewhat from there to include some personal comments and articles about my own perspective and experiences as a kids' music artist. And I seem to be doing more single album features lately, but I don't ever want the blog to seem too much like a 'review site'. Other people like Stefan (Zooglobble) do a much better job at covering that. I do have a hard time leaving some personal critical opinions out of what I write, though, but I hope people never get the idea that I think that I am in any way declaring what kids' music should or shouldn't be. Ultimately, my opinions are just that, and if they have a little bit of a unique perspective by being from someone working within the genre, well then that's fine, but certainly I'm writing as much as a fan of the genre as anything.

7) How do you feel about the indie kids music scene?

Speaking of personal opinions! In one sense, I don't really agree with the recent emphasis that kids' music has to be something that adults can also enjoy. I think it's great when they do also enjoy it, but I don't think they necessary have to like it for it to be good kids' music. There's a point when I wonder if the "kid" is being removed from "kids' music". But then again, I think it's terrific that there is such a variety of choices available now, so your kids' CD changer could include an incredible variety like The Sippy Cups, Frances England, Raffi, Schoolhouse Rock, Ralph's World, The Wiggles, Eric Herman and the Invisible Band, Yosi and even Barney. As cool as I think a lot of the new kids' music is, I actually think a lot of kids need some of that Barney kind of music as part of their diet when they're really young. They're little, and their ear drums respond to the higher pitches, and they get a sense when they hear that kind of music that it's meant for them. There's an innocence and feeling to a lot of those kinds of kid tunes that I'm not sure is as well represented by distorted guitars and crashing cymbals. But once kids are a little older, then by all means, fill 'em up with some more involved music and ideas.

8) Thanks for the recipes you sent for my website recipe page. Do you cook at home?

I really don't cook, so much as prepare meals. I wouldn't really call putting frozen chicken nuggets in the microwave 'cooking', you know what I mean? But those recipes of mine on your site are definitely ones that I like to make from time to time. I also have a great recipe from my grandmother for schlurpknopf. You'll love it... It adds in a dash of zlork, which really accentuates the nomannic.

9) You've been lumped in the "goofy dad" category per The Lovely Mrs. Davis. Are you?

I think I'm actually much more of a goofy dad in real life than on record. I love to have fun playing with my girls, and that can often get quite goofy, with feet smelling, belly-button raspberries and other such sports. But on my CDs, I'm usually trying to be more of a self-deprecating character as opposed to just a goofy clown. I would say my stuff is pretty diverse when it comes to content and approach, and on the rare occasions when I'm covering some particularly goofy topics like odors and bodily functions I try to be pretty subtle. So, I certainly don't resent the label at all, especially in the way that Amy described it, and there's no doubt I love the other artists who she lumped me along with in that category, but I don't think I would quite measure up to the level of "goofoffity" as some of the others.

10) Per your site, songs & blog I can tell you have a wicked sense of humor. Were you the class clown? Or did you watch way too much Monty Python?

Monty Python? I never watched such nonsense, and neither did my shrubber, my ex-parrot, nor my half-a-bee named Eric. I wasn't so much the class clown saying zingers in the middle of class, but I remember a couple of times back in 4th and 5th grade that friends of mine and I would write SNL style news segments and comedy skits and perform them in front of the class, and they went over very well. So I was definitely hooked on the idea of writing and performing comedy pretty early on. Probably a big influence in that sense was watching shows like SNL and Three's Company, following comic strips like Peanuts and Bloom County, and reading things like Mad Magazine. I'm still convinced that Alfred E. Neuman is the face on the moon. My wife, Roseann, has a good sense of humor and comedic timing, and we produce my CDs together, so she makes a great sounding board and contributor for material.

11) What's next for you? Global domination?

I'm trying to follow the example of the Lord of the Rings film productions and working on my next three CD projects together while I have more time at home over the winter. I'm also trying to follow the example of the Lord of the Rings film productions by having them all be hugely successful. One will be sort of a mellow song/lullaby collection called Snail's Pace, then the next new Eric Herman and the Invisible Band CD, and then another CD project for kids which will be quite different from anything else I've released. I can't really elaborate on that one yet, but it's going to be really cool. Those should all be coming out sometime in 2007 and 2008. We're also developing some TV show and music video projects and looking to do some more national touring outside of the Northwest.

12) Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I'd like to add chocolate with peanut butter and see if it really has the delicious result that I've heard so much about. I'd like to add another digit column to my income. And I'd like to add my thanks and gratitude to my family, friends and fans for their love and support.

http://www.EricHermanMusic.com
http://www.cooltunesforkids.com/

Interview: Rebecca Frezza

2006-11-28T13:36:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Frezza performs pop/rock children's concerts with her 8-piece band, Big Truck. You've probably seen her videos on Noggin & PBS Kids, or heard her songs on XM & Sirius Satellite Radio. She has released her third award-winning CD, Tall & Small, in the summer of 2006. We've met over a year ago at one of her amazing concerts & have been friends since.

1) I know that you, like many children's artists, started with a background in the arts & when you had kids you started writing & performing kid's music. Does children's music feel like a natural fit for you? Do your friends and family feel likewise?

Yes, it definitely feels like a natural fit. This was not something that I planned and thought out in advance. It all just evolved out of the work that I was doing. I started teaching, which lead to writing, which lead to recording and then ultimately to performing. There was so much support and positive energy along the way for the work that I was doing, I never questioned it. Everything just felt right.

2) You perform with an eight-piece band. How do you manage so many band mates & coordinate the shows?

It’s not easy….but it’s what I do. Sometimes the band feels like another family, with all of the personality issues and different needs and even occasional conflicts that go along with a "family" dynamic. However, having a full band playing real music is the core of what I do. Early on in my children’s music career people told me to ditch the band and play to pre-recorded tracks or at the very least trim down my numbers. I never felt comfortable with those options. Each of the elements of the band is important to the quality and vibe of the show. We’re a "rock" band, so you have to have guitar, bass and drums. There is a whole visual element to the show with choreography as well as lots of three part harmony that wouldn’t work without my two backing vocalists. We explore various different musical genres and the additional instrumentation i.e. flute, harmonica, percussion, fiddle etc. adds to our ability to do that effectively.

3) Last Spring we were talking about "Tall & Small" just before its release. You felt some uncertainty about the risks you were taking with your songs. Do you still feel that way? Are you happy with the risks you took?

Yeah, I knew I was testing the limits of what was considered "kids music." The interesting thing to me is that everyone who has heard the album and reviewed it or talked to me about it seems to respond to a different aspect of it. Some people have really enjoyed the more quirky acoustic stuff, while others have liked the most straight forward "rock" stuff. Songs that I considered leaving off the album have often been those that reviewers have loved. I try not to put too much stock in reviews, good or bad, but I do look to them to get an overall sense of what’s working, and this time around, it’s been difficult to do that. The other interesting thing to me is that the songs that the kids LOVE at our live shows are not necessarily the ones that are getting radio airplay or being picked out by the reviewers as highlights of the album. The other thing about "Tall and Small" is that it’s targeted at 4-8 year olds and their parents. It’s not necessarily playing to the 2 & 3 year olds (although I think many will enjoy it anyway) in the same way that many of the other artists in the kids genre are. The music is a bit more sophisticated than people usually expect for a kids album. My theory is that those 4-8 year olds are being left out and need music that speaks to them, music that doesn’t talk down to them or underestimate them. Many of these kids are making a transition into listening to adult (or teeny bopper) pop at this age and I’m not sure that they are ready for the themes of many of those songs. I’m trying to offer these kids and their parents an alternative.

4) What kind of music do you enjoy most when on your own?

Because my oldest child is 11, we often listen to pop/rock in the car. When I have the stereo to myself I listen to a lot of acoustic music – contemporary folk and alt. country (much of which my kids enjoy too). I go in and out of phases where I’m listening to CD’s and then just switching on XM Café and seeing what they have to offer. Like the music that I play, I have pretty eclectic tastes in what I listen to.

5) You've had videos on Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show & recently on PBS Kids. It looks like you're having fun. Is it fun? Do they take a long time?

I loved working on the videos for both Noggin and PBS Kids. Being able to make music and then have all these other creative minds get together and make all of this amazing visual stuff happen was such a cool thing for me. I’d love to do more! The videos don’t take long to film – we did two in one day for Noggin and four each day for PBS. The hard thing about the PBS job was the fact that I was only given a couple of weeks to write eight brand new songs that fit with the themes of each day of the programming block. It was quite a challenge, but one that I really enjoyed. My producer Chris Putnam and I worked together really well. There was no time for second guessing, we had to just trust each other and go for it. We were both really pleased with the way things came out.

6) Have you noticed growth in your popularity or new opportunities due to your TV appearances?

Absolutely. We are traveling to Dallas and Maine and getting inquiries from people in Chicago and Florida. These things would probably not be happening without the TV exposure. The kids’ music industry is booming with new artists throwing their hats in the ring every day. I think that the TV exposure has helped us not get swallowed up by the competition.

7) Do you like being an indie artist, or would you want to be signed to a record company?

That’s a question that I struggle with. I love being an indie artist, but the financial pressure that it puts on us can be difficult. I love that I can write and record the music that I want and be free to take risks and not have to follow a "formula" or have my music fit in a box. It’s hard because we don’t always have the money to do as much pr and marketing work as we’d like and I often have to wear many hats i.e. booking agent, publicist, band manager, distribution coordinator, sales rep. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that, if I were signed with a label, they would handle. That would free me up to focus more energy on the artistic side of things.

8) How do you write your songs? Where do the ideas come from? What kind of process do you use?

My songs come to me in various ways. Usually, I think of a theme that I want to explore and sit down and write as many ideas as I can about that theme. Sometimes I’ll just write single words or images and sometimes I’ll start with rhymes and phrases that work together and create a rhythm. Then I take out my guitar and figure out a chord progression that I like and the melody flows from there. Sometimes I’ll pick a specific genre of music and come up with the chord progression first and then build a theme from there. Occasionally, I come up with an idea of lyrics and vocal melody, but I can’t find exactly the chords that I want to support it, so I’ll just put the song on tape a cappella and bring it into the studio that way. The ideas and images come from my kids and from my own childhood and also from my experiences as a parent and as a teacher.

9) How about those great Andrews Sisters-type harmonies. Do the backup singers develop those with you, or do you have them pre-written?

When I recorded my first album, I didn’t even have a band in place until it was almost finished. Most of the harmonies were written by me. I would record the melody on my four track recorder and then I would work out the harmony parts by ear and lay them down on the other tracks. I still work that way a lot, although I do tend to rely on the help of my back-up singers more now. It’s always more efficient to work with three voices rather than trying to hear all three parts at the same time. Still, on many of the songs on all three albums I am singing all of the parts. That happens to be one of my absolute favorite things to do – singing harmony, so when there is a song that doesn’t cry out for distinctly different voices on the harmonies, I will just sing them myself.

10) What's next for you?

Hmmmmmmm….that’s the million dollar question. I’d love to make a DVD, but we’ve got to sell a lot more CD’s before we can afford to do that. I’d love to do more television work (wouldn’t we all!). I just plan on keeping things moving forward. Keeping my band happy and working on new material. I love where things are right now. I feel really fortunate to be doing this job that I love and feeling the impact that the music has on the families that we meet along the way. There’s always more to achieve, more mountains to climb, but for now, I want to try to just enjoy the moment.

http://www.bigtruckmusic.com/#start

Interview: Danny Adlerman

2006-11-27T10:37:00.000-05:00

(Danny Adlerman & Jim Babjak photo by: Mike Nixon)

Danny Adlerman is a children's author, musician & recording artist. He also happens to be a good friend & we've shared laughs, ideas, resources & stages. His rock-based children's music & imaginative books (often beautifully illustrated by his wife Kim Adlerman) are wonderful. Chances are your kids have read his books at school. Interpersonally, Danny has a great sense of humor, always caring & intelligent, & he's not afraid to tell it like it is. So, we got to chatting about his books, music & upcoming CD, Listen UP!

Here 'tis:

1) How did you get into producing kids music?

I have always been into music of all kinds, but when I got these kids, see, and they started listening to music too, well, something went all kablooey in my head. There was MY music - Beatles, Stones, Who, Grateful Dead, Clapton - you know, GOOD music - and there was THEIR music. It was EASY for them to listen to mine, but painful for me to listen to theirs! So I began to think: There wasn't kids music when I was a kid. There was music that was good for everyone, and part of everyone was kids. I had to do something about that. The scape has changed a lot in the last ten years and I have been happy and proud to have been part of it.

2) Your books are based on original & traditional children's songs, why was woodchuck chosen for publication?

We don't think of which comes first...the whole chicken and egg thing aren't material to us, 'cause you can go nuts trying to argue things that don't matter. Sometimes a song comes first. Sometimes the book comes first. In the end it's all about expression of ideas. So long as we have something to say we will say it - with literacy, with music, and with art. We chose Woodchuck because we thought others would find it as much fun as we did.

3) This book is illustrated by a dozen artists! That's wild! How did you manage it?

It seemed like a challenge at the time, and I love a good challenge. It was as difficult as you imagine, too, but here's a little secret: I'd do it again in a heartbeat. In fact...nah, never mind. That'd be telling.

4) Earlier books were published by Charlsbridge & newer books are self published. Why & what are the advantages of self publishing?

The earliest books were published by Whispering Coyote Press. Then Charlesbridge bought WCP, and they did in fact come out with Rock-a-bye Baby, but by then we had already produced One Size Fits All (my CD) and then Songs for America's Children (our response to the September 11th attacks) on our own. We published the book in order to give all the money away to people who needed it more than we did, but it also turned out to be a proving ground for our ability to not only produce but market and distribute on our own. The biggest advantage is that we are totally responsible for every aspect of the project from start to finish. The biggest disadvantage is that we are totally responsible for every aspect of the project from start to finish.

5) Let's talk about the new CD, "Listen UP!" What should we be expecting?

This album will be a real breakthrough in a lot of ways. It's completely different musically from One Size Fits All, yet it shares some commonalities: For one thing, every song is different from one another. You won't hear the last tune and think it sounds like the first tune. Each track is also quite different from what appeared on the first CD. I do believe in pushing the envelope, and requiring a little something from the audience. My music isn't merely background music. Don't get me wrong - you can certainly use it that way, but you can also actually LISTEN to it and get something out of it. Finally, there is something on it for younger audiences, but it is also suited to those who grew up with One Size Fits All, who are now five years older and looking for good music they can continue to grow with. It's a genuine family album.

6) Where do you get your song ideas & lyrics? Is there a process?

Everywhere. Nope.

7) What are your thoughts about independent kids music scene? Are there any folks that you admire?

There's this guy named Yosi I'm into. I am happy to say though the scene is growing with others who share a vision! I can't say I love everything by everybody, but Kevin Kammeraad is someone who has never produced anything other than quality music. He's an amazing talent and his works are right for everyone, period, no matter who you are or what you like. I am also appreciative of the efforts of Justin Roberts, Dan Zanes, Jim "Scribbleman" Dague, as well as both Vincent and Spook Handy, who is bringing folk back to kids. Thanks for that, Spook.

8) What kind of music are you into?

Man I am into everything now and again. For the most part, you can always find classic rock on my radio, in my CD player, or on the hard drive, but I also am into folk, as well as classical, and lately have been thinking about some genres of music that predate rock by just a few years as I really like transitional periods...they're interesting. I like blues, and especially 70's R&B quite a bit. Bluegrass and swing can both be fun, too, when I am...dare I say it..."In the Mood" (sorry).

9) Do you perform or produce music other than kids?

Funny you should ask. I am a wannabee rock and roll star. Well, not really star, I don't care about the stardom, but I like playing my big people rock as much as my stuff for younger audiences. Sometimes more as it's therapeutic. My first album for big folks, called The BAR, will be out soon and it features Jim Babjak of The Smithereens and Kurt Reil of The Grip Weeds.

10) What's next on the horizon for you?

Well, more books and music! First of course is the release of Listen UP! Spring 2007 will see the publication of Oh No, Domino! written and illustrated by my wife Kim and featuring a new song by me on CD. Fall 2007 will see a new book Kim and I co-wrote, illustrated by Megan Halsey, called Mommy's Having a Watermelon! It's our first chapter book. Meanwhile I have also started on my next two children's CDs, so I reckon I'll be busy for a little while.

http://dannyandkim.com/

When it's time to cha-yange...!

2006-11-17T20:03:00.000-05:00

Howdy, friends.

As Peter Brady (of The Brady Bunch) crooned..."When it's time to cha-yange...," I felt a need to re-arrange stuff. I'm gettin' somewhat worn out with reviews. I'm enjoying the CD's, but feel I may be repeating myself with adjectives & format. Yet, I want great indie artists & their work represented.

That's when I recalled I'm something of a gabber. I like chatting with folks, especially about music. So, why not just talk to the artists? See what they're like? How does their creative process work? I've always discovered some golden nuggets when yackin' with someone. So, I'll be contacting artists, & folks involved in the indie kids music biz. Will they talk with me? We'll find out.

Interview: Dave Loftin, WAWL Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl

2006-11-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

Dave Loftin is the host of the Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl on WAWL in Chattanooga, TN. He initially caught my interest with his song selection. The story of how he came to host the show is in step with many indie kids artists who started having children. Dave's got a good ear for great indie kids music. You can hear the show on-line at: WAWL, Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00am EST.

1) How did you get into kids music & put together the Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl?

When I found out my wife was pregnant, I started looking at what kind of kids' music was available. I knew there was stuff that wasn't very good (musically)and I wanted to avoid those. Then I started discovering more and more artists that were very talented, spoke on kids' levels and I could actually listen without shoving cotton in my ears. I later saw a college radio station that had a kids' show and thought something like that would go over well in Chattanooga, TN. Little did I know that kids' radio shows were everywhere and doing very well.

2) What do you do when not spinning discs?

My day job finds me in another form of media: TV. I work for a FOX affiliate in promotions and production. When not at work or recording the Cereal Bowl, I'm playing with my year and half old son or enjoying my other love: movies.

3) Your playlist includes punk bands, 1940's & 1950's musicians. That's quite a range! Is the audience diggin' it?

When I started researching what other kids' DJ's were playing, I was amazed at their playlists. Some songs I never would've thought to include on a kids' show. A lot of the "oldies" I play are things I listened to with my dad, since kids music in the 70's was fair at best. So far, the audience seems to enjoy the"kid-friendly" tunes.

4) The shows always start with They Might Be Giants'"Clap Your Hands". Why?

Two reasons. First, it's just a great song to get kids up and moving around in the morning. Second, it has helped establish that the show is on the air. Eventually, I'll swap it out for any random song.

5) What are your thoughts about indie kids music today?

Since I'm very new to the whole kids' music scene, I'm very impressed by it. It's awesome that kids' today have such good music to listen to and that these artists are writing music this good for kids.

6) What would you like to see in the future of kids music?

There still seems to be a lot of artists that are doing it "for the money" so to speak. By that, I mean that kids' music is now a money maker and some of these musicians decide to crank out a few happy bubbly songs about bunnies or telling the truth and bam; a kids' record. I'd like to see the truly talented and dedicated kids' artists thrive and the audience to realize there's so much more than what's found in the"corporate kids music" section at the store.

7) What kind of music do you enjoy when not spinning kids discs?

I'm pretty open to everything. However, I usually listen to punk. That's my favorite. Old and new (Ramones, Stiff Little Fingers, NOFX, Anti-Flag, etc.) and also the edgier indie music (i.e., TV on the Radio, Dresden Dolls, etc.). There's also the classics like Violent Femmes and They Might Be Giants. My guilty pleasure is "Weird Al" Yankovic. Been listening to him since he started and I can't turn it off.

8) What's next for you?

As far as the show, I'd love to start a podcast, but money and legal and all that stuff is in the way right now. My dream is to see more kids' artists perform in Chattanooga. The city is ideal for any of these bands to play outside on a sunny afternoon or in one of many indoor venues. Ultimately, I'd love to see a kids' music festival of some kind here in town. Once again,the city is perfect for it.

9) How can artists submit CD's for possible airplay?

Send material to:
Dave Loftin
Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
1437 Elm St
Chattanooga, TN 37415

www.smcb.blogspot.com
WAWL

Daddy A Go Go: Eat Every Bean and Pea on Your Plate

2006-09-09T05:16:00.000-04:00

Try to say the title of this CD without smiling. Same goes for playing it. John Boydston, aka Daddy A Go Go, is quite a punny guy. On his 5th full length CD he's got plenty of rock references & puns.
There's more of a Rolling Stones feel than AC/DC in "For Those About to Walk (We Salute You)." A flamingo named Floyd is a celebrated hero in "Pink Floyd Saves Hugh Manatee." Check out the punchy Ramones cover of "Blitzkrieg Bop (Kids Beat Bop)" performed by John and sons, Jake, 14, & Max, 11. On "Dads Who Rock," Boydston puts tounge firmly in cheek when he declares that dad & his band sound more like The Replacements. If you've ever seen the Mats live, you know what he's talking about.
Keep on rockin' us, Daddy A Go Go.
http://www.daddyagogo.com/

Barry Louis Polisar: Old Enough To Know Better

2006-06-22T23:20:00.000-04:00

The original bad boy of kids music has released his "worst" songs ever!
Forty reworked compiled tunes on a double disc!
Back in the 70's when Raffi was crooning tunefully about baby whales, & Peter Paul & Mary's famous, sweet Dragon was popular, Barry was mining the darker side of kids music. Barry understands children from their own perspective & trusts their intelligence, humor & understanding of satire. Thirty years later he's put his worst of (or best of) songs together in this great collection. The subjects include: fighting in "When Suzie Sneezed", tyranny & rules in "Shut Up in the Library", & excuses in "I'm Late."
Barry holds nothing back when he sings his often angst-ridden songs. He's be known to plead, screech, cry out, & make a whole bunch of goofy (& entertaining) vocal sounds. One of my favorites is "I Looked Into the Mirror" about a most unflattering mirror that insults a child's looks. Who amongst us hasn't dealt with feeling less than beautiful in the mirror? The songs are a laugh riot! Parents & kids will love the musings of "The I Eat Kids Klezmer Polka." Musically the guitar arrangements are the best I've heard on any of Barry's albums. Also, great clarinet & saxophone performed by Barry's son.
http://barrylou.com/

May '06 review: Brady Rymer: Everyday is A Birthday

2006-05-25T23:55:00.000-04:00

Brady Rymer
Everyday is A Birthday

Brady's 4th CD is a jammin' kids rocker! Boogaloo to a "Rock 'n Roll Mother Goose" & frolic with a wildly imaginative "Dilly Dally Daisy" to some most unexpected places. Parents will appreciate their much needed coffee, naps & soothing baths just to "Keep Up With You" little tots running amok. The title track rejoices in the wonderful & varied ways folks celebrate birthdays around the world. And Woody Guthrie's "Little Sacka Sugar" cover tune is a sheer rhythmic Cajun delight.
http://www.bradyrymer.com/

May '06 review: Pat Dailey, Shel Silverstein: Underwater Land

2006-05-25T23:53:00.000-04:00

Pat Dailey, Shel Silverstein
Underwater Land

Taking a road-trip this summer? Building some family memories? Well, you'll want to bring along this CD of 17 zany & whimsical, Shel Silverstein, underwater songs. "Bubba Barracuda" interrupts Pat Dailey's warm & folksy singing, while the strange "Cuttlefish" disapprovingly waits for a train. Watch out for the scary "Land Shark" that's swimming underneath your lawn! Beautifully illustrated & written by Shel Silverstein.
www.underwaterland.com/

May '06 review: Imagination Movers: Eight Feet

2006-05-25T23:50:00.000-04:00

Imagination Movers
Eight Feet

Imagination Movers are the U2 of kids music with a big anthemic pop/rock sound, catchy lyrics, & of course, imagination. Shake yourself up with the live "Shakable You" opener. A pulsating "Seven Days A Week" recalls an 80's Scottish rock tune "In A Big Country." Bounce around with the very danceable & humorous "Farm." Being from Louisiana The Movers know loss firsthand. "We Got Each Other (The Evacuation Song)" tells of a child's loss of a home, toys, & belongings. But the greatest & most important thing is having a family.
www.imaginationmovers.com/

April '06 review: Steve Weeks: Alphabet Songs Vol. 2 (Ivan Idea)

2006-05-25T23:47:00.000-04:00

Steve Weeks
Alphabet Songs Vol. 2 (Ivan Idea)

I've an idea' says Ivan Idea, while Kiki Kangaroo 'kicks her heals up' & Professor Poidexter P. Puggleston has a Prepostrapercopopulataportapipplephone. That's the kind of humorous, imaginative & tounge twisting lyrics you'll find on Steve Weeks second Alphabet Songs album (letters I - Q). Many children's artists write songs with alliteration, but Steve is making a whole career out of it...& he does it well. A mix of country, jazz, funk & mid-tempo rock with very interesting percussion & hooky guitar keeps it fresh & lively.

www.steveweeksmusic.com/

April '06 review: Justin Roberts: Meltdown!

2006-05-25T23:44:00.000-04:00

Justin Roberts
Meltdown!

Justin Roberts newest release Meltdown! is bound to be one of the best children's albums of 2006! Intelligent, imaginative & insightful lyrics with wonderful high-energy musicianship & vocals from start to finish. "I Chalk" a song about creating outdoor art with chalk has an infectious rockin' groove. With tracks like "My Brother Did It" & "Maybe the Monster" you can tell that Justin truly understands kids & their world. We know kids have a "Meltdown" every so often, but apparently so do moms! My fave is the bouncy "Cartwheels & Somersaults" which depicts the joy of having a new baby sister.

www.justinroberts.org/

March '06 review: Vanessa Trien: Hot Air Balloon

2006-05-25T23:42:00.000-04:00

Vanessa Trien
Hot Air Balloon

This debut CD is an imaginative & joyous album full of bright images & sounds. Fly away in a happy "Hot Air Balloon" with a babboon, rackoons, & loons all the way to the moon. Take a "Rockin' Rocket" trip, & delight in the very hooky 'ooo, la la's' of "Hello World." There's a Caribbean steel drum "Bluenanas and Bananaberries" which mixes tropical fruit, & also a "Backward Alphabet Craze."
www.vanessatrien.com/

March '06 review: Charity and the JAMband: Rock Your Socks Off

2006-05-25T23:39:00.000-04:00

Charity and the JAMband
Rock Your Socks Off

13 high-energy, hip-happy, soulful original songs with a rollicking beat for the whole family. Charity's jazzy, bluesy singing is complimented beautifully with backup harmonies & a band that, as the title states, will rock your socks off! "Travellin'" is a bouncy blues ditty, followed by the very danceable "Jump in the Middle" & "Towel Tango", a Latin dance using a towel as a skirt, hair & more. "Happy Birthday Baby" is the funkiest b-day song ever, with a 70's 'Earth, Wind & Fire' funk groove.
http://www.jamjamjam.com/

Feb. '06 review: Timmy Abell: Little Red Wagon

2006-05-25T23:36:00.000-04:00

Timmy Abell
Little Red Wagon

In this faster, louder, more intense world, Timmy Abell provides a serene oasis of old time charm and sweet ageless melodies. A winner of both Parent's Choice & NAPPA Gold Awards, Little Red Wagon is well-crafted with wonderfully captivating instrumentation, including: guitar, banjo, violin, hammered dulcimer, washboard, & tuba. With his soothing voice, often compared to Pete Seeger, Timmy introduces kids to songs every American child should know, such as: "Turkey in The Straw", "Sailor's Hornpipe", & the ragtime "I'm My Own Grandpa." There's Bluegrass & energetic Country on many original ditties. "Going to Grandma's" is a treat of sights & sounds of cars, trains, boats & more!
So take a leisurely trip around Timmy Abell's world in a "Little Red Wagon" & enjoy the homespun warmth & harmony.
http://www.timmyabell.com/

Feb. '06 review: Ralph's World: Green Gorilla Monster & Me

2006-05-25T23:30:00.000-04:00

Ralph's World
Green Gorilla Monster & Me

One of this year's GRAMMY nominees is Ralph's sixth CD...and it's about time! This delightful pop & rock album by the very talented Ralph Covert has it all: clever lyrics, humor and a rockin' band. Starting with the joyous, hand clapping "Dance Around," you'll find a cast of very colorful characters. Beware of the (very peppy) puppy with a scary name, "Monster." A green gorilla on the couch is quite a sight eating a "Red Bannana." There's an invisible friend & a man named "Guitarzan." My favorite is the Ramones-ish rocker, "I Don't Wanna", about the rewards of doing chores, that will have you & your kid pogoing around the room.
www.ralphsworld.com/

Jan. '06 review: Mr. Scott: The Silliest One in The Land

2006-05-25T23:26:00.000-04:00

Mr. Scott: The Silliest One in The Land
Local NJ hero, Mr. Scott, a music & movement teacher at many a Preschool, has released a hilarious debut CD. Fitting in the Comedy section as well as the Children's, the album incorporates electronica, hip-hop, & Devo (yes, Devo) influences. Wacky renditions of many favorite traditional tunes, such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" & "Row Your Latin Boat" are spiced with over a dozen silly yet impressive ethnic vocal styling.
If kids learn best while having fun, Mr. Scott's classes must me more silly, educational & fun than a barrel of monkeys.
www.mrscottmusicman.com/

Dec. '05 review: Craig N Co.: Celebrate Hanukkah

2006-05-25T23:24:00.000-04:00

Craig N Co.: Celebrate Hanukkah
A treasury of beautifully crafted & performed Hanukkah songs by various gifted artists who put a new spin on many traditional favorites in Hebrew & English. Alan Eder & Friends start the CD with a groovin' Reggae prayer over the candles in "Shel Chanukah." Linda Hirschhorn's "Chanukah/Solstice" is a masterpiece of three-part soaring harmonies. Laurence Juber & Craig Taubman's crisp & stylish folk version of "Maoz Tzur" is the best you'll ever hear. A highlight is Peter Yarrow's (of Peter, Paul & Mary fame) original folk gem "Light One Candle" beckons us to recall the reasons we celebrate & make a better world. Boston-based band Yom Hadash rock on a mid-tempo "Al Hanisim," & Debbie Friedman offers a perfect closer with the live (& lively) "Not By Might - Not By Power."

Dec. '05 review: Trout Fishing in America: Merry Fishes To All

2006-05-25T23:18:00.000-04:00

Trout Fishing in America: Merry Fishes To All
Ho! Ho! Hold it! There's something fishy this Christmas. This Grammy nominated album of a dozen original fun, funny & punny tunes is a must-have stocking stuffer the whole family will love! Chocaholics will delightfully indulge in the opening R&B hit "Chocolate Christmas." The trouts (Ezra & Keith) irreverent humor served up in "Santa Brought Me Clothes" & I Got A Cheese Log," disspell any myths about why '(when it comes to Cheese Logs) it's better to give than to receive.' For the zany-minded there's "Bob and Bob" identical snowflakes that are a bouncy freak of nature. On a more cozy & nastolgic note "Snow is Falling" just makes you grin about a grand day snowed in with nothing to do but hang out with your loved ones.
Put this one on the top of your Christmas list.
http://www.troutmusic.com/

Nov. '05 Review: Milkshake: Bottle of Sunshine

2006-05-25T23:15:00.000-04:00

Milkshake: Bottle of Sunshine
With more pop hooks & bouncy melodies than a Monkees album, Bottle of Sunshine, is a must have for your kid's collection. Listing their influences like The B-52's & Cowboy Junkies, guitarist Mikel Gehl supplies the energetic rock 'n roll riffs while Lisa Mathews sings soulful upbeat melodies. From catchy sing-along ditty's like "Bluebird" & "ABC of Me" to the spirited "Jump" there's plenty that kids will identify with. One of the best tracks "Book of Dreams" is a dreamy indie folk song that could easily climb the college rock charts.
www.milkshakemusic.com

Nov. '05 Review: Brady Rymer: I Found It!

2006-05-25T23:04:00.000-04:00

Brady Rymer: I Found It!
An instant classic! Former rocker, "From Good Homes" fame, Brady, knows how to write not just great kids songs, but great songs (period). "Cookin Saturday" is a bouncy ditty about the fun mishaps of cooking breakfast with mama. "Drawing on the Sidewalk" invites all to draw (& live) harmoniously. "Just One Little Letter", a sweet dreamy ballad, shows how you can change the world with a small, simple & graceful letter. Cool motown, country and R&B makes this album groove as well as it rocks. Brady's lyrics are imaginative and vivid. His warm voice & sincerity is apparent throughout.
If you've been looking for a great album that you & the kids can rock to...you found it!
http://www.bradyrymer.com/

Here We Go!

2006-05-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

I love Indie music!
I love kids music that rocks!
I've had a review column in a central NJ family mag for 6 months that's now on hiatus. So, I thought I'd start a kids music blog full of rockin' Indie music that grown-ups love as much as (if not, more than) kids do. I happen to be a children's recording artist/entertainer & a father of four. Don't worry you'll never see my own material reviewed here. Just great stuff my kids & I love. We think you will too.

So, here we go!