Interview: Alternadad Neal Pollack

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!!!

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)

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.

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

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

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

(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...!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/