Feature
November, 17 2008
New Wave of Kids Music
by Susan Lindgren
Mommytalk take a first hand look into the world of modern kids music, with a three part series. No longer something for parents to complain about , kids music is crossing generational lines, with artist like Barenaked Ladies and Lisa Loeb taking their brand of mainstream music and making hip music for kids
In the first part we take a quick glance on this revolution of kids music. We talked to not only parents but two musicians that perform kids music.
Admit it mom you complained about your kids music. Repetitive and sing-songy it gets stuck in your head, repeating over and over. Out with Barney and others, a new wave is coming through, music moms and dads can enjoy. Looking at modern kids as a whole you can see how the tides have changed. Kids are swinging to a new beat and many artists find kids music a great creative outlet, and a way to connect with a new audience.
Robert Schneider, from the indie rock band The Apple in stereo, soon will be known in the kids world as Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine Robert states "Recording music for children is an amazing and fun experience. It forces me to be extra creative because you are writing for an extra creative audience." Now his creative audience is his son, who approves all his music.
Mom and music enthusiast, Gerette Braunsdorf, brings up a great point " I think a big part of this change is that the musicians we listened to in our teens and 20s have grown up and had kids of their own." Much as Robert test his music on his son, so to are other artists. Creatively using the music that inspires them, they then write songs inspired by their children. And this creativity is bridging the gap.
Not all kids musicians start in mainstream music. Ashley, from the kid's band The Jimmies, seemed to always be in tuned with kids, and kids music. Music just seems to flow out Ashley. "While I'm walking down the street and the subject matter just happens to be ridiculous...Peanut Butter and Bedhead." It seemed natural for her to fall into kids music, so much so when she told friends she was in a kids band, "They just nod and say "Uh huh, that makes perfect sense."
With fun songs kids can relate to, such as Bedhead and Do the Elephant, The Jimmies still mix fun beats the whole family can dance to. The Jimmy also has fun videos kids will love, which adds to the learning experience. "I love the idea that we're giving kids the opportunity to experience rich imagery and complex themes that they might not otherwise be exposed to." Ashley gets that kids get it!
It makes sense, music is the universal language, it connects people. In a way this modern music is connecting families. Sharing our love for music is probably the greatest gift we can give our children. This new new wave of music makes it easy for everyone to enjoy.
For the next part in this series Mommytalk had the unique honor of talking with the pioneer in modern kid's music Laurie Berkner! Stay tuned for this exciting interview!
You can read more about The Jimmies and purchase a CD at Gimme Jimmies.com.
Robbert Bobberts First kid CD comes out in the new year. Go to Robbert's Myspace page.
