This episode features a conversation with kids music superstar Laurie Berkner about her Kickstarter project seeking funding to produce her next album, an album of lullabies. We talk about lullabies from her own childhood, the meaning of lullabies, and the opportunities for community in her project.
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Links
Laurie Berkner Is Making a Lullaby Album Kickstarter project
Project Title: Laura Doherty is recording a new kids' CD: "In a Heartbeat"!
Creator: Laura Doherty
Description: Hopefully I'll also get a chance to talk with the Chicago-based Doherty about her new Kickstarter to fund the recording, etc. of her next kids music album. Doherty crowdfunded her last album, the fine Shining Like a Star, via Indiegogo, but is turning to Kickstarter this time around. The rewards beyond the music include buttons and t-shirts.
Project Title: Laurie Berkner is making a Lullaby Album
Creator: Laurie Berkner
Description: I'm hopeful I'll be able to chat more with Berkner about the project, but for those of you glued to the Bake Sale site, I wanted to make sure I pointed out this brand new project from the kindie superstar which will fund the recording of her brand new album, an album of lullabies.
Berkner has funded all of her previous albums herself, so it's not like she absolutely needs Kickstarter for the finances -- rather, I suspect it's a way to make it easier upfront and to engage fans as part of the process. And, little more than 30 hours into her project, she's already cleared $10,000. For the Laurie Berkner fan in your life, there are a bunch of nice, reasonably-priced rewards.
Adam Marshall is the driving musical force behind The Bazillions, the Twin Cities power-pop kindie band. Eric Kreidler is the driving visual force behind the videos for the Bazillions, videos which have attracted more than a half-million views on YouTube.
The two of them joined me to talk about their new Kickstarter project, the origins of the band, where they drew (pun mostly unintended) inspiration for their videos, and a little bit about preparing a Kickstarter project.
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Links
The Bazillions' Rockin' Video Collection Kickstarter Project
The Bazillions' YouTube channel
They Might Be Giants' YouTube channel (includes a bunch of videos for their kids' projects)
Project Title: A New Kids Album
Creator: Jon Samson
Description: Jon Samson has created a couple albums of kids music that sounds slightly different from a lot of kids music. It has a bit of an improvisational feel to it, most likely inspired by his music therapy work. He's now trying to raise $10,000 to finish his third album, and it looks like he'll probably make it by the time his brief Kickstarter campaign ends a week from now.
I chatted briefly with Samson via e-mail last about the project.
Bake Sale: What do you like the most about making music for kids and families?
Jon Samson: Unconditional love! Children and families are not looking to judge or compare. They just want to feel good and are a very appreciative audience. There's a certain pressure that comes with being in the music industry that seems to be less prominent in the kids music genre, and for the better I'd say. But most importantly, children's faces don't lie. When I'm singing and they light up, I know I have done my job well, and it's an exquisite feeling!
How are you inspired by the kids you work with in your music therapy work?
Something I think many of us grown ups lack, or more precisely, lose touch with, is an innate ability to express and create without worrying about what others will think. Kids age 1-5 are absolute role models for this. Even before they speak, they vocalize freely and openly. Their breathing is more connected too.
Children in general are endlessly inspiring to me. They have a natural ability to see the world with a fresh perspective- they see the beauty in things and are enchanted with what many of us adults take for granted. The children I work with are as much my teachers as I am theirs. When I hold the space for them to sing and play, and I see how excited and open they get, it gives the courage to do the same. I am very grateful for my "job" :).
Dollar level aside, what reward do you most hope somebody pledges for so you can fulfill that?
I love sharing my music, so the more people request shows/performances/ lectures, the more I get to meet new faces and share my passion. Because of my full time music therapy practice, I don't actively promote my music as much as I'd like. So one of the many perks of Kickstarter has been to make what I do accessible to a wider audience. I'd also like to add, I'm honestly delighted when someone donates a dollar- even through it's "just a buck" they are letting me know that they feel the music and care about the work.
The team of Mr. & Mrs. Muffins are known as Noah and Nanda Wilson in the real world, but the art they produce seems very much not of this world. Their music and accompanying art (or is art with accompanying music) has more than a touch of the dreamlike. It's not kids music, but it's certainly tapping an inner child and very kid-friendly. They join me for a chat about the long time it took to make this, their new album, and the inspiration behind the art and music.
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Links
Mr. and Mrs. Muffins on Bandcamp
Mr. and Mrs. Muffins' The Misty Cowboy Kickstarter project
Zooglobble
Zooglobble helps you find kindie music -- news, videos, mp3s, reviews -- for your whole family.
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