Album Review: Ageless: 100 Years Young — Joanie Leeds & Joya

Joanie Leeds is an NYC–based singer-songwriter with a truly impressive résumé. A Grammy-winning artist, early childhood educator, and perennial award-winner, she has been releasing thoughtful, joyful music since 2000. Her latest album, Ageless: 100 Years Young, is a loving tribute to her grandmother, weaving reflections on wisdom, kindness, and the simple truths that shape a life well lived. Featuring her daughter Joya — who contributes superb vocals throughout — the album radiates an uplifting, quietly defiant optimism. It embraces a worldview in which life, though challenging at times, remains an adventure to be savoured; where lessons learned inspire future generations, and where people, like a good wine, improve with age.

The album opens with the uplifting "Don’t Worry", a jaunty, country-tinged groove that immediately sets the tone. Lovely violin lines weave throughout, adding additional warmth and grace. The song also includes bright melodies which blend seamlessly with meaningful sentiments along the way. Here, her vocals glisten and shine, gently reminding us not to worry, because of course "worry worries you". It’s a cheerful invitation to do your best and release what you can’t control. Despite its thoughtful subject matter, the song remains buoyant, framing life’s obstacles as no more than challenges that can be overcome. With the right attitude, we’re assured, "every year just gets better". 

The title track, "Ageless", brings a tender shift in mood. Joined by her daughter Joya on vocals, the artist presents a beautifully intimate exchange between mother and child. Joya’s perspective on life, time, and immortality adds emotional depth, supported by sumptuous harmonies. The lyrics explore generational viewpoints with empathy, kindness, and understanding, celebrating the idea that while we age, we grow wiser — and that age, ultimately, is just a number.

"A, You’re Adorable" charms with nimble guitar work and a jazzy 1950s flair, transforming the alphabet into a playful stream of affirmations. Once again, Joya takes the lead vocally, introducing the song with warmth and confidence. Spirited, refreshing, and utterly charming, its strength lies in its sheer simplicity. The sparse arrangement gives the vocals space to shine, while the lyrical agility required to carry the message of each letter is handled with impressive ease.

"Born to Lead" leans back into a country vibe, buoyed by rich harmonies and spirited harmonica in turn. It delivers a confidence-boosting anthem for a world often short on self-belief. The reciprocal vocal interplay propels the song forward, and its relentless rhythm evokes the energy of a barn dance. A gear-shifting middle eight, featuring a striking vocal arrangement, hits its mark perfectly. It's also worth mentioning the harmonica work which is quite superb, adding an extra layer of melodic texture to the track.

"Grateful" provides a standout moment of reflection. Here, intricate acoustic guitar, elegant strings, and poetic vocals celebrate nature and the everyday miracle of life with quiet power. Gratitude becomes transformative as the artist gives thanks for the sun that brings warmth and light, the sea whose waves bring peace, and even the air we breathe, which is "always there". The song unfolds like a gentle hymn, paying homage to the natural world. Perhaps highlighting wonders we too often take for granted. 

"Curious" brings a somewhat heightened sense of pop sensibility and joyful awe to the party. Its piano-led arrangement and vibrant harmonica radiate both hope and discovery. Here, the artist, effortlessly shifts tempo and rhythm, demonstrating her stylistic versatility while keeping the listener fully engaged. The song in particular, champions the importance of curiosity and having an active mind. In doing so, the lyrics express the childlike impulse to ask "how, when, who, where, and why". This mindset, the song suggests, leads to deeper understanding of the wider world. The arrangement is particularly striking, with elongated notes at times, giving way to more percussive moments without ever disrupting the musical flow.

"Genealogy" adopts a rhythmic, almost spoken-word approach, mapping her family history with hypnotic flow and vocal precision. Laid-back and comfortable in its own skin, the song carries a certain innocent charm. It recounts her grandmother’s efforts to trace her family roots and shows how such journeys unite people, planting hope for the future. A surprising and emotionally resonant middle eight elevates the song further, while the tone remains consistent and assured throughout.

"Sweet Tooth" succeeds in lightening the mood with humour and warmth, celebrating life’s indulgences without guilt. The artist's eclectic culinary tastes — carrots drizzled with honey, chocolate cake, even "honey cake for dinner" — are delivered at a pace that mirrors the relentless pursuit of candy. The result is warm, playful, and delightfully optimistic.

The emotional heart of the album arrives with "Bubby", which provides a tender homage to the artist's grandmother. Here, acoustic guitar and subtle strings frame a song rich with love and gratitude for the grandparents who hold families together. With lyrical dexterity and melodic precision, the song is guaranteed to lift even the darkest moods. Perfect for family singalongs and reminiscing about life’s adventures — where "Disney’s number one" — it is utterly charming.

The closing track, "The Day Takes", draws on folk traditions to reflect on growing up, shared humanity, and the choices that shape our lives. Its buoyant melody and uplifting message linger long after the final note. A beautiful interpretation of Boris Fomin’s 20th-century Russian romance classic, the song captures the journey from childhood to adulthood and the wisdom and memories acquired along the way. It closes beautifully, with the final word given to Grandma herself, who delivers her own rendition with sweetness and grace.

In just under thirty minutes, Ageless: 100 Years Young delivers a heartfelt, life-affirming journey. It is a celebration of family, curiosity, gratitude, and joy — offering a generous dose of optimism in a challenging world. Here, love, courage, friendship, and hope form the perfect soundtrack for an extraordinary life, inspiring future generations along the way. Generous in spirit and brilliantly executed, the album demonstrates how Joanie Leeds’ music continues to grow richer and more engaging with every listen.

Joanie Leeds & Joya – a celebration of life.

Single Review: The Traffic Jam — Spaghetti Confetti

Spaghetti Confetti are relative newcomers to the children’s music scene, but they have quickly hit the ground running. In a short space of time, they have already released a string of excellent singles and delivered a number of crowd-pleasing, high-energy live performances across Sydney. In 2024, they received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Australian Children’s Music Awards — no small achievement in such a highly competitive field. A band clearly on a mission, with a very talented line-up, their music has genuine whole-family appeal, and their infectious enthusiasm will surely carry them on to bigger and better things in the future.

Their recent single, "The Traffic Jam", is quite superb. Featuring a shuffling beat, sparse yet effective guitar work, and a hypnotic trumpet line, the song lures the listener in with irresistible up-tempo charm. What follows is a clever and engaging musical introduction to road safety, delivered with both warmth and wit. The musical scansion is impressive, cramming a multitude of ideas into a richly descriptive verse that manages to inform without ever feeling didactic.

A smart feature of the song is its inclusive approach, teaching children to read traffic lights by position rather than just colour — an important consideration for those with Colour Vision Deficiency. It's a practical safety lesson delivered in a catchy and engaging way.

The track evolves almost like a freeze dance, with its stop-start arrangement encouraging children to halt completely at the red light before springing back into action when the green light appears. It’s a freeze dance in all but name, promoting movement, imagination, and pure, unfiltered delight.

The chorus, in turn, acts as a colourful instruction manual to the road rules, with traffic lights described with unexpected eloquence, because, as the song reminds us, “nothing’s more important than arriving safely.”

Spaghetti Confetti are an exciting new band who, on this form, would no doubt be great live. They have already crafted a sound that feels original and confident, although I suspect there may be a Ramones fan lurking somewhere in the band, and I have absolutely no problem with that! The musicianship is superb throughout, and I would hazard a guess that these are seasoned musicians who are on the very top of their game. They offer a refreshing blend of optimism and awareness, where learning is fun, life is celebrated, and safety is never an afterthought. Their music is upbeat, melodic, easy to dance to, and provides a wonderful platform for kids to learn, move, and express themselves. 

Spaghetti Confetti — it’s party time!

Music Awards or Groundhog Day?

One of the main reasons I initiated this blog, was to give independent musicians a helping hand in what is widely regarded as a very competitive business.  I've also always been fascinated by how complete unknowns somehow manage to break through the noise and despite overwhelming odds still manage to rise to the top. It's an old-fashioned, somewhat romantic notion, but one that still feels relevant in 2025.

Clearly, there is no single route to break into the music business. It's not like becoming a teacher or a lawyer, where you follow a defined path, put in the work and emerge at the other end as a fully qualified professional. Music doesn't work like that, and perhaps that's part of both its appeal and its cruelty.

Many artists who do succeed have great stories behind them. Chrissie Hynde spotting the Violent Femmes busking on the street and inviting them to support The Pretenders on tour is a perfect example. Those moments feel almost mythical now, yet they still shape how we imagine success happening.

One possible route to increased exposure is through songwriting competitions. On the surface, the idea makes sense. Winning a competition can provide a platform, credibility, and a chance to be heard by industry professionals. Given that entry fees are often modest, it can feel like a reasonable gamble. However, music isn't sport. It's subjective. One person's meat is another's poison, as the saying goes, which raises an obvious question: are songwriting competitions really operating on a level playing field, grounded in something approaching objective reality?

Lately, I've noticed that the same artists often rise to the the top year after year. You don't need to be a statistician to wonder whether this consistency reflects an untouchable level of talent, pure coincidence, or something else entirely. When the same names keep appearing, it inevitably prompts questions about how judging works in creative fields.

Some contests seem to celebrate the same creators repeatedly, often at the expense of other artists who don't appear to get much of a look in. As a songwriter myself, I find this more fascinating than frustrating. Is it simply that certain writers align perfectly with the judges' tastes? Or does it reveal something deeper about how awards shape our perception of what "good" songwriting actually is?

Awards are supposed to highlight excellence, but they also reflect the preferences and biases of those doing the selecting. When the same voices are recognised again and again, it raises broader questions about how we define success, and whether awards truly capture the diversity of creative expression.

Imagine, for example, a songwriting team winning first place in the same competition several years in a row, despite strong and varied competition. And believe me, this has certainly been happening in Australia. It could be an extraordinary testament to their skill, or it might invite a closer look at how creativity is being evaluated in the first place. 

These thoughts don't come from a place of bitterness. I haven't entered any competitions for several years, though I still keep an eye on who's doing well, particularly in the songs for children category. I genuinely admire any songwriter who can consistently impress a panel of judges. But as someone who cares deeply about the craft, I can't help wondering what repeated wins really says about judging criteria, musical taste, and so called expertise.

Frank Zappa once made an interesting point about in relation to this. He suggested that much of the great music of the 1960s didn't emerge because young executives had their fingers perfectly on the pulse. Often it was older men, raised on Sinatra and Bing Crosby, who freely admitted they didn't understand the music — but released and promoted it to see what would happen.

Those "old guys with big cigars" didn't understand The Doors, the Velvet Underground, or early Pink Floyd. But they took the risk, and decided to "put it out anyway." Today, it sometimes feels as though there are too many experts, too much calculation, and too little willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Perhaps the music industry; competitions included, has become overly cautious, overly safe, and overly conservative.

Ultimately, competitions are just one lens through which we view music. They can motivate, inspire, and open doors. At the same time, they can also provoke questions about how creativity is measured; and perhaps those questions are just as valuable as the awards themselves.

Ausify Your Algorithm: Shining a Light on Independent Aussie Kids' Musicians This Ausmusic Month

November is Ausmusic Month, and this year Music Australia is encouraging everyone to "Ausify your algorithm" — to fill your playlists and feeds with Australian music. It's a brilliant initiative that celebrates the incredible talent we have across this country. 

However, as I explored the campaign's artist listings, I couldn't help noticing there's another vibrant corner of Australia's music scene that deserves some love too — the truly independent children's and family artists.

These are the musicians recording songs in home studios, performing in libraries and community halls, and writing heartfelt, funny, thoughtful tunes for kids and families — often without the support of labels or big PR teams. They're creating music that connects deeply with families and communities, often powered purely by passion. 

The Ausify list features some well-known names — national treasures and brilliant ambassadors for Australian music. But there’s also a thriving world of indie creators out there, making the sounds that shape what Aussie kids are hearing today.

So, if you want to "Ausify your algo" in the spirit of discovery, consider diving into the indie side of the kids' music scene this month. 

Here's how to help keep Australia's music ecosystem diverse and strong:

• Stream and share songs from indpendent Australian kids' artists. 
• Follow and engage with them on social media — every comment and share helps. 
• Buy their music or merch if you can — it makes a huge difference.
• Spread the word — tell your friends, teachers, and community groups about them. 

This Ausmusic Month, let's celebrate not only established Australian music acts — but also the independent voices that make it so rich, playful, and full of heart. 

 

So go ahead — "Ausify your algo" ... and discover the Australian kindie artists making music magic for families everywhere. 

Here are some of my favourites just to get you started (in alphabetical order):

 

Alinta and Waveney

Allioopsy 

Amellie Ecology 

Angie Who

Benny Time

B Minor Music

Brett Campbell

Cheeky Monkey Club

Damo the Music Man

Easy Peasy

Formidable Vegetable

Larrikin Puppets

Little Feet Music

Pevan and Sarah

Spaghetti Confetti

The Cuddly Koalas

The Funtones

The Lex Man 

The Little Wattlebird Band 

The Mini Moshers 

The Mudcakes

The Punk Rock Socks

The Quokkas

The Vegetable Plot

The Wobble Bus 

Tiptoe Giants

Van Sereno

Yeah Nah

Artist Spotlight: Kelli Welli

Kelli Caldwell, more commonly known by her stage name Kelli Welli, is something of a giant in the world of children's music. A songwriter who defies categorisation, and over the years has cultivated an ever-growing reputation for creativity and originality. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and a Top 3 place in the International Songwriting Competition. 

The Kelli Welli song that initially caught my attention was "Rainbow Love Song", with its uplifting lyrics, beautiful melody, and mesmerising vocal performance. The song has tremendous vitality, and is guaranteed to brighten up the darkest of days. It also features as the opening track of her 2022 album Robots Don't Tell Jokes, which is superbly put together, featuring additional contributions from Kira Segelken, Ryan Segelken, and Joannie Leeds.

Kelli Welli is also something of a prolific artist having released four full albums in recent years, and written songs actively for the last twenty years. Kelli's latest release "Sweet Dreams" is another one of my personal favourites with shades of Joan Baez subtly woven into its fabric. Here, Kelli captivates the listener with sumptuous vocals that command attention over an alluring melody, delivered beautifully throughout. 

Her music provides an energetic fusion of country, pop and rock, with even a slice of opera thrown into the mix. Her unique musical style has also caught the attention of the press in recent times for both its energy and originality, and deservedly so. Many of her lyrics draw inspiration from her experience as a mother and her copious interactions with children, resulting in songs that are engaging, fun and easy to dance to.

Kelli also had something of a fascinating upbringing having performed as a French clown, started kindergarten from a tent, lived in an octagon shaped house, performed in children's musical theatre, and even owned fifty hamsters when she was younger. Yes, you heard that right! She has also lived all over the world, and it's easy to imagine how such an eventful past has shaped her distinctive musical approach.

Alongside her music, Kelli has also ventured into the world of visual storytelling. Her first stop-motion animated music video was featured in over thirty film festivals worldwide, including the Sonoma Film Festival and San Diego Comic Con. Her love of creative experimentation succeeds in adding a further dimension to her work, engaging children through utilising both 'sound and vision'. I'm sure even the late David Bowie would have been impressed.

Kelli Welli is a truly outstanding artist, and I'm sure you will be hearing a lot more of her in the future. Her music is fun, engaging, even comical, yet always authentic. The way she seamlessly blends diverse musical styles alongside creative visuals is very impressive. Educational, entertaining, and brilliantly executed, Kelli has managed to tick all the boxes in her eventful and illustrious career, and has no doubt created many happy memories along the way.

Kelli Welli - sound and vision.

Artist Spotlight: Cee Bee Teatime

Charlotte Talbot, known professionally as Cee Bee Teatime, is a multilingual artist from the UK who has made New Zealand her home for over thirty years. Charlotte began her songwriting journey back in 2020, when she became inspired to write her own music during the dark days of Covid. This decision came about largely as a result of copyright issues which restricted her online classes. Along with her children, Oscar and Emily, this innovative new project has become something of a family affair, harnessing Charlotte's own particular brand of lyrical dexterity with Oscar's production skills, and Emily's sumptuous vocals.

Cee Bee Teatime's music is fun, engaging and interactive, refusing to pay homage to current musical trends. The artist prefers instead to write music from the heart, creating the intuitive space for her lyrical ingenuity to blossom as the music pours out. This organic approach succeeds in providing a seamless fit to any Early Childhood Programme. Her intention is to educate, entertain and inspire, because, as she so eloquently puts it, 'music feeds our souls and  it's never too early to start enjoying and appreciating it'. 

Since 2020, Cee Bee Teatime has created a substantial catalogue of music. The debut album, Songs to Sing and Talk About, is quite superb, featuring six original songs with additional instrumentals, guaranteed to appeal to parents, children and teachers alike. Here the artist's linguistic gifts and melodic insight have combined to create a compelling sound that is both fun and inspiring. This is fully realised through the potent messages and insights contained throughout. 

The first track, "I Only Know How to Be Me", emphasises the importance of being yourself and in particular how 'we're perfect just the way that we are'. The music features a lively honky-tonk piano which propels the song forward, providing the necessary foundation for some superb harmonies throughout.

Alternatively, "All Those Funny Feelings" is more of a melancholy ballad which takes a deep dive into an array of emotions which we can surely all relate to. Here the artist encourages the listener to share their feelings with 'someone who cares'. This cathartic approach further engages the listener, enabling even the youngest of minds to fully relate to the song. Such an emotional roller coaster is tackled head on, and yet still manages to end on a positive, where despite everything things will turn out okay.

"Me and My Behaviour" provides a musical narrative as to how a series of unforeseen events may effect our behaviour. The song is lyrically ambitious, as negotiating and regulating behavioural patterns is something of a challenge for every child. Here the song provides opportunities to make sense of a complex world and our role in it. The somewhat whimsical "Hot Air in Your Pants", provides a comic interlude to the more didactic songs on the album, whereas "Grown-Ups Are Funny" observes the world from the mind of a child, and does so with a slight Eartha Kitt vibe. 

My favourite song on the album is without doubt the charming "If You Love Them Let Them Go". The song features a superb melody, delivered alongside an equally impressive vocal. Here the artist presents the idea that at some point in life, we simply have to say goodbye, and move on. The lyrical dexterity is of such ambition that it would surely qualify for a most insightful children's book. I won't give too much away, but you really should check the song out at your earliest opportunity.

With this release, Cee Bee Teatime has crafted a unique collection of songs that are as enjoyable as they are seemingly useful. The subject matter explores a range of compelling themes, beautifully performed, and approached with unmatched freshness. The album also features instrumental versions of each song, providing further opportunities for choirs to singalong with raw abandon. 

Cee Bee Teatime music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and all major streaming platforms. The artist is also on Facebook and Instagram, so feel free to have a listen and let her know your thoughts, I'm sure she would love to hear from you. Also be sure to check out the latest single "Manu Peekaboo" which is also well worth a listen.

Cee Bee Teatime — a refreshing new approach.

Flash Single Review: Hey! You Are My Person! - JellyBean Queen

Elizabeth Eason aka the JellyBean Queen is a singer-songwriter, music educator and entertainer from Christchurch, New Zealand. An artist of outstanding talent, who combines potent melodies with lyrical dexterity and does so in fine style. Her latest single "You Are My Person" is a joyful song that delivers a message of love, friendship and infectious optimism throughout. With its catchy melody and playful rhythm, it is absolutely guaranteed to have everyone up and moving.

The melody instantly draws the listener in, assisted by the potent lyrics that focus on the special bond between friends, family and loved ones. The repeated use of the phrase "you are my person" is highly effective, reminding the audience of the importance of relationships, whether this involves close family members or old friends, we are all invited here. The arrangement is simple but highly effective, providing a certain immediacy, where the listener is captivated on the very first listen.

The playful instrumentation throughout, includes light percussion and a sparsity of rhythm providing the necessary space for the vocals to really shine. The sublime vocals are both warm and inviting, merging seamlessly with the melody to provide the perfect soundtrack for a lively singalong, whether at home or in the classroom. The song further benefits from an imaginative, and somewhat comedic video where an array of colourful puppets contribute both sound and vision to this delightful display.

Clearly, this is an artist with a considerable songwriting pedigree, and just a quick browse through her discography further reveals the considerable vitality of her music. Every song is a winner, each covering a variety of topics steeped in positive messages throughout. Her music ensures that the children are not just entertained but informed as well, in a fun and engaging way. There is never a dull moment here.

JellyBean Queen is an artist at the very top of her game. Her new single would be a valuable addition to any child's playlist, where hypnotic rhythm, alluring melodies, and inspiring messages are the order of the day. Perhaps most importantly, the song captures the essence of childhood friendships in a way that is both tender and fun, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. Whether she is singing about beloved animals, the weather or childhood adventures, the artist has a unique way of sparking curiosity and joy in her very own world of wonder and imagination.

JellyBean Queen — The Queen of Hearts.