Electric Kids Music
Dedicated to the promotion of kindie music; the world's fastest growing and most exciting music genre.
Saturday 24 February 2024
Artist Spotlight - Lucas Proudfoot
Wednesday 17 January 2024
The Rights and Wrongs of the New Music Industry
The digital revolution has undoubtedly made it easier for musicians to make music than ever before. It could even be argued as Harold Macmillan once famously declared, 'you've never had it so good'. Recording costs have plummeted, and these days a song or album can be distributed around the world with the simple click of a button. Furthermore, gone are the days when musicians had to go down on bended knee to gain the approval of a record company. According to John Lennon, this was one of the main reasons why the Beatles launched Apple records back in the sixties; somewhat ironic I know.
If you were ever actually fortunate enough to sign a record deal; which was some achievement back then, the wheels of the music industry moved relatively slowly. Records were generally packed into copious boxes on their release date, before been driven around the country and distributed to retailers by hand. I was somewhat familiar with this arduous process, as I used to pack and distribute records for both Virgin and Rough Trade Records back in the day. I remember whenever the Smiths released a new album, we had to work the whole weekend to get it out on time such was the unprecedented demand. Clearly a lot more physical work was involved in those days, and that's without even considering international distribution.
Nonetheless, this new found freedom has undoubtedly come at a considerable price. Yes, artists can record, release and distribute their music at minimal expense and incredible speed, but they no longer have the weight of a publishing company to protect their intellectual property. Consequently, they are now more vulnerable than ever to exploitation, because any guard rails that previously existed have been unceremoniously blown off.
Bearing this in mind, I recently came across the disturbing case of children's musician Ronnie Boy, who discovered that his song "Burger" had been used by a restaurant chain on an Instagram video, without recognising him as the originator of the music. To add fuel to the fire, over one thousand reels were created from the original upload which has now received a staggering eighteen million views. Regrettably, the view tally has been credited to the uploader of the video and not Ronnie Boy himself.
I'm not sure if this issue has been resolved at the point of writing, but I would imagine it is somewhat unlikely, given the state of the new music industry, where piracy is ubiquitous. Without the backing of a publishing company to represent you, anyone, seemingly anywhere in the world, can exploit your music for their own illicit purposes, and it seems there's not much you can do about it.The music industry is now more competitive than ever, and situations like this certainly don't help new artists. I imagine that eighteen million views on social media would be a considerable game changer for any aspiring musician. I'm sure many like-minded artists would be furious if they had experienced something similar. This is particularly significant today, where just a small fraction of major artists dominate the airwaves like never before.
If you are looking for justice, you won't find it in the music industry. Promotional opportunities are often restricted for lesser known artists, where creative output is often overlooked in favour of numerology and over-hyped social media accounts. Or as Depeche Mode so eloquently put it, 'everything counts in large amounts'. Haven't these digital monoliths ever heard of career development or artistic growth? It surely begs the question, how many years did the Beatles or David Bowie have to slog away at their craft before they finally broke through? Clearly increasingly inequality, and the inherent injustice of the one percent, is not restricted to the boardrooms of Wall Street or Goldman Sachs.
In my experience, musicians are somewhat naive when it comes to business matters, and have long been exploited by nefarious operators who are clearly not in the game for the love of music. Nonetheless, can you imagine shamelessly advertising someone else's song to serve your own interests without prior permission, before the arrival of social media? Such audacious operators would have been sued into oblivion, and deservedly so. In light of all this, it is crucial that artists are recognised and fully compensated for their work, because in terms of making an impact, it has never been harder, such is the intense competition of the new music industry.
To digress slightly, I have just finished reading Naomi Klein's latest book "Doppleganger", where she explains in considerable detail how her name became confused with the conspiracy theorist Naomi Wolfe. As a result, she was targeted on social media by both the left and the right for her so-called extreme views, many of which have nothing to do with her. This confusion has been further exacerbated by complex and aggressive algorithms, which have conflated the two writers, and created more confusion and pain than you or I could ever imagine.Whether it is Ronnie Boy, Naomi Klein, or whoever may be experiencing the Orwellian impact of the online world, we are clearly living in an increasingly vulnerable age. Where the considerable benefits of this new found artistic freedom for an emerging musician, or an acclaimed author, are consumed by sharks ready to pounce in either direction.
In the meantime, I would like to give a quick shout-out to Ronnie Boy the aforementioned artist, and his innovative song "Burger", a track which succeeds through combining haunting harmonies with an infectious rap. On first listen, you can see why it has gained traction, such is the raw simplicity of the lyric and its relentless hypnotic groove. Surely the way forward in such cases, is for the uninformed retailer to take responsibility, and commission a song from Ronnie Boy directly, rather than plundering his creativity to serve their own purposes.
I hope that at some point this issue will be resolved and the artist will be fully compensated, or at least recognised for his innovative work. For now, we'll have to wait and see.
Credit where credit is due.
Monday 1 January 2024
Single Review: Fairy Fiesta - Em and Me and Rainbow Rosalind
"Fairy Fiesta" is a musical collaboration between Em and Me and Rainbow Rosalind. The former a mother-daughter duo from Dunedin in New Zealand, and the latter a real-life singing and dancing fairy also from New Zealand. The song also features on Em and Me's debut album: 1, 2, 3 Dis-Go!
The music is quite funky, largely due to its innovative bass line, which weaves its magic spell throughout. The electric guitar is equally impressive; dominating the sound with the type of rhythmic intensity that Chic made famous in the seventies. A sparse keyboard further lifts the intensity on the chorus adding additional dynamics to the overall vibe. The bridge features an inspired rap using a truly minimalist approach, where bass, drums and hand claps create the space for the vocals to instruct the audience in true instructive fashion.
The lyrics describe a series of unfortunate incidents in some detail; whether this involves 'slamming your finger in the door' or 'dropping your ice cream on the floor', it's all revealed here. Nonetheless, there is an upside to these calamities in that, if 'you're feeling down', then don't worry join in the Fairy Fiesta and allow us to 'sprinkle our magic everywhere'.
The overall vibe reminded me a bit of Dee-Lite's famous "Groove is in the heart", where the music presents itself as if there is a party going on, where everyone's invited, and having heaps of fun in the process.
This is a fabulous song, which is easy to dance to and ultimately succeeds in leaving the listener feeling 'Fairytastic'. Here, melodic inspiration and musical dexterity merges with the type of innocent charm that can only make you smile.The lyrics are both imaginative and effective, where we are encouraged to forget the doom and gloom, 'turn off your frown' and dance along to the "Fairy Fiesta". I'm sure this song would be a huge hit both in the classroom and at children's parties. I highly recommend it.
Em and Me and Rainbow Rosalind - the perfect match.
Wednesday 20 December 2023
EP Review: Awesome Christmas Feelings - Poco Drom
Another brilliant slice of musical mayhem from the remarkable Poco Drom, who have reinvented Christmas for the modern age with a restless energy second to none. Their new EP, Awesome Christmas Feelings, provides a spectacular interpretation of some classic songs, where distorted guitars, mesmerising keyboards and a hypnotic drum machine are the order of the day. Not what you would normally expect from a Christmas EP, but this is Poco Drom; who specialise in the sound of the unexpected. The EP also features three stunning music videos on YouTube which you should check out at your earliest opportunity.
"Step Into Christmas" kicks off the EP in fine style, where OMD meet Kraftwerk and hire Elizabeth Fraser on vocals. The lead vocal truly is sublime, merging superbly with the harmonies hovering away in the background. The somewhat anarchic guitar creates a noticeable tension, allowing an array of sound effects to swoop and soar throughout the track.There is so much going on here, it powers away without pausing for breath. Magnificent!
"When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney" continues this upbeat approach, with a distorted guitar included once again for additional impact. The dichotomy presented between the purity of the vocals, and the timely aggression of the backing track is like nothing I have ever heard. Somehow the music sounds modern and retro simultaneously, where scintillating electronica is repackaged just in time for Christmas.
Slade's classic "Merry Christmas Everybody" begins slowly before really exploding on the chorus where an almost sci-fi sound dominates the air space throughout. Here swirling synthesisers meet crystal clear vocals, delivering the kind of atmospherics that provide a breath of fresh air to the festive season. Once again a distorted guitar and pulsating keyboard dominate the sound, punctuated by a hypnotic drum pattern throughout.
Poco Drom are clearly one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the planet, and are way ahead of their competitors when it comes to pushing the boundaries of family music. Here Santa arrives in a space rocket, propelled by the most magnificent experimentation you are ever likely to hear. The music is engaging, unique and completely different to anything else around at the moment. I'm sure even Noddy Holder would agree. Truly remarkable, I take my hat off to them.
Poco Drom - back to the future.
Saturday 2 December 2023
Album Review: Songs For Growing - Heather Feather
Thursday 30 November 2023
Book Review: Molly's First Festival - Katherine O'Shea
Katherine O'Shea is both the author and illustrator of the delightful book, Molly's First Festival, which tells the story of the ups and downs families may experience whilst attending a music festival. The story also provides insight into what you might expect if you are unfamiliar with a festival-type experience.
The story unfolds like a guide for parents who may be taking children to a music festival for the very first time. It also provides parents with useful tips regarding motivating their children about this exciting adventure.
However, the book doesn't pull any punches or seek to hide the truth as to what can go wrong at any given moment. I'm sure if you've ever been to a music festival, you'll know exactly what I'm referring to. The story provides a very realistic account, warts and all, including how inclement weather can sometimes put a dampener on proceedings.
The book reads like a trip down memory lane for me, having experienced many festivals from Glastonbury to Roskilde, where negotiating a muddy terrain was part and parcel of this type of experience. In this sense the author captures the very essence of such fun-filled adventure, but this time for the little ones to share.
The book is beautifully illustrated and is crammed with the most superb artwork which really brings the tale to life. After reading it, I almost felt like I had attended the festival myself, such is the inventive realism on display.
The story is sure to delight both young and old, whether you are a parent reminiscing on lost youth, a teacher looking for an engaging book to use in the classroom, or a child delighting in this wonderful tale, there is something for everyone here.
In an age where parents are increasingly attending music concerts with their children, this author clearly has her finger on the pulse, and succeeds in providing a heartwarming glimpse into family life in the twenty-first century. I sure wish I'd had similar experiences as a child.
I won't give away too much about the story, I'll leave that to you dear reader, but be sure to grab a copy of this book, I am sure it will be a big hit with children and families everywhere.
Katherine O' Shea - let the children boogie.
Monday 20 November 2023
Flash Album Review: Let's Play - Yeah Nah
Let's Play is the latest album release from Yeah Nah aka Liam McAlary, an Australian artist from Port Macquarie, NSW. His music is witty acerbic and describes comical everyday experiences in true Seinfeld style. The album features twelve original songs, which are both punchy and melodic and guaranteed to hit the target.
The album opens with the delightful "Lets Scrub" a real foot stomper, where the imagination of the child is revealed through a somewhat detailed description of all the adventures that take place whilst 'having fun in the bath'. The music features brass instrumentation, alongside bass, drums and a lively piano hovering away in the background.
"Travel the World" does exactly what the title suggests, referencing some exotic destinations, where the artist takes us on an adventure of 'amazing beauty across many countries'. The chorus joyfully exclaims how 'when you travel the world there is so much to see'. A true celebration of different cultural sights from the Grand Canyon to the Northern Lights and everything in-between. The bridge describes the different methods of transportation you may require to get there, with a drum flourish that pays homage to Keith Moon.
The title track "Let's Play" is another interesting song, featuring a shuffle beat and some sparse instrumentation as the artist describes a typical day in the life of a kid. Whether this involves breakfast, watching TV or walking the dog, it is all described in great detail. There is a noticeable emphasis on play activities here as you would expect. I'm sure all you teachers and parents out there have experience of a child's infinite desire to 'play all day'. As the song progresses the instrumentation becomes more complex with the introduction of a brass section adding further texture to the overall sound.
My absolute favourite track on the album is the haunting "Australia", which reminded me a little of non other than, Oasis, as the artist describes a host of exotic landscapes where 'there's so much to see'. The song bobs along in fine style, as the vocal melody soars and swoops along in melodic delight. The bridge breaks up the rhythm in staccato fashion, as the song builds to a climax before returning for one final chorus. Marvellous!
"Sunday Arvo" really is the sound of the suburbs, with a lively description of weekend family life in Australia. A positive reflection on simple family activities where 'the steaks don't take long', and where we get to 'play cricket in the yard'. You can almost visualise the picket fence and quarter acre block, as family life is celebrated throughout because amongst other things 'my family's fun'. The song finishes with a delightful guitar refrain, which sprinkles a little magic towards the end.
"The Recorder" celebrates the many benefits of this much underrated instrument. Here, 'recorders are fun to play' because 'they make a lovely sound'. Amongst the other benefits 'they take away your stress', they are 'easy to play and may even 'brighten up your day'. Maybe the artist is singing from experience here, although I would add portability, great value and the fact that you don't have to tune it to the equation.
Other standout tracks include the country inspired "City & Country", the lively "Being A Kid" and the inspiring "When I Am Big". Clearly, there is something for everyone here, whether you are into pop, country or just trying to find something interesting for the kids, you are absolutely sure to find it on this album.
The album finishes superbly with the haunting "Sleepy Head", featuring a melancholy vocal courtesy of Danielle Lamb. The song describes this familiar bedtime ritual, where we ultimately get to 'dream the night away sleepy head'. About midway through the track a seductive keyboard is introduced which sounds like something taken from an Eno album. The melody is quite superb here, as are the vocals which radiate both warmth and richness.
A very promising album from an emerging artist who manages to incorporate a whole range of influences into one compelling and unified piece of work. The music is sprightly, engaging and highly melodic, and the lyrics draw the listener in with increasing intrigue. Some of the melodies on display here are truly magical, where Blur meet the Wiggles and hire Jerry Seinfeld to write the lyrics. The album has only just been released, so give it some love on its way, you'll feel all the better for it.
Yeah Nah - the sound of the suburbs.