Health & Fitness
What is "Kindie" Music? You're Missing Out if You Don't Know....
Does your 3 year old like to sing along with Katy Perry? Is it really okay as long as they don't understand what they're singing? Here's great music just for kids that goes way beyond "Old MacDonald!"
It was my extreme pleasure to attend an event in Brooklyn this past weekend called "Kindiefest." What in the world is "Kindie," you ask? OMG - you are missing out if you don't know!! If you have children under the age of 5, you have probably heard of Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes or Mr. Ray (especially if you are in NJ because so is he). These three are probably the most well-known kindie artists. Kindie is a phrase coined by the children's music industry to mean music done by artists especially for children under 10 years old. Much of it is not in the main stream commercially - yet. Not because it isn't fun, upbeat, high-quality music done by talented and unique individuals, but because most of the artists are trying to get "out there" on their own. Some have publicists, many teach music classes or do birthday parties (ahem!), and some play libraries and venues all over however they can. Do yourself and your kids a favor and check out a few of the greats I met there:
- The Okee Dokee Brothers - Their new CD "Can You Canoe" just won this year's Grammy for Best Children's Album! Get it on Itunes. Their video is so wonderful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRge0RCBWSk
- Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights - http://www.joanieleeds.com/ She is the next break out children's music star; I'm predicting this!
- Mister G - His album is called "Chocolalala" - need I say more? http://www.mistergsongs.com/
- My latest album, "Roller Coaster Ride" was just released and received a Parents' Choice Approved Award, so I am pretty proud of that. You can check me out here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/missdylan2
Listen, I love pop music as much as anyone. Love Taylor Swift and Katy Perry too. But the lyrics really are not so appropriate for those little ears. I love how Kidz Bop CDs make pop music work for young children. But there are artists out in this world that are offering another choice here! They are writing pop and rock, reggae and hip hop FOR kids! And it really is good stuff!! Please, share this article. Comment below. Get a discussion going with your friends. Do you really want your three year old to learn that they are "sexy and they know it?" Can your whole family enjoy music and feel empowered, good about life, and happy to be together? I believe so.
