Benny Asking People Questions

When it comes to music for children, few people truly have their histories shine through than those of educators.  You see, it’s in the history of being an educator you develop an innate instinct into the world of children. Their capabilities, their understandings and also, what makes them tick.  However, even in this world of educators turned performers, few have so successfully travers...

There is no doubt we live in a world of children’s music that is leaning heavily toward emotional support and wellbeing… and of course we are. We need to be as children find themselves bombarded by less than exciting world orders… however in amongst this plentiful beautiful messaging, some people find a new way of promoting well being, safety and positivity, excuse the pun. Todays guest together w...

Todays act is a pirate. Pretty much sums it up. However if one looks even with the most slightest, of intent, past the make up, the accent, and the motley crew, what you will find is a complex world of mysterious and magical musings of a world that only in hindsight, seems to exists in fantasy.  And that is where the fun begins. For it’s the invitation into this world where todays guest reall...

Todays guests seem, on the surface, to be a fun loving group, totally embodying the idea of dancing, celebration and being oneself. Which is fare enough because that’s what they are. However if you go deeper, listen a little more carefully with intent and indeed look into the history of this act, you will find a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to throwing their arms around the...

Theres a common idea with children that in reality the musical scape or genre presented doesn’t really matter, as along as the lyrics one puts to their music is relatable and relevant. Under these circumstances, the music itself is really irrelevant. Not irrelevant in creation but rather anything is up for grabs in the ears of children. A mistake we can often fall into is thinking music for childr...

Todays guests, are an act who in only two short years and two albums have established themselves, at least from the perspective of a listener, as corner stones to the new emerging scene. Building blocks to what is becoming a whole new generation of musical acts and style presented for children and families. In this episode we get to hear about their process, their commitment to getting it right an...

Todays guest is an act that really does seem to just plonk itself firmly into the world of children, as if the instruments have been left out and a bunch of kids have stumbled on them and decided to sing a few songs on whatever they are thinking about at the time. I guess this do-it-yourself honesty can only find its feet in the art of punk so it makes total sense that that is the genre they choos...

Today my guest is Animator, Writer and Illustrator Raymond McGrath, an artist who is kind of talented beyond compare. You see he is known as an animator which he absolutely deserves for his animation is both exquisite, absolutely versatile and also locked in this world of making the inprobable very real. However when you observe  him through the parts he offers us, what you also find is an incredi...

Today my guest is Animator, Writer and Illustrator Raymond McGrath, an artist who is kind of talented beyond compare. You see he is known as an animator which he absolutely deserves for his animation is both exquisite, absolutely versatile and also locked in this world of making the inprobable very real. However when you observe  him through the parts he offers us, what you also find is an incredi...

Today we do a deep dive into the work of Yeah Nah. An artist who has captured the unique ability to speak on behalf of a child who is speaking on behalf of the adult. A quite complex arrangement but one that stirs emotions of nostalgia for our own upbringing and undoubtedly reminding us juts how special our time with our kids are and more importantly just how special it is to them. This is an arti...

Today on Benny asking People Questions we talk To Little Miss Ann and Suzi Shelton. Two dear friends and individually successful artists who have come together to form Birds of a Feather, an act with the clear intention of celebrating their friendship. Their debut album is nothing short of a triumphant ride and something that will be celebrated the world over. So grab a cup of coffee, listen to th...

Today we discuss the value of values and the stories that share them with Van Sereno. Van is one of our industries most prolific artists and today we talk about his 19th album Parables, an album he states, come full circle in his life. So sit back and let Van tell you a story. The post Tell us a story Van appeared first on Benny Time .

Few people truly see the world through the eyes of a child and take us on adventure and intrigue as Andy Day. His career in children’s television is as extensive and as varied as the man himself and with a genuine love for the excitement and adventuress he has given us an insight into the world our children see. He is about to embark on an Australian tour and we were luckily enough chat to h...

We all have a message, well, we all feel we have a message. But few have a message as clear and succinct as todays guest. With an academic life dedicated to the respect and celebration of the earth, it is of no wonder, really that that is exactly what the music would be about. But not just a celebration but also more engaging in the wonder of it all. A wonder they want to share with children. To e...

Todays is a bit of a treat for me as I have been watching the career of Flor Bromley from a far and have grown to deeply appreciate her approach to all she does. It’s not just for the music and the seemingly effortless meandering she does through genre’s and ideas, both big and small, but really for the pride in which she does it. She has such a deep love for not so much her culture and upbr...

Every once and a while a genre finds itself being spun on its head. It’s a natural progression of all things, as tastes, sensibilities, understandings, and the world in general changes and grows. As it grows so too does its thirst for a voice that represents the now. Enter todays guests. An act that really reminds us all of the power children have and the respect their content deserves. Known for...

When we think of Children’s music we often fall into the assumption of the 2-3 minute jingle-esque music and movement variety. It conjures an image of dancing, shouting, stage shows of colour and fanfare. However as the world begins to expand it’s understanding and celebration of the complexities of the child, we starting to realise that the musical tastes and needs of children are jus...

Benny caves to the pressure and speaks a little more with Chris Lam Sam, about Major Minor Music and a few other personal journeys. The post Finally, Benny ANSWERING questions! Prt 2 appeared first on Benny Time .

Today on ‘Benny asking People questions’ I finally cave to the pressure and allow someone else to ask ME the questions. So grab a cuppa and sit back for todays episode of Chris Lam Sam asking BENNY questions. The post Finally, Benny ANSWERING questions! Prt 1 appeared first on Benny Time .

Todays guests are simply chaos. Not to be confused with chaotic. There is a big difference. They are chaos in the true sense that they do what they want or need to do because its important to them, and if you truly engage in that sense of honesty, theres less need, want or desperation for it to work, You simply do what your heart tells you. Their ‘do it yourself’ abandonment is truly a...

In Part 2 of our interview with Aunty Sharron, we talk exclusively about her song ‘I am me’. This song, commissioned by ‘Human Rights Queensland’ is an ode, nod or musical interpretation of the UN’s rights of the child. A document outlining the respect, treatment and recognition all children deserve and should be strived for. Her song is just as, if not more, powerful...

Today on Part 1 Benny asking people questions we speak with Aunty Sharron mirii Bell. Aunty Sharron talks about her life as an educator, her work imbedding First Nations perspectives into the education system and of course, her music. Aunty Sharron is not an artist who does things by halves and her work is testament to the consideration, the commitment and the overall heart that goes into making e...

Mick McHugh is as about as passionate a musician can get when it comes his offering for children. For you see, this album, an album of traditional Irish folk songs for kids, is not an attempt to just simply share the songs and his culture, but rather an attempt to let you in on his childhood. A chance for him to take you by the hand and guide you through the sentimentality and nostalgia he feels a...

Robin Nathan (aka Fleabite) is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most decorated musicians for children. However as she so freely admits, her music really was for herself, it just so happened to resonate with the minds of children and hence the start of a whole new career. Her music is so eclectic, genuine, and unique, that all the accolades seemed only a matter of time. In todays podcast we try...

Meet Andrew and Polly. A musical Duo whose music is there to excite, challenge, expand, and introduce children to the complexities of musical arrangement while simultaneously presenting issues, problems and sheer joy in a language that places the understanding right into the laps of the children that are listening. Its not easy to do but they make it look all to casual and fun, which is exactly wh...