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 traversed the boarders as successfully as my next guest.  In only a few short years in the spotlight but a long time in the classroom, Ms Moni has become a household name, and seemingly only grows from strength to strength. And when watching her work it’s not hard to understand why. You see Monica has the innate ability to understand children. Her music, her presence, her education, her considered and meticulously thought-out content makes her ones of this country’s true magicians of this work and between you and I, nothing can compare you for the length of the lines of the adoring waiting fans, that develop when she is town. She is Marvel, and in such short time, and luckily, I have her here today to fill us in on the rise and rise of Miss Moni.  The post ‘Show me the Moni’ appeared first on Benny Time.

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 really does ignite their audiences fascination and willingness to leave what they know behind them and enter a world of controlled chaos, adventure and total abandonment of social norms.  The post Ahoy, a chat with the Captain! appeared first on Benny Time.

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 community they work to empower.  Yes, their music is fun and it is a celebration, but this celebration comes with a much deeper sense of loving because it’s a celebration of one self, the person next to you, and the people everywhere who have found it harder to be heard in the world around them.  The post Its a date with Play date appeared first on Benny Time.

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 children and families must take on a particular form. But this is changing as a new error of musicians find themselves not only challenging this notion but also simple realising it just isn’t the way it needs to be and it’s about time we treat children with the same sophistication we would treat any discerning music listener.  Enter Diver City, an act that by all accounts, is as much at home in the festivals of adults as it is in the  halls for children and families.  Their absolute dedication to their genre and their desire to bring it to a new audience has seen some of the most exciting music released for our children for years.  The post Take a ride through Diver City appeared first on Benny Time.

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 and their relentless work ethic. The post It all seems so Easy Peasy appeared first on Benny Time.

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 choose.  Introducing the Punk Rocks Socks. A group of sock puppets by the names of Sheena Gerry and Vern, who as far as I can tell, pretty much live in the shoes of children keeping their feet warm.  Today we are lucky enough to chat with Sheena, aka Jolene Young on what it takes to fill the shoes of children. The post Walking in the shoes of Children appeared first on Benny Time.

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 incredible story writer, song writer and a dreamer in the most absolute purest form of the term.  The post Raymond McGrath Preliminary Sketch 2 appeared first on Benny Time.

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 incredible story writer, song writer and a dreamer in the most absolute purest form of the term.  The post Raymond McGarth Preliminary sketch 1 appeared first on Benny Time.

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 artist with a genuine heart and one who is happy to wear it on the sleeve of an album. The post And its a Yeah Sure, for Yeah Nah appeared first on Benny Time.

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 the love and the laughs of these two amazing woman as they celebrate finding each other. The post Taking to the sky with ‘Birds Of A Feather’ appeared first on Benny Time.

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 him all about the ins and outs of being an odd sock. The post All in a Days Work appeared first on Benny Time.

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 enage the listener in the wonder of whats right in front of us. The music is epic in some regard as it menaders through verses of information and awareness but always keeping its musical feet planted (excuse the pun) firmly in the pot of fun and humour. It is music for us to clap along to, sing along to, and get busy with and share with our families as we take time to admire all the things the world has already given us. I give you Amelie Ecology The post The Bee-autiful music of Amelie Ecology appeared first on Benny Time.

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 upbringing but in herself which comes out ever so strongly in her work. Flor herself is as fascinating as her music and today we get to find out why. The post The Magic of Flor Bromley appeared first on Benny Time.

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 not only there extraordinary craft, beautiful musical moments, messaging and execution, they possess an incredible work ethic and drive to create things that are simply put, beautiful for our children, Their music is anything but common place and their tireless pursuit in providing what they feel is a platform our children deserve, is shown in their unprecedented popularity, respect and celebration. And to think it all came from the one family, the one lounge room, the result of a singular parenting style. So sit back and listen to Byll and Beth of Teeny Tiny Stevies on Benny Asking People questions. The post The rise and rise of Teeny Tiny Stevies appeared first on Benny Time.

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 just as complex, if not more, than that of the average adult. Entre Eli. Eli first created his music for children through the Kinderling Kids Radio podcast, Bedtime explorers, where he merged his love of field recordings, Soundscapes and electronic music into a beautiful body of work to help children dream, and mo0re importantly, day dream. In this interview we talk the complexities of relaxation music and just how something so seemingly simple can contain the complexities and vast as the universe it encourages us to explore. The post Drifting away with Eli Murray appeared first on Benny Time.

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 admirable, and I think, at the chore of what makes their music fun. And thats what this interview is….fun. I bring you Todd’n’Tina The post The explosive Todd’n’Tina appeared first on Benny Time.

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 than the document and a real triumph and master class in speaking on behalf of thechild. So grab a cuppa and sit and sip it all in as we chat with Aunty Sharron mirii Bell Part 2 The post I am Me, Aunty Sharron Part 2 appeared first on Benny Time.

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 every song, every decision and every sound. Her music is as poignant as it is joyful and we get to hear what makes it all tick. The post Aunty Sharron’s ode to her mother, her land, and her song appeared first on Benny Time.

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 as he expresses the beauty of childhood as experienced by him. It is an album free of any unnecessary sentimentality but rather filled with the sentimental feelings all our memories bring. But in this instance, he shares them with the people in our world building their own sentimental memories. A true treasure for the ears, and a glorious throwback to the lives of those on the Emerald Isle, it is a force of kindness, reflection and true passionate flag waving. The post The Emerald Isle through childhood eyes. appeared first on Benny Time.

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 to dissect her musical brain and bask in its curiosity, its craziness and its genuine display of originality. The post Smitten by the Fleabite appeared first on Benny Time.

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 what brings the children in. Their desire to bring in friends to help play their music is just another testament to their ability to have everyone feel involved and included and it is of no wonder they have been nominated for a Grammy to their most recent work. So grab a cuppa sit back. Welcome to the brains of Andrew and Polly The post the wonderfully calculated chaos of Andrew and Polly appeared first on Benny Time.

Today we talk to Lisa Mark and Charlie of the Funtones. The Funtones are an act that epitomise their name as they strive to  provide a place for children to simply do that… Have fun. A concept easily understood but sometimes harder to achieve, they are a band who know what it means to learn through play and exactly what that playfulness means. The post The unmistakable tone of fun. appeared first on Benny Time.

Today my guest might appear relatively new to the children’s music scene, however truth be told, once I began my research I soon found that actually, her love for performing for children has indeed almost expanded an entire decade. Waveney and her colleague Alinta have created one of the most stunning albums for children in the past year and today we get to unpack its complexities and simplicities. I give you Waveney Yasso. The post Waveney, a safe space for children appeared first on Benny Time.

As Children’s performers. We often put our hearts and souls into the notion of being child inclusive. Its something we all strive for, but then occasionally, someone comes along which reminds us of what it actually really means. What it means to put children front and centre of what you do. This does not measn Lyrically or musically but physically, realising that the music you create needs to have children literally reflected back at them. Todays guest acknowledged this right form the start of her career and has held true to this notion every since. The work slips and slides between standards, new work, listening moments and pure joy as she truly leans in on the notion, to be WITH the children, not in front. I give you Susie Tallman The post Susie Tallman, Nestled between the new and the old appeared first on Benny Time.

Today On Benny Asking People Questions we speak to Meg, Lee and Vee of TIPTOE Giants. Specifically we talk about their new album, Small But Mighty, an album that exudes its very tital with the delicate touch enormity seen through gentleness. It is an album that captures the heart from the immediate listen with pop like clarity, incomparable musicianship and an array of guests that would make the most of us blush. I give you Meg, Lee and Vee. I hope you enjoy. The post Tiptoeing with the mighty appeared first on Benny Time.

Today’s guest subtly hides her enormity behind a small ukulele. Singing gently behind wistful and wafting melodies and sharing her understanding with children in the hope that they will be able to find a more inclusive path in their lives. However, this subtleness is merely a outward facade for the person herself is a powerhouse of message, conviction, achievement, direction and a deep deep understanding of who she is and where she is headed. I give you Alexander Rose Mongano, Children’s entertainer, Celiac advocate, and Jack the Silly yak. The post The Seriousness of Alex and Jack. appeared first on Benny Time.

There is no way of really measuring the worth of todays Artist. With several ARIA nominations, A MMMA win, a POdcast win and many a many accolade his contribution to the music for children sector is enormous. Yet you can be forgiven to not know who he is. For similar to a foundation block, he sits dutifully with his keyboard, dressed as a wizard, tot he back of stage as Mim, Laura and Michael Beanie take centre stage. But today we bring him into the light and talk all things Beanies and potentially an album entirely about toileting. We give you James Court. The post Sprinkling the Magic with the Wizard appeared first on Benny Time.

Lucas Proudfoot is one of Australia’s most prolific performers and he’s hitting the road with a brand  ew show filled with wonderful characters and whole swag of new tunes.  Today on ‘Benny asking people questions’ we get to the heart of Lucas’ music, its nostalgia, how to earn a peso and  why Pelican bay may have Australia’s best breaks according to this ex pro surfer The post Best foot forward with Lucas Proudfoot appeared first on Benny Time.

Whistle and Trick are new to the scene, but my goodness what a way to introduce yourself.  Their new album is an album so rich of diversity and instinct, it’s hard to believe it’s their first time round.  In todays episode we talk about their process, their journey and why, despite high admirations, actually never spoke to one and other.  Enjoy The post Welcome, Whistle and Trick appeared first on Benny Time.

Today on Benny Asking people questions we cant to John and Cat from Riot Baby.  Riot Baby is a children’s act that believes in the art of play. The art of experimenting, and giving everyone a voice. Their shows filled with the energy from any punk experience reminding us all again, how capable children are, and how eclectic, and open.  Enjoy Riot Baby The post Power to the children with Riot Baby appeared first on Benny Time.

Back with the highly anticipated new album, ‘All the Feels’, today we talk to Sam Moran as he embarks on a new image, new sound, new audience and honed set of goals.  Sam is truly a renaissance man and in this interview we find out why and exactly why this album had to come from the heart  The post All the feels with Sam Moran appeared first on Benny Time.

In todays episode of Benny asking people questions, we get to chat to Nick Gill of the quokkas. The Quokkas music is directly reflected in the lives they live creating a sense of depth and honesty tp the messages they share. From AFL, Music Therapy, to the Voice, this is a band that is as interesting off the stage as they are on. I give you, the Quokkas The post A whole lotta Quokka appeared first on Benny Time.

Today on Benny asking people questions we chat to Twinkle Time. This interview took an unexpected turn when slowly but surely we stepped from the music to discuss her life, adventures and sheer determinism. A tear or two was shed also as we unpacked what it means to be true to oneself. Enjoy The post It’s about ‘Twinkle’ Time appeared first on Benny Time.

Today we talk to Amber Lawrence, not so much about her music but more where on earth did she find the time. Amber is an accomplished and extremely busy country artist and somewhere in there, she managed three new children’s albums. Albums with a pure foundation of joy and love for all things that may fall in the path of children. So kick off the boots, sit back and enjoy the marvel that is Amber Lawrence The post The Glowing Amber of the Outback appeared first on Benny Time.

Today On Benny Asking People Questions we speak to the power house behind Australia’s YouTube phenomenon, Bounce Patrol. We learn exactly what it takes to run Australia’s largest YouTube Channel and just how important it is to keep a heart and love for your audience at the core of all you do. Shanon Jones is nothing short of extraordinary and today she gives us a small insight into her world. Enjoy The post On patrol with Shannon Jones appeared first on Benny Time.

Todays guest is Kelli Caldwell or other wise known by the smallest in the room, Kelli Welli. Her take on not only music for children but life itself seems to find itself in a style and messaging that is desperately unique and places her very much on her own pedestal, unmatched by other artists. It is heartening and it is a true testament to what happens when you listen to children rather than suggest what children should listen to. So sit back, grab a coffee and be swept up in the love. The post Kelli and the well of love appeared first on Benny Time.

Today on Benny asking people questions we are joined by the very amazing Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse of Miss Nicky Says.  Nicolla is a person with enormous love for not only her audience but the individuals within her audience in whom she reaches out to. A true master in the art of entertaining and giving to children, it is a chat filled with as much insight as there is passion. The post Listening to all Miss Nicky has to say appeared first on Benny Time.

Todays guests are one of those beautiful stories that involve a certain success that has been derived from commitment, hard work, longevity, consistency, a total lack of any juvenile moral compass and a complete utter respect and adoration for their audience. They are an act that through their theatre, their albums, their books, their podcast and their television program have really been able to grab hold of what it means to be a child of a certain age, wanting to grow up but not quite ready to give up on being a child. I feel they are a national treasure and I think the entertainment for children created in this country has been shifted on a much richer dialogue due to their input. They are Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins of The Listies and they take their silliness very serious. The post Taking it very serious with The Listies appeared first on Benny Time.