Barn Banter with Cowboy Andy

Some stars glimmer a bit brighter than others, and this time we talk to a really bright one! Twinkle Time has a fantastic resume of Billboard charting power-pop with her all-girl band Nobody's Angel, has done the national touring rock opera musical gig, (with Ted Neeley, um... yeah THAT national touring rock opera) and now she cuts a fearless swath with orange hair hip-hop dance rock. When not booking 200 plus shows a year she is also an activist fighting for us independent performers against career-killing legislation in California. Highly unlikely any of us can follow her path, but we can certainly follow her lead!

Laura Doherty cut her kindie teeth (weird way of saying that) at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago and has worked her craft into a career of singing and teaching music in the Windy City. We chat about the three big things that Laura feels are important for folks to play music for kids and families. No spoilers here, but you if you listen to the whole thing you will likely hear at least 6 great ideas to get you going! Oh and we speak about Ovation guitars too, because I'm a dork and am easily distracted by things, even during interviews. Wait, what were we talking about?

This time we chat with Brendan Parker and Erick Alexander, the duo who performs under the name Spaghetti Eddie! but have recently released a 10-track Bible story album under the name Parker and Alexander. We talk a bit about the new album, All Of Us Bible Songs for Everyone, and what brought them to the studio to put together the project, how it has been received, and what it is like to perform non-secular music. 

Tony van Veen is CEO of DIY Media Group, the umbrella company that includes BookBaby, Merchly, and Disc Makers. For a unique perspective on the state of affairs in the music world, Tony brings a long career of knowledge to the podcast. We talk about the current role of the physical CD, the three rules for building an audience, why you shouldn't leave any money on the table when you monetize your music, how to approach the business of music as a creative endeavor, and most importantly, looking beyond the horizon and not giving up hope!

Joanie Leeds just released a new album called All The Ladies and the project is fantastic! We chat about bringing equality to the music scene, singing Jewish tunes, living a split personality life in the kindie world, gear, fashion, and the importance of putting your best image out there!

Heidi comes back to the Barn to chat with us about keeping perspective and staying mentally well during difficult times. In the face of change, disappointment, fear, and anxiety, it is ever important that we find our footing, some humor, and reach out when we need to. We chat about using this "pause" to maybe bring some clarity to our life and also the importance of keeping a routine while awash in this weird unknown. Yes there is music. And yes, if you listen to the very very end you may even discover something you probably didn't know (but I've known for awhile!)

Ever think about starting you own podcast? Well then you should listen to this one! Mike Mason is the hosts the Good Stuff Kids podcast that features great interviews and song clips from folks all across the kid-friendly child entertainment spectrum. Mike has logged about 250 podcasts over the last 5 years and brings a great chunk of personal knowledge to the basics of starting a podcast, and also reflections on the kindie scene.

Kelli Welli continues our series of Split Personalities, performers who pursue both music for kids/children and also, separately, perform for older or “adult” crowds. A mother of young twins, Kelli balances home/work life really well and has some powerful perspective on being courageous, brave, Portland, and why it is critical to feel free to pursue your creative muse. Also a story about what happens when kid’s get an accidental listen to a song with, well… harsher language! Kelli shares a couple of her tunes with us to bookend the conversation.

Personally I don't play many library gigs, mostly because they sort of intimidate me, I don't know how to market to them or who to ask about lining up shows. But for many performers it can be a great way to go! This time we talk to world-touring award-winning library-playing icon Katherine Dines! Seriously, she answers all the questions and has some fantastic insight and advice for anyone wanting to get it right, right out of the gate. Also Katherine schools me on how to do the Hunk-ta-bunk-ta holler... yeah I totally fail this test. Twice. You try!

Val Smalkin returns to the barn to chat with us about the wonderfully supportive organization known as The Children's Music Network. This group (which you should join!) has deep resources for every children's entertainer no matter where you are starting or what your goals are! Oh bonus round, Val springs a pop quiz on me that I fail (but I KNEW the answer!)