Literacy isn’t always about books but is most always definitely about stories and the great thing is – everyone has a story to tell.
Over a year ago, at my local zoo, a band was playing. It was a children’s musical group we never heard of before but, being new to the parenting world, we weren’t surprised. What we were impressed with is the talent displayed by each member and the few parents we knew who have heard of them.
They are Scotty and the Stars, recent winners of Children’s Recording of the Year through Music NB. A multi-talented group of New Brunswick artists writing and singing songs of action, dreams and lessons in a way that has kids from 2 years old to 33 or more. Definitely a group to shake it to. Let’s meet them:
1) When did you – Scotty- know music was your passion and has your focus always been on with children’s entertainment? Same question for all of your regulars.
I got my first drum set in grade 9. I played in many bands (rock, metal, folk, jam) before I fell in love with children’s music. I actually came across an old Raffi book during an education assignment during university and started learning some of his songs. After playing a couple of his songs, I put the book down and wrote a children’s song that night. Ever since then, my main focus has been on writing children’s music.
2) With children’s literacy rates so low in Canada do you feel an added pressure to perform and write catchy lyrics?
I have been working with children for many years through camps, daycares and now I am a kindergarten teacher. I feel it is extremely important for children to be children. I feel there is a void in the music industry to allow that. Our goal is to create modern day children’s music that is educational, interactive and fun.
3) What is your favourite instrument and why (for every member)?
Scotty – My favorite instrument is the acoustic guitar because I believe it is such a powerful instrument. The idea that you can sit down and write a song about anything you wish is a very special tool.
Kelly Waterhouse- Sax
Richard Gloade – Bass
Nicci Blewett- Ukulele
4) What’s your favourite Scotty and the Stars song?
My (Scotty) favortite Scotty and the Stars song is a tie. They are both off the new album. The first one is our new single entitled “Don’t Bully.” We are also making an animation video for this song! This music video depicts Scotty helping animals understand that bullying other animals can have devastating effects. The animals are encouraged by his message that superficial attributes of others don’t matter. They find out that they are really All Stars on the inside! The second one is a song called Big Day. It’s about having a great day, helping the people around you, being a great friend and going outside and being active.
5) You recently introduced a new instrument sent from Peru. Did you fall in love with / pay it before receiving it?
I actually never heard of a Charango before it was given to me as a gift. I instantly fell in love with the instrument. It’s basically a cross between a mandolin and a ukulele. I learned the chords that night and have been playing it ever since. Our newest song is written on the Charango. It is called the Barnyard Bluegrass Boogie.
6) Where’s the furthest each of you have visited and played as a group?
I have traveled from Newfoundland to Vancouver playing music. I feel very privileged to have traveled this beautiful country playing music.
7) Scotty, you mentioned in your recent CD launch that your brother helped you write a song. Is he active in the artist community to?
My brother is a very talented individual. He helped me write the song Big Day. He has written many songs, attends many local shows as well as helped me market Scotty and the Stars.
Thanks Scotty for answering these questions and thank YOU for reading… now go visit their site and shake it up…
Sarah Butland
author of Sending You Sammy and more!
