CHARLIE FAYE AND THE FANIMALS

Being from Detroit, I have a fondness for the Motown sound; so Charlie Faye & The Fanimals caught my ear with the ‘60s-tinged soul/pop sounds of their self-titled debut album which is set for release July 21, 2023. Their kindie music provides a nice introduction for children to the tones and musical vibes that classic Motown Records performers like Martha and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and The Supremes made popular. Charlie Faye & The Fanimals provide a modern take by kindie rocking these throwback sounds.

“The thing that’s cool about this project is that it has a throwback sound, but the themes of the songs are very modern,” Charlie Faye remarked to ageekdaddy.com. “You wouldn’t have a Motown song in the ’60s about a little boy who wears a tutu. But on this album, you do.”

The album features nine tracks that are not just entertaining but provide life lessons to the kids listening to thes tunes. “7 Days of Fun” bounces through the days of the week with a classic ‘60s Motown groove. “Me & My Family” feels more like something from the early ‘70s but showcases a modern exploration of how different kinds of families might look from a kid's perspective. “Snack Time” sounds like a classic Stax number – if Stax were to put out a song about snacks. “Milo Wears a Tutu” tells the story of one kid bucking convention and wearing what he wants to, set to a playful backbeat reminiscent of a Temptations record.

Faye is a collaborator by nature, so she brought in many of her musical friends to take part in this kindie album. She co-wrote songs with Sara Hickman, Joe McDermott, Suzanna Choffel, Bill Demain, and others. Pete Thomas (of Elvis Costello fame) not only played drums on the whole record, but also co-wrote “Cookie Tree,” the one song on the album with a distinct reggae influence. Other musicians on the record include Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas), Scott Davis, Trevor Nealon, and Jim Brunberg (Wonderly), who took a co-production role on “7 Days of Fun” and a few other tracks. Faye also brought in her former girl group bandmates BettySoo and Akina Adderley to add some classic ‘60s background vocals to the mix.

Charlie Faye & The Fanimals will be available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Bandcamp. The album has a runtime of 22 minutes and a price tag of $9.99 for its digital edition. Faye though has generously provided me with some download codes so a few lucky people can sample her album for FREE! 

For a chance to be one of the randomly selected winners of this Charlie Faye & The Fanimals giveaway, just complete the Rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on July 31, 2023. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. Faye's publicist is responsible for delivery of the download codes to the selected recipients. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BRING ON SUMMER

Soon school will be out for summer and kindie rock artist Dana has recorded an anthem that will energize kids to get outside and have a good time during the break from their studies. She will be releasing on June 2 her upbeat new single BRING ON SUMMER which is meant to inspire children to partake in all the outdoor activities that are fun to do in the warm weather. The song will be released with an accompanying music video. This kindie rock tune, BRING ON SUMMER, will be available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Bandcamp.

"I hope this song becomes part of the summer music soundtracks that they sing and dance to while engaging in joyful activities like swimming, picnics, and camping," singer/songwriter Dana remarked to ageekdaddy.com. “It would be great if listening to this song could be a source of motivation for families to make time to get out there and make some precious memories together!”

BRING ON SUMMER is sure to be a hit with families as they bop along to its catchy melody and driving rhythm. So, I'm geeked that Dana has provided some download codes of the digital release of BRING ON SUMMER for this daddi-o to giveaway. Complete the Rafflecopter entries below before 11:59 pm ET on June 4, 2023 and this Geek Daddy will randomly pick a few winners from the eligible entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dana has been writing and recording music for children and entertaining families across America for over two decades. CHILD magazine called her energy and enthusiasm “contagious” and named her as one of the “Top Five Kids’ Singers You Should Know.” Dana’s seven recordings have earned 27 national awards and wide critical acclaim. She has engaged thousands of young audiences with her live performances, music videos, livestreams, and Dana’s Music Playground video series, which streams on her YouTube channel and the Kidoodle and Sensical streaming platforms. Dana hosts her own award-winning radio show/podcast every weekday on children’s radio station JUMP 105.3. For 11 years, she served as a storyteller for her county library system, and since 2014, Dana has been teaching her popular “Music Playground” music and movement classes for little ones in Bellingham, Washington, near her home.

GENEVIEVE GOINGS GREAT INDOORS

Genevieve Goings has made a name for herself on the children's music scene through her "Choo Choo Soul" performances on the Disney Junior cable channel. The GRAMMY-nominated artist is now debuting her first collection of recordings with the new children's music label 8 Pound Gorilla Records titled GREAT INDOORS being released on February 5, 2021. The same bubbly energy she is loved for on Disney Junior is contained within her GREAT INDOORS selection of original tunes which showcase the kids music with soul that Goings in known for.

Inspired by her single "Shadow Puppets" we have a Geek Daddy challenge for a chance to win a free digital download of GREAT INDOORS. For a chance to win create a shadow puppet then share a picture of it on Twitter tagging @Geekdad248 & @ChooChooGirl with the hashtag #shadowpuppetchallenge. Submit your entries before Feb 1, 2021 to be eligible for this prize. Have some fun and show us your shadow puppets. I'm geeked to see your entries!

For those of you who aren't artistically inclined to participate in the photo contest, I also have a few more digital downloads to giveaway. Just complete the Rafflecopter entries below by 11:59 pm ET on February 2, 2021 for a chance to win a digital download of Genevieve Goings' GREAT INDOORS. Must be a United States or Canadian resident over 18 years old to participate. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Songs among the GREAT INDOORS collection of tunes include "Grateful" a cheerful anthem towards making the best of sheltering in place, "Candy" a fun 80's inspired dance track, "Shadow Puppets" which sparks creativity and "Summer All Year Long" (featuring Samantha Smith) inspiring kids to create their own tropical setting when they are stuck inside, and “Bed Time” to help kids wind down and relax into dreamland. GREAT INDOORS brings the urban/pop sensibilities the musician is known for that both existing fans and new listeners are sure to love. 

For more information about this artist head over to her Facebook page where she has a fairly active presence.

READY OR NOT BACK TO SCHOOL TIME GIVEAWAY

Here in Michigan for most school districts the summer break ends and it is back to classes at the conclusion of the Labor Day weekend.  With it being back to school time for my family, I wanted to share with you the newest album from the kindie rock group The Not-Its. READY OR NOT! features twelve brand-new high energy original songs that will inspire kids to take on anything the school year throws at them. From the anxiety of curriculum night at school to tangled mess of lies that starts floating around school, the 12 songs on READY OR NOT! tackle the childhood adventure known as going to school.

The Not-Its are just the right group to delve into these topics as its band members have the chops in childhood development careers, real-life parenting experiences and accomplished musical backgrounds.  Rhythm guitarist Danny Adamson has been a punk rocker and social worker involved for more than a decade with homeless youth. Guitarist Tom Baisden in additions to being a rock musician works a full-time gig as an elementary school teacher for special needs children. Singer Sarah Shannon was lead vocalist of lauded ‘90s indie-pop band Velocity Girl and has since recorded two solo albums under her own name. Plus all together, the members of this tight-knit band have 10 kids who often handle the “merch” table and perform onstage during The Not-Its live shows.

From the motivational back to school anthem "Let the Games Begin" to the mellow sonnet "Potty Mouth" this album's songs are full of tunes that most families with elementary school ages children at home can relate to.  READY OR NOT! provides a rock concert style performance that is relevant and age appropriate for its targeted kindie rock audience of kids ten years old and younger.  The album accomplishes its goal of providing youth an opportunity to rock out while having fun and learning some lessons from listening to the music.

Take a listen to some of the songs then enter to win a CD if READY OR NOT! by The Not-Its.

A Geek Daddy has a CD to giveaway to one lucky winner.  Just complete the rafflecopter entries in the form below before September 10, 2018 to enter the READY OR NOT! album giveaway.  Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to be eligible to win. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more information about the band, check out their website wearethenot-its.com/music or their social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.