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

EARWORM MUSICAL ALBUM GIVEAWAY

You'll be finger snapping and toe tapping to the energetic beats of Sean McCollough's new kindie album EARWORM. Kindie music merges artists' adult sensibilities and performance styles with family-friendly themes meant to entertain and educate children. EARWORM blends McCollough's Appalachian folk music with mainstream pop sounds to create stick-in-your head rootsy tunes full of positive messaging.

Sean McCollough is a University of Tennessee music professor well known around Knoxville, Tennessee for his folk and kindie music, hosting the Kidstuff Show on WDVX public radio and performances at local festivals. He has been hosting Kidstuff on WDVX since 2012 which has him every Saturday morning interviewing and listening to performances of touring children's musical artists. McCollough own contributions to children's music were recognized in 2010 when he was presented with a Parents' Choice Award for his album This Is Our House.

EARWORM

His new album EARWORM delivers track after catchy track wriggling his melodies and lyrics through listeners’ ears into their brains. Tying into his love for the public radio show he hosts, EARWORM includes the “Kidstuff Theme Song.” It also includes “All Kinds of Singing” which originated from a collaboration between his radio show and the Knoxville Opera Company.

Being a father of 3, McCollough reminisces through his music about family experiences that other parents can relate to. Moms and Dads will empathize with the pained protagonist in the EARWORM song “Carsick.” “ABC (The Writing Song)” relates to a parenting right of passage in teaching a child to know the ABCs of writing through an alphabet sing-along. My favorite song on the album is "Don't Let Em Get Your Goat" which has a message of keeping an upbeat attitude when other people are trying to drag your self-esteem down. Who hasn't had to deal with bullying and teasing in life? This is an entertaining anthem promoting self-confidence for kids and their grown-ups.

EARWORM also highlights McCollough's passion for folk music and his hometown of Nashville. The album's title track is a humorous folk music inspired tune about those annoying songs you just can’t get out of your head. McCollough joins with friend Greg Horne performing the traditional folk style “Rag Doll.” Molly Ledford, a GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and leader of the band Lunch Money, wrote the song “Sunsphere” about the landmark tower on the Knoxville skyline. The folksy tune “Her Name Was Lady” tells about Sean’s childhood pet goats Lady, Pablo, and Jackie.



“Let’s Give a Party” celebrates the African-American string-band tradition. It was written by Martin, Bogan and Armstrong (formerly the Tennessee Chocolate Drops who recorded in Knoxville in 1930). McCollough helps produce the annual Louie Bluie Festival in Tennessee, honoring Armstrong.

Another event McCollough helps organize is Knoxville's Big Ears Festival which focuses on kids music. EARWORM ends with a dreamy track called “Big Ears,” inspired by this festival. “I love introducing kids to music that requires an open mind, an open heart, and ‘big ears’" McCollough professes.

ALBUM GIVEAWAY

Sean McCollough has kindly provided ageekdaddy.com with a compact disc of EARWORM to giveaway. One lucky winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries in the rafflecopter form below. Submit your entries by 11:59 pm on May 10, 2019 for a chance to win. Must be a United States resident over 18 years old to participate. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Head over to seanmccollough.com for more information about this kindie music artist and how to purchase his new album.