Music + Culture | KID independent

Musical Youth... What's My Scene?

It’s day four of Groove Week folks, and today’s post is my favourite so far. I hope it brings back plenty of nostalgic memories from your youth and inspires you to create new memories with your little ones… Note: this post should be read with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

80's Music, Clothing and Toys for Kids

It doesn’t matter if you weren’t born in the 80s, you can still relive the awesomeness… Does this sound like you? Your favourite words are rad, bodacious and bogus. You’re wearing parachute pants, fluoro, bubble skirts, leg warmers and acid wash. You’re watching Pretty in Pink, The Goonies and BMX bandits. You’re eating wizz fizz, redskins and milk bottles.

You’re playing Pacman on your Atari and your music is being pumped out of a boombox. On your playlist is Girls just wanna have fun by Cyndi Lauper, Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves and Take on Me by A-ha.

1. Lexi Ruffle Skirt by Angel Lea Designs … 2. Totally 80s for Kids CD by Various Artists … 3. Sunny Day Bagaloons by Boolah Baguette … 4. Rad Organic Onesie by Apericots … 5. Hand Crochet Leggings by Brusselsprouts … 6. Tenderheart Bear 8×10 print by Attackofframpage

Old School Hip Hop Music and Clothes for Kids

Kickin’ it old school… Your favourite dance moves are the backspin, the helicopter and the downrock. You’re wearing Adidas or original Chuck Taylors, oversized pants and a baseball cap… most of it is on backwards. You’ve decided it’s cool to carry your boombox with you wherever you go and you’re pumping out tunes from Public Enemy, Run DMC and The Beastie Boys. Your friends call you holmes.

Your movie collection includes classics such as Breakdance The Movie and Beat Street. On your play list is Fight for your Right by the Beastie Boys, Rockit by Herbie Hancock and Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.

1. Old School T-Shirt by Stella Blu … 2. Baby Bling Onesie by Hutch … 3. Kids Beastie Boys T-shirt by Beastie Boys … 4. My ADIDAS Graffiti Art by GraffRoots … 5. Break It Down Wall Decals by Little Birdie Decor … 6. Mama Ain’t Raisin’ No Fool Tee by Nippaz With Attitude

Rockabilly Music, Clothing and Shoes for Kids

You’ve got a soft spot for Carl Perkins and Brian Setzer but your favourite bands are rockabilly revivalists like the Royal Crown Revue. You use words like Daddy-O and Hepcat. You’re wearing greaser jeans and creepers and you don’t go anywhere without your chain wallet. Your hair is heavily slicked into a pompadour style. Your have a crush on a girl named Betty, she lives for polka dots and digs hot rods.

Your favourite movies are The Wild One and Eddie and the Cruisers and you secretly love Johnny Depp in Cry Baby (but won’t admit it cos your Mum digs it too). On your playlist is Rock This Town by Stray Cats, Zoot Suit Riot by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Hey Pachuco by Royal Crown Revue.

1. Audrey Romper by Rock Your Baby … 2. Greaser Jeans by Knuckleheads … 3. Rockabilly Shirt by Knuckleheads … 4. Pink Lady Print by GreenVampire …5. Kids Creepers by Tuk Kids … 6. Retro Hot Pink Rockabilly Dress by Lover Dover

Punk Rock Music, Clothing and Toys for Kids

You established your punk roots listening to early recordings of The Ramones and the first song you danced to was “I wanna be sedated”… your Grandmother was appalled. You’ve also been known to listen to the odd song from Iggy and Stooges, The Velvet Underground and The New York Dolls. As you got older your brother introduced you to skate punk bands like Bad Religion and NOFX. You favour skinny jeans and punk band tees and hate barbie dolls with a passion.

Your room is plastered with music posters and you’re bugging your mum to take you to your first concert. On your playlist is White Man in Hammersmith Palais by The Clash, Stickin’ in my Eye by NOFX and Sheena is a Punk Rocker by The Ramones.

1. Striped Doll by Tiges and Weince … 2. Black & White Check Suspenders at Kawaii Kids … 3. Skull and Crossbones Hat by My Polka Dot Princess … 4. Rotten Snake T-Shirt by Stardust … 5. Handcrafted Sneakers by Sweet Shoes … 6. Skull Dress by Vintage Lucys

Alternative Rock and Grunge Kids Music + Clothing

You cut your teeth on the Pixies and Sonic Youth before discovering Soundgarden, Mudhoney and Dinosaur Jr. Your collection includes influential albums from Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. In your wardrobe is a few burnt out tees, a striped cardi and a pair of ripped jeans. Your hair looks like a birdsnest, but you like it that way.

You spend hours in your room listening to music and on your playlist is Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, Jeremy by Pearl Jam and Whatever’s cool with me by Dinosaur Jr.

1. Gage Sweater by Knuckleheads … 2. Sonic Youth Toddler Tee by Truly Sanctuary … 3. Nirvana Iron on Patch by TC Craft Shop … 4. Baby Rock Striped Tee by Wren Willow … 5. Straight Leg Unisex Rigid Jean by Mine … 6. Kurt Cobain Converse by Roll Over Picasso

Rock music tees... twelve of the best

Sliding on in to day three of Groove Week, I thought I’d share some cool havens for finding music inspired t-shirts… after all, t-shirts are the number one staple of the little folk wardrobe. As always I found it hard stopping at just twelve as there are so many cool kids labels on the market. However, I chose this group of labels for their cool graphics and stand out quality…

Kids Rock Music T-shirts

First up, City Threads. This label is jammed packed with awesomeness. Why? Firstly, Air Guitar is the sport of legends {unfortunately when it comes to playing the real guitar, I’m mediocre at best}. Secondly, Air Guitar is a skill that every child should acquire. For kids, this is best taught while dancing wildly to mum’s old rock records and should be done prior to the age of 7… when they decide that mum’s old records are lame.

Kids Rock Music T-shirts

Next up, Rowdy Sprout. I dig these guys mainly for their vintage styles both in the graphics on their tees and also in their choice of fabrics and finishes. The Hendrix thermal tee is my favourite as I’m loving green for boys this winter.

Indie Kidz Rock Music T-shirts

Indie Kidz is a Canadian based label that is now available in Australia through Monkeytail and Wellington. I dig their range for two reasons, cool graphics and eco-friendly designs. All their tees are made from 100% organic cotton and bamboo and their inks are free from PVC, lead and other horrible substances. On a side note, it’s Kid’s Music Month at Monkeytail and Wellington in May… so drop by for cool interviews, album reviews and giveaways!

Pluto Rock Music Kids T-shirts

Pluto is an indie label that recently caught my attention for it’s cool colours and quirky graphics. I’ve got my eye on their “Hi Tee Shirt” but today I’ve included a couple of tees that are perfect for little rockers of the female persuasion. I urge you to drop by and view their whole collection, also high on my cool list is the “Propellor Boy” Tee.

Gama-Go Kids Rock n Roll Music T-shirts

Last up today is Gama-Go. This label has my favourite graphic of the whole bunch, the Tigerlily Rock Tee. Dig the stripes, dig the amps, dig the guitar and dig the facial expression… gotta get me one.

Creative Spaces... Live the Music

It’s day two of Groove Week! Today’s topic… how to create an awesome music inspired kids room. This is a theme that kids can appreciate more with age and can build on as their music taste develops. It’s customisable to any genre of music; and is interactive, educational and super fun! Today’s soundtrack… I love to boogie by T. Rex, toe-tapping goodness.

Kids Rock n Roll Music Theme Wall Art

First up, you’ll need to find a couple of feature pieces. My favourite thing to work with is wall art. If you can find a series of prints that you love, these will create a focal point for the room. Rock concert or band posters are cool for older kids, but for the little ones you might like to go with something more general or stylised.

Kids Rock n Roll Music Kids Art Prints

Another awesome idea for a feature piece is a kids sized guitar like the one below from Fender. These can be displayed either on the wall or on a guitar stand until your child is old enough to take their first guitar lessons {if they are so inclined}.

Kids Rock n Roll Music Theme Kids Wall Art

Now that you have your feature pieces, the next step is finding accessories to match. For major pieces like bedding and curtains, I suggest bold colours with simple patterns to keep it modern and blend easily with your other accessories. If you love to sew you might consider some homemade cushions. Japanese Kawaii style fabrics are perfect for adding a hint of sweetness, or retro fabrics are great for adding a splash of colour. Music softies like the boombox below also make cool scatter cushions on arm chairs or in play areas.

Kids Rock n Roll Music Toys and Instruments

Last up today {and the best part}… toys! There’s no need for el cheapo mass produced plastic numbers when you have so many awesome limited edition and handmade creations to chose from. The selection above is just the tip of the iceberg. Handmade markets like Etsy and Madeit are the perfect starting point for rock n roll kids toys. I’m also very fond of limited edition urban vinyl {a bit expensive for everyday play, but cool for display pieces}. If you’re into sewing why not try your hand at a killer guitar softie?

Note: funky ear muffs can be worn by kids for hearing protection at their first rock gig, or by parents when their kids are learning to play their electric guitar… better get some for the neighbours too…

WALL ART AT TOP OF PAGE
1. Vinyl Fever Print + Patty Loves to Rock Prints by Anna Tillett Designs … 2. Rock N Roll Print Set by The Black Apple … 3. Nursery Wall Art from Barking Bird Art

TOYS + DECOR
1. De La Soul Vinyl Toys by Kidrobot … 2. Johnny Fandango Guitar Softie by The Grateful Thread … 3. Squier Affinity Mini Strat Guitar by Fender … 4. Auto USBoombox Vinyl Toy by Superdeux … 5. BoomBox Pillow by Mymimi … 6. Wooden Drum Set by Plan Toys … 7. Hearing Protection from Baby Ear Muffs

Indie Rock Generation

Mornin’ indie lovers, welcome to groove week! Just for fun this week, each post will have a music flavour {rock n roll, funk, soul, maybe even a bit of disco!} Kicking things off is a post for all the indie kids {particularly the offspring of generation X}. Think thrift store finds, eclectic styles + a bit of plaid thrown in for good measure. Soundtrack: early albums by The Smiths {dig those jangly guitars}.

Indie Rock Kids Clothing + Toys

There are two particularly cool things that I wanted to mention about this post. Firstly is one of my fondest memories; sitting amongst piles of vinyl records at my cousin’s house and listening to recordings of their favourite indie rock bands from the 70′s and early 80′s.

Second is the awesome vintage Fisher Price record player that I spotted on Ebay. You can still buy these in working order… and then own your kids can sit among your records and learn all about your favourite bands. I’m saving all my old vinyl just for this purpose!

Indie Rock Music Clothing + Toys

TOP IMAGE
1. Indie Music Kids Tee by Robot Luv … 2. Indie Rock Colouring Book by Andy J Miller + YBP … 3. Jeffrey Bear by Xmoonbloom … 4. Role Model T-shirt by Sweet Pepita … 5. Superheros Pins by Peppermint Daydreams … 6. Fisher Price Record Player - Vintage Finds on Ebay …7. Vintage Herbie Pajama Top by Vintage Clothing and Stuff

BOTTOM IMAGE
1. Morrissey Kids T-shirt by Baby Bees Boutique … 2. Long Rabbit by Xmoonbloom … 3. 100% Recycled Exclusive Jacket by Bows & Arrows … 4. For The Kids an Indie Music Compilation CD … 5. Junior Brown Blazer by Poppytop Sweaters … 6. Faces Pinback Buttons from The Angry Robot … 7. Kids Skinny Jeans by Oishi-m

Top Ten Kindy Rock Songs!

We’re die hard music lovers here at {KID} independent… so this week we’ve asked our friend and fellow music lover Vicki Carter from Monkeytail and Wellington to share her top ten list of rockin’ songs for kids.

Rock n Roll Kid with Guitar

I listen to a lot of music in my never ending search to find new family friendly music for Monkeytail and Wellington, and have a list of favorites longer than my arm. So when {KID} independent asked me for my top 10 kids songs, it took a while to whittle it down. I’ve decided that the following list isn’t my all time top 10 {as I procrastinated for too long}, but an evolving top 10 based a lot on what is on high rotation in my house and is new to the Kindy Rock music scene.

Some of the songs I’ve chosen are written for kids, and some are appropriate for kids. All are OK for adults and won’t make your head go pop if you’re subjected to repeat listening. After all, you’re in charge of the stereo and if wrestling over the remote has already begun, move it to a higher shelf! So here they are, in no particular order…

They Might Be Giants Kids Music

1. They Might be Giants – 1 Dozen Monkeys from Here Come The 123’s

2. They Might be Giants – The Ballad of Davy Crockett (in Outer Space)

I couldn’t actually pick just one of their songs for kids to be my favorite because there are so many. So I’d probably just say they are my favorite kids band. They just have the knack for putting the silly, or the obvious into some very clever rhyming lyrics and giving it that very special “John” twist. They’ve really embraced the Kindy Rock genre and are one of the pioneer bands that are taking it main stream. There are four kids albums to date (and that doesn’t include all the sound track albums and books) and there is even a Friday Night Podcast you can get from You Tube with some clever puppetry and animated videos. Click here to view a clip.

Caspar Babypants Kids Music

3. Caspar Babypants – Brown and Lonely Worm from Here I am

4. Caspar Babypants – Free Like a Bird from Here I am

Caspar is a fairly new addition to my kids listening library, but I’ve been a fan of Chris Ballew’s other work (you may remember him from other indie bands such as The Presidents of the United States of America for instance) since I was old enough to buy my own albums. There are so many genres of music on Chris’s two kids albums (Here I am and More Please), but underlying them all is his passion for relating to kids on their level and singing about every day important stuff and adventures along the way. My two standout favorites so far are:

I just love the beat in both these songs and the rhyming is both cute and clever. In fact I love just about every song on both albums and with another one in the works I can’t wait to find out what Caspar comes up with next. Click here to read an interview with the band.

Elvis Presley and Elizabeth Mitchell

5. Elvis Presley – Old MacDonalds Farm from Elvis Sings for Kids

Elvis never actually recorded an album specifically for kids, it’s all been done posthumously. But he did record lots of songs “suitable for kids” in his many, many movies (did you know there were 31 of them!) This song is just too funny. It was recorded for the movie Double Trouble in 1967. The whole idea that on Old MacDonalds farm the animals live under constant threat of being turned into dinner if they step out of line just cracks me up! Also, it’s my humble opinion that all children should be exposed to the greats of our time, and Elvis is the King after all!

6. Elizabeth Mitchell – Three Little Birds… from You Are My Little Bird

Just about every children’s artist has done a version of this Bob Marley classic. I love this version by Elisabeth Mitchell which features the sweet voice of her daughter and her husband in the background. It’s from her album You Are My Little Bird. She brings just the right inflections to the lyrics and her interpretation is just so sweet.

Mary Had a Little Amp Compilation CD

7. Indigo Girls – Wild Wild Party in the Loquat Tree from Mary Had a Little Amp compilation

I wouldn’t know a loquat tree if I walked into one, but I love this song! It is featured on the Mary Had a Little Amp compilation album, a selection of grown up songs from popular artists that are suitable for little ears. All those chatter, chirp, squeaks and buzz’s makes for a great sing along and it has a great country feel. The lyrics are probably a bit complicated and move a little fast for kids, but the chorus is always a great time to join in.

8. Kermit the Frog – The Rainbow Connection from Mary Had a Little Amp compilation

I am a die hard Muppets fan and The Rainbow Connection is in my opinion the most synonymous song with Kermit the Frog (along with It’s Not Easy Being Green of course). For kids, the Kermit version is probably the best, kids love banjo and Kermit sings slowly enough to follow and learn the lyrics. I kinda prefer the Dixie Chicks version. Click here to view a clip.

Renee and Jeremy and Gustafer Yellowgold

9. Gustafer Yellowgold – Butter Pond Lake from Mellow Fever

There really isn’t much not to like about Gustafer Yellowgold. The creator Morgan Taylor is not only the singer, songwriter and musician, but also the artist behind the Gustafer character and the simply animated videos that accompany each song. In short, Gustafer Yellowgold used to live on the Sun, but now lives on Earth and the songs are the tales of his adventures, friends and memories. There is some real talent behind Gustafer and I find I listen to this album even without the kids around. Butter Pond Lake is on the Mellow Fever album. Click here to view a clip.

10. Renee and Jeremy – Powder Blue from It’s a Big World

This is the lullaby I sing to my girls every night. It’s simple, easy to remember and just beautiful. It’s on Renee & Jeremy’s first album It’s a Big World and it’s been a hit with us from the first listen. All the tracks on this album are just lovely in fact, the perfect music to fall asleep to for sweet dreams. Click here to read an interview with the band.

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Musical Youth... What's My Scene?

Rock music tees... twelve of the best

Creative Spaces... Live the Music

Indie Rock Generation

Top Ten Kindy Rock Songs!