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What a pleasure to feature Bryan Townsend, owner of The Pokey Pup ~ Hip Stuff for Cool Kids (and Their Parents!) If you are looking for music ideas for your next kid’s party and hope to match your theme, this is an excellent resource. Of course, The Pokey Pup offers quite a bit more than CDs, but it’s a very good start!
Recently I had the chance to interview Bryan, founder of the Pokey Pup, and here’s what he has to say on his idea, his business, and how it all relates to kids’ parties:
What inspired you to begin The Pokey Pup?
I’ve owned a “traditional” indie record store (Underdog Records) since 1997 and have worked in the music industry for all of my life (from marketing at major record labels and music licensing for advertising to working at one of the original online music download companies). With my background in the music industry and especially in owning a record store, I wanted to challenge this expertise in a new direction, providing great music and media for kids and their parents.
However, I must say the biggest prompt in starting The Pokey Pup was when my wife and I were expecting our son, Gaines. It really made me think of the things that I loved and wanted to share with my child (music, art, movies, books, cartoons, etc.). So, The Pokey Pup is an extension of my love of great music and wanting to share great music with my own son and I figured that there were other parents out there that wanted to do the same thing and I hope that I can provide that for them.
What trends do you see in the genre of kids’ music today?
Kids music as a genre has been enjoying some great exposure as of late and I definitely hope that it continues to shine the light on some well-deserved artists. I am glad that the children’s music genre has broken out of it’s stale, cookie cutter routine. Only a few years back, almost all children’s music released looked the same on the outside and sounded the same on the inside. I am excited that some new record labels dedicated to good children’s music is starting up. The “trend” that I am looking forward to is the continuation of great music that families can enjoy together. I am also glad that parents (and kids musicians) are exploring all kind of musical styles and genres which in turn exposes kids to some diverse music.
What are some excellent resources that parents can find on the Web for kids’ music?
There are several great kids music blogs and kids radio shows that you can find on the web. Those are probably the best resources to read reviews of new music and to hear some great new kids music. A couple of great kids music blogs are: Zooglobble and Lovelydavis Some great kids Internet radio shows are Spare The Rock.com, Gooneybirdkids and Greasy Kid Stuff.
What advice can you give parents who are choosing music for their next kid’s party?
I think that playing music at a kids party is much like playing music at an adult party. It’s all about the vibe of the party that can really dictate what music to play, when to play it, the volume of the music, etc. Most music at parties is used in the background, so keep that in mind when picking music. However, kids love to dance around (especially after some ice cream or cake!), so some fun music to dance to is always good to have on hand.
As a specific example, what type of music could you recommend for an “Under the Sea” party theme?
When I think of “Under The Sea”, I immediately think of The Little Mermaid and the songs featured in the film. Some of the songs had a Caribbean/Calypso/Reggae feel to them so I would suggest some music that is in that format. Reggae For Kids: Movie Classics, Putumayo Kids Presents: Caribbean Playground; Putumayo Kids Presents: Reggae Playground or Reggae For Kids – Various Artists would be great to try.
The Pokey Pup offers a unique selection of products for kids (not just CDs, but DVDs, books and more). We offer personalized customer service just like if you walked into a physical record store and asked a question. A newspaper in Florida recently said this about us and I think that it sums us up pretty good. “It’s like having a friendly independent record store in your own home.”
An independent record store right in my own home ~ now that should save you time when planning your next kid’s party ~ plus, with an expert like Bryan at the helm, you certainly are in excellent hands!
Three Cheers for The Pokey Pup!
