CLAUDIA GUNN - 1 JUN 2022

Making Music and Friends with Benny Time

‘There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met’ (Jim Henson)

Way back when the pandemic first threw the world into a state of suspended animation, livestreams and podcasts suddenly took on a new role both as a medium for children to access education and entertainment, and as a medium for artists to share their work when live shows stopped.  One of the new musical friendships I made then was Australian children’s artist, early childhood teacher and children’s music advocate Benny Time when he interviewed me for his podcast.

We had the most fascinating conversation about making music for kids that asks questions, includes big ideas, invites participation and leaves space for wonder. Benny’s new album is deeply grounded, rather than floating off into space like the one we chatted about back then, but I get a similar sense of wonder about the world we live in, and it listens like a road trip visiting a ton of friends and having laughs and deep conversations along the way.

Benny’s work is broader than the music, though the music leads the way. Along with colleagues Lorna Clarkson, Justine Clarke and Lisa Barbagello he has been knitting together the fabric of a new children’s music industry organisation Major Minor Music Australia. He also is navigating the chronic immune condition P.S.C. ~ which he candidly shares on his social media, hoping to demystify and ease the worries of families who may face the same journey.

In the same generous way, the album Benny and Friends invites children into a music circle where everyone is welcome. It features a cast of musical friends a mile long showcasing community, fun and connection.

Benny loops in Australian kids music stars Justine Clarke, Lah Lah’s Big Live Band, The Beanies, and Tiptoe Giants, Luke Escombe (The Vegetable Plot), B Minor Music and Story Surprise for guest appearances. There are his multi talented artist friends like Frankie Boucher, Papa Surf and Aunty Trace, whose voice and poem makes a devastatingly beautiful statement in the song Stepping Stones. Kiwi Kids Music artists Itty Bitty Beats, Loopy Tunes and myself join the music making from across the Tasman , and gospel choir - The East Coast Inspirational Singers - drop in some truly epic harmonies from the USA.

Produced with a crisp attention to sonics and balance by Michael McGlynn (L-FRESH THE LION, Little May, The Vegetable Plot) and mastered by William Bowden at King Willy Sound, it’s a kids album full of surprises, delights, stories, actual road trips of course  (including rest stops), and it’ll likely tug at your heartstrings too. Benny and Friends communicates the message that no matter what path life takes you down, you’ll never ride alone.

I was lucky to have the chance to ask Benny Time a few questions of my own about the project.

Interview below.

Find Benny Time on Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube

HOW DID YOU APPROACH THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS?

I knew it was good timing for not only me but the Australian children’s music scene to have an album like this and I was really happy to make it. I had a very clear vision on how I wanted the collaboration to be represented so it really came down to joining the dots. It’s no mystery how influenced I am by the New Zealand scene so I guess it was a case of emulating that. I also think ordinarily I may not have had the confidence to ask, but this time round, I felt the album had a purpose a little bigger than me so I felt OK asking. Oh and patience, this, by far, has taken the longest of any album I have ever made, largely because of the collaborations. You have to fit everyone’s calendar, so I needed to trust the end result was going to be worth it. And I feel it was. 

FINISH THIS SENTENCE - A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO…

…Doesn’t question who you are? I guess this seems simple but particularly in the past year or two as I’ve had to deal with health issues, I’ve found great solace in the friends who are simply happy to let me talk. The ones who listen. It’s a great trait of humans that we like to fix things but sometimes you need to let people get there themselves. There’s a beautiful quote by Piaget the child theorist where they say "When you teach a child something you take away forever their chance of discovering it for themselves,” and I feel that resonates for adults as well. Sometimes you have to experience something to understand it. And for me that’s what a true friend is, someone who doesn’t try to change you or make you see things differently but rather allows the space for you to live your life at your own pace…Oh and someone who shares half a warm freshly cooked cinnamon doughnut…I mean, that’s a true selfless friend right there. 

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR SONGWRITERS WANTING TO WRITE MUSIC FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES?

I think it’s important to really understand children. Not just what children like, but understand what they are capable of. How intelligent they are, how worldly they are and just how competent and capable they are. That kind of knowledge really helps inform you as a songwriter. Research children’s music also. Many musicians become parents and turn their focus to kids music because they feel unsatisfied with what’s available but this is usually due to the small range they have been introduced to. Find out what’s out there and then find where you fit. Oh….. and have fun. Most important.