Little Ripples: Interview + New Album ‘In My Garden’

MusicInterviews

2 Mar

CLAUDIA ROBIN GUNN - 2 MAR 2022

Buzzing in the Musical Garden with Little Ripples

I don’t profess to have any kind of green thumb ~ I’d call myself a garden appreciator as I’m more likely to write a song about marigolds that I am to remember to water mine. But I am wholeheartedly grateful for the bounty my mother shares from her garden, and for the songs she sung to me as a child too.

For musical couple Emily and Sam Benge of Whāngarei children’s music act Little Ripples, the concept of ‘blooming where you are planted’ is intrinsically woven through their new record In My Garden.

Songwriter Emily teaches early childhood, and the gentle stories and questions of children in her orbit are the seeds from which these songs have bloomed. With a nature collage music video for single ‘Little Bee’ making some buzz already about the project, supported by NZ On Air’s New Music Kids fund and made by animator RDYSTDY, I asked Little Ripples a few questions about their musical gardening.

Interview below.

Find Little Ripples on Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | YouTube | Website

HOW DID THE GARDEN THEME ARISE WHEN YOU WERE WRITING THIS ALBUM?

When we began recording the album I hadn’t written all the songs yet. About half way through the recording process inspiration struck on the drive home from town post a deep conversation with a friend. Songs kind of bubble up for me sometimes and this was one of those times. I use the voice memo function on my phone a lot when this happens so I can capture these often fleeting thoughts or melodies. The song ‘In my garden’ tumbled out. It could have been called ‘In my mind’ but that’s not very poetic! I love my garden and metaphors. The metaphor of the garden speaks to the mind and the tending, nourishment, sunshine and space it requires to be healthy and balanced. Quite naturally this became the title track for our album. The album is a collection of songs/seeds to be planted in the listener’s garden, ideas we hope will germinate in their hearts and minds.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE - TO PLANT A GARDEN IS TO…

… give a gift to yourself. The act of gardening delights my senses – bees humming amongst the flowers, my hands in the soil, ripening fruits and vegetables. My garden is an interesting place at times wild and unkempt! It has many seasons. Whether it’s a time for tending, watching, quiet or harvest, I am cultivating more than just my garden!

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIP FOR PARENTS TO INCLUDE MUSIC IN THEIR DAILY LIVES?

Use music mindfully. Children’s ability to self regulate can be influenced by music. Music can wind us up or down, it can enhance a warm feeling or a wild one. Notice how the music in your home affects your environment and get curious. Music can be a wonderful tool for shifting energy. If the mood feels stagnant and stuck try playing some uplifting music. If your little person is struggling to wind down at bedtime try some gentle soothing music. If you need help with finding the right kind of music, there are a bounty of wonderful playlists out there that can become regular tools in your kit for navigating the ups and downs of family life.

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