11 Jul 2011
Since 2008, the APRA Children's Song of the Year and What Now Children's Video of the Year have helped support the blossoming scene that is New Zealand kid's music, and witnessed the rich variety of songs for children and parents alike grow with talent.
Finalists for the 2011 APRA Children's Song of the Year are John Phillips with his song 'Road Trip', Rob Wigley for the Mr Roberelli song 'Beans About Beans', and Tiki Taane for his song 'Starship Lullaby'.
2008 winner of the APRA Children's Song of the Year, Craig Smith, returns as a finalist for the 2011 What Now Children's Video of the Year with 'Wonky Donkey'. He is joined by dual-finalist Tiki Taane with his video for 'Starship Lullaby', and past finalist Fatcat & Fishface stamp their mark with their video 'Nightclub'. Check out the videos at www.whatnow.tv.
The APRA Children's Song of the Year is judged by an independent panel, and celebrates the songwriters and composers who write for the children of New Zealand. The What Now Children's Video of the Year is truly a "kid's choice"- partnered with the popular kids television programme What Now, their viewers can vote on their favourite What Now NZ Children's Video of the Year.
Both awards are to be presented at StarFest, the finale of the Christchurch City Council's annual two week Kidsfest on July 28th. The ongoing events in Christchurch have eventuated in a venue change, but the show will still go on as strong as ever at the Aranui High School Auditorium.
About the Finalists:
John Phillips works as a music specialist in Nelson schools, where he develops school choirs and rock bands, teaches music and directs school productions. The most rewarding aspect of his work is seeing children of all ages develop a love for making music and promoting a 'have a go attitude' towards performance. www.johnphillipsmusic.com
Rob Wigley- Mr Roberelli: Paul Depledge, Rochelle Depledge and Rob Wigley make up the band known as Mr Roberelli, finalist in this competition for the second year running. The trio's music is attracting more and more attention both in and outside New Zealand and they are very excited about
the imminent release of their third album, which promises to have even more appeal for families. www.mrroberelli.co.nz
Tiki Taane's career has spanned over the past 20 years to date, throughout which he has produced, written and fronted many well-known songs. 'Starship Lullaby' was written with Tiki's own son in mind, and with the idea that parents could easily learn to play to their children. All proceeds from every download of the song is donated to the Starship Children's Hospital. http://tikidub.com/
Craig Smith follows up his 2008 win of the APRA Children's Song of the Year with the video for 'Wonky Donkey', made with Derek Thunders. Craig original songs are lyrical, eclectic, and at times humorous. Since he has started writing music for kids his emergence into the children's music scene is growing by the day. www.craigsmith.co.nz
Fatcat & Fishface: The making of Fatcat & Fishface's video Nightclub was a family affair, with Stephen Templer directing and illustrating the clip, and sister Ruth animating and designing the video. Fatcat & Fishface's cheeky style has been compared to The Simpsons, Roald Dahl and Spike Milligan. They have won awards in New Zealand, the USA, and their animated music clips have been invited to festivals around the world. www.fatcat-fishface.com
APRA Children's Song of the Year - Finalists:
- 'Road Trip' by John Phillips
- 'Beans About Beans' by Rob Wigley, performed by Mr Roberelli
- 'Starship Lullaby' by Tiki Taane
What Now Children's Video of the Year - Finalists:
- 'Wonky Donkey' by Craig Smith - video by Derek Thunders, Craig Smith
- 'Starship Lullaby' by Tiki Taane - video by Gary Mackay, Manu Forti Productions
- 'Nightclub' by Fatcat & Fishface - video by Stephen Templer, Ruth Templer, Robin Nathan
The winners will be announced in Christchurch on Thursday 28th July at the Aranui High School Auditorium.
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