Mick McHugh is as about as passionate a musician can get when it comes his offering for children.

For you see, this album, an album of traditional Irish folk songs for kids, is not an attempt to just simply share the songs and his culture, but rather an attempt to let you in on his childhood. A chance for him to take you by the hand and guide you through the sentimentality and nostalgia he feels as he expresses the beauty of childhood as experienced by him.

It is an album free of any unnecessary sentimentality but rather filled with the sentimental feelings all our memories bring. But in this instance, he shares them with the people in our world building their own sentimental memories.

A true treasure for the ears, and a glorious throwback to the lives of those on the Emerald Isle, it is a force of kindness, reflection and true passionate flag waving.

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Robin Nathan (aka Fleabite) is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most decorated musicians for children. However as she so freely admits, her music really was for herself, it just so happened to resonate with the minds of children and hence the start of a whole new career.

Her music is so eclectic, genuine, and unique, that all the accolades seemed only a matter of time.

In todays podcast we try to dissect her musical brain and bask in its curiosity, its craziness and its genuine display of originality.

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Today we talk to Lisa Mark and Charlie of the Funtones.

The Funtones are an act that epitomise their name as they strive to  provide a place for children to simply do that… Have fun.

A concept easily understood but sometimes harder to achieve, they are a band who know what it means to learn through play and exactly what that playfulness means.

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As Children’s performers. We often put our hearts and souls into the notion of being child inclusive. Its something we all strive for, but then occasionally, someone comes along which reminds us of what it actually really means. What it means to put children front and centre of what you do. This does not measn Lyrically or musically but physically, realising that the music you create needs to have children literally reflected back at them.

Todays guest acknowledged this right form the start of her career and has held true to this notion every since. The work slips and slides between standards, new work, listening moments and pure joy as she truly leans in on the notion, to be WITH the children, not in front.

I give you Susie Tallman

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Today On Benny Asking People Questions we speak to Meg, Lee and Vee of TIPTOE Giants. Specifically we talk about their new album, Small But Mighty, an album that exudes its very tital with the delicate touch enormity seen through gentleness.

It is an album that captures the heart from the immediate listen with pop like clarity, incomparable musicianship and an array of guests that would make the most of us blush.

I give you Meg, Lee and Vee. I hope you enjoy.

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Today’s guest subtly hides her enormity behind a small ukulele. Singing gently behind wistful and wafting melodies and sharing her understanding with children in the hope that they will be able to find a more inclusive path in their lives. However, this subtleness is merely a outward facade for the person herself is a powerhouse of message, conviction, achievement, direction and a deep deep understanding of who she is and where she is headed.

I give you Alexander Rose Mongano, Children’s entertainer, Celiac advocate, and Jack the Silly yak.

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There is no way of really measuring the worth of todays Artist. With several ARIA nominations, A MMMA win, a POdcast win and many a many accolade his contribution to the music for children sector is enormous.

Yet you can be forgiven to not know who he is. For similar to a foundation block, he sits dutifully with his keyboard, dressed as a wizard, tot he back of stage as Mim, Laura and Michael Beanie take centre stage. But today we bring him into the light and talk all things Beanies and potentially an album entirely about toileting.

We give you James Court.

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Lucas Proudfoot is one of Australia’s most prolific performers and he’s hitting the road with a brand  ew show filled with wonderful characters and whole swag of new tunes. 

Today on ‘Benny asking people questions’ we get to the heart of Lucas’ music, its nostalgia, how to earn a peso and  why Pelican bay may have Australia’s best breaks according to this ex pro surfer

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