Album Spotlight: Buddy’s Magic Toy Box performed by Mega Ran
It wasn’t as hard as I’d thought. I spent a ton of days just brainstorming before I started. I was really in my own way – overthinking the process when it wasn’t too different than writing the songs I had done prior. I just wanted to focus on making sure the message was clear and concise, and that the choruses were bright and fun.
Several of your songs are rooted in your own experiences. Why was it important to you to use those personal memories in creating this album?
I’ve had the biggest experience in my adult life that inspired this record – fostering and then later adopting my first son. It’s been a life changing moment and has changed the direction of not only my music, but has me thinking about my legacy and what I bring to the art form and culture. It’s led to a really fun transition that I think will be a part of me forever.
You are known for making video game/nerdcore hip hop. What advice would you give to kids who struggle because they are nerds or have interests outside of the so-called mainstream?
I don’t think the nerds struggle is nearly as tough today as it was a few decades ago. Kids are pretty free to be themselves these days without too much pushback from society, but I’m sure there are bullies and haters everywhere. So, for kids who like things that are a little outside the norm, I’d say to embrace that difference and be yourself. It’s so much more fun standing out than fitting in.
Kids love reading the Guiness Book of World Records. You’re in the Guiness Book for having the most songs that reference a video game. Was getting the world record a goal that you had for yourself? What’s it like to be a Guiness Book of World Records holder?
It’s insane! I’ve read those books when I was young and to be in one is an absolute dream come true. I’m thankful for Guinness for recognizing my strange world and my contributions. I got an opportunity to travel to London and go to the Guinness offices, where I played songs and received a plaque with my name on it. An absolute perfect scenario, a wish fulfilled. I’ll never forget it.
Buddy’s Magic Toy Box contains such great messages and is so entertaining. Will there be more children’s music in your future?
Absolutely! I have a ton of other concepts in mind! I’ll see how things go but I absolutely see myself creating more children’s music. My producers have sent a ton of beats over that have inspired me in new ways. So I’ll do it as long as I’m inspired!
Anything else that you would like to share with us?
John Lennon Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner 
I love discovering “new-to-me” artists. Often they are like wrapped gifts – you don’t know what’s inside, but you’re excited to open it and find out. That’s how I felt about Sing Along Tim and his new album, Brand New World of Pants. Even though this is Toronto-based Tim Machin’s third studio family music album, this was my introduction to his music. Right away I was intrigued by the album’s name – Brand New World of Pants and fun artwork. Was this going to be a pop album? A collection of silly songs? Is it for preschoolers? Grade school aged kids? 
We are thisclose to the beginning of August already and many families that I know are beginning to experience the summer slump. That time of year when most of the fun activities that you’d been looking forward to all winter are now over and the rush to get ready for school has begun. Stir into that mix some really unpleasant temperatures, and all anyone wants to do is hang out inside and chill. That’s where 
Forty-five years ago, politician and activist 
“Rainbow Flow,” the opening track from Jessa Campbell & the Saplings latest album for families reminded me of this beautiful moment. Filled with facts about the science behind what makes a rainbow, Campbell takes what could otherwise feel like a school lesson and turns it into a one-of-a-kind dance groove. The melody of “Rainbow Flow” swirls around you making your body move while Campbell’s stellar vocals weave in lyrics that educate and entertain at the same time. Throw in special guest, GRAMMY-nominated Saulpaul, and you have a song that listeners won’t soon forget. And speaking of forget. If you’re like me, you were taught that the easiest way to remember the colors of the rainbow was with the acronym ROYGBIV. After listening to “Rainbow Flow,” I say forget that! All you have to do is listen to the chorus and you’ll never need ROYGBIV again.