Album Spotlight – Rainbow Seekers performed by Ants on a Log

Happy Pride Month! I am very excited to kick-off this June with the newest album from the Philadelphia-based trio Ants on a LogRainbow Seekers is a collection of eight original tracks that uplift queer youth through the power of engaging, inclusive, celebratory songs. Things kick off with “Rainbow Seekers,” which is not just the album’s title track, but also a song from the group’s musical of the same name. The album then dives into several empowering messages of self-expression. “River’s Coming Over,” which features performers Evan Greer and Fureigh, is a song about nonbinary friends playing together doing things that they find fun – making a rainbow unicorn cake, having a tea party with Wolverine or Wonder Woman being the captain of the football team. This is followed by “Terry the Nonbinary Canary” (which is just clamoring to be made into a picture book) and “My Suspenders” which encourages kids to dress in ways that bring them joy. The Alphabet Rockers join Ants on a Log for “The History of Blue and Pink,” and updated versions of “Some Girls Have Short Hair” which talks about the various kinds of hairstyles anyone can have, and “They’re My Best Friend” which was the first song on national radio with all nonbinary pronouns and now includes harmonies by Carrie Ferguson and Lavender Blues are also included. Some of the album’s quieter moments come during the lullaby “Moppa” which includes some of the many names that children may call their nonbinary parents and features the beautiful vocals of Strawbitty Yops and Lindz Amer. Be a Rainbow Seeker and listen to this shiny, shimmery celebration of and for queer families (and all families) not just during Pride Month, but all year through! Rainbow Seekers is now available on your favorite streaming platforms.

Make it Myself! Performed by Ants on a Log

Julie Be and Anya Rose (Ants on a Log) are back with their third full-length family album. On this latest outing, Make it Myself!, the duo’s talent for combining social justice with silliness is beautifully on display in a collection of 14 songs that encourage children to think creatively about challenges they may face in life. Those challenges range from something simple like finding ways to stay entertained while waiting in line to more complex challenges like finding the courage to stand up against the injustices that a child may encounter in every day life. On the sillier side is a buzzy lullaby to a mosquito and a yummy twist on King Midas where the king turns things into cheese rather than into gold. Also included is the stellar “They’re My Friend,” an accessible introduction to nonbinary pronouns, and “What Book?” a song sung from a girl’s perspective as she implores adults to see more than just pretty appearances.  Whether the lyrics are serious or silly, Ants on a Log creates a sound that engages and entertains. Check out the video for the title track, “Make it Myself” below.