Tag: fyutch

2025 Children’s Music Roundup

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

Welcome to Kids Rhythm and Rock’s annual Children’s Music Roundup! 2025 got away from me a little bit so this is coming to you a tad later than usual. Luckily, it’s never too late to celebrate great children’s music!

At the end of each year, rather than doing a “Top 10” or a “Best of” list, I compile a list of albums that have come to my attention during the last 12 months and separate them into fun categories. While the total number of albums that are included varies from year-to-year, the richness and depth that is family music just keeps growing and this past year was no different.

Let’s kickoff 2026 by taking a look back at the “year that was” in children’s music. Don’t see your favorites? Please add them in the comments.

Introducing…

Debut albums you should know

Hang Out with Raven from City Birds

I Like the Sounds You Make from Eeme and Shan

Tunezies Vol. 1 from Jesse Palter

Alphabops from Bug Friend

Be Mindful, Be Kind

Empathy, inclusion, and loving one another (as kids and parents) are at the heart of these albums.

Together from Heather Feather

I Am Enough from Hopscotch Songs

Change is Inevitable from Mama Nous

Fun Machine Dream Vol. One from You & Us

Oh to Be Young

Music with the littles in mind. Many of the songs would be great for storytime.

My Voice from Andy Z

Imagine Shine Play from Miss Jessica

Family Friendly Songs, Vol. 5 from Tom Foote

Go Go Stop: Music and Movement for Kids from Shawny

Super Duper Awesome Day from Ashley Mills Monaghan

Warm Fuzzies from Katie Dwyer Music

Funky Fun

Silly, thoughtful fun for everyone!

Big Kid Stuff from Mr. Jeff

The Color Weasel from Todd ‘n’ Tina

Jesse Jukebox Sells Out from Jesse Jukebox

Slippery When Peeled from Go Banana Go and Flula Borg

Sweet Home Chicago

These artists all call Chicago home.

Get Your Sunny Side Up from Wendy and DB

After We Roam from Little Miss Ann

Brain Freeze from Justin Roberts

Keeping It Real

These albums all feature stories and experiences from real people.

Dandelion Songs: Inspired by Military Kids and Families from Greg Lato

The Story of U.S. Vol. 1 from Griot B

Herstory from Flor Bromley

Arise & Shine: Piano Music by Black Composers for Kids

Naturally

These albums celebrate the Earth, the animals, and the plants, and how we all fit together on this planet we call home.

Belong from Musiquita (bilingual)

Tree Sounds from Marko Polo

Pop Jams

The title says it all!

Wonder FULL from Dana

M.Y. F.A.M.I.L.Y. from Scott & Mark Hoying

Oopsie Daisy from Teacher Peter (bilingual)

Carry On! from Princess Backpack and Benjamin

Our Friends to the South

Just a sampling of the vibrant children’s music scene in New Zealand

Little Wild Singable Songs: Play, Help, Wonder from Claudia Robin Gunn

The Prose and Cons from Captain Festus McBoyle

BeetBite vol. 3 and 4 from BeetBite

Unstoppable Beats

Glam pop, hip hop, space folk and more!

Micro Party from Electric Blue Yonder

On the Stoop from Rolie Polie Guacamole

Buddy’s Magic Tree House from Mega Ran

A Non Fiction Fairytale from Twinkle Time

We Are Family

This year’s top duets were provided by two children’s music artists and their young daughters.

Ageless: 100 Years Young from Joanie Leeds & Joya

Harmony from Fyütch & Aura V

Potpourri

As in my favorite Jeopardy category, not the dried flowers.

Arise Together: Songs to Inspire from various artists

Sunny Side Up from Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Dinosaur Spaghetti from City Love

Try Try Again from Mike Bryden

Hooray for the World! from Red Grammer

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Video Spotlight: New Songs of the Summer

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

2025 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for new children’s music. Not only have a couple dozen new albums been released in the past few months, but many of your favorite artists have also released singles for you to enjoy. Some of the new songs are standalones, some are teasers for upcoming albums, and others feature special collaborations. No matter their origin, all are fantastic and fun. Below is just a sampling of some of the incredible music coming your way. Looking for more children’s music? Be on the lookout for playlists on Spotify or you favorite streaming service. When looking for new playlists, try looking for those curated by children’s music artists such as this one from Kath Bee or this list from Claudia Robin Gunn. There is so much more to children’s music than just movie and television soundtracks so take some time and explore all that is out there. And in the meantime, enjoy these new sounds of the summer.

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Video Spotlight – “I Am Love, I Am Light” performed by Fyütch and Aura V

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Cover art with Fyutch and Aura VIt’s hard to believe that it was just three short years ago that Fyütch first landed on my radar with his video for “Black Women in History.” Since then, he has had a lasting impact on children’s music both as a solo performer as well as a collaborator with other artists such as SaulPaul, Alphabet Rockers, Divinity Roxx, and Joanie Leeds. All of those performers, however, pale in comparison to  Fyütch’s latest duet partner, his six-year-old daughter Aura. 

On their new song, “I Am Love, I Am Light,” this dynamic duo shares affirmations set to an energy-filled beat that encourage listeners to echo confidence-packed phrases such as “I am brave,” “I am worthy,” “I am grateful, “I am kind,” and “I love me.” Fyütch brings a shining light to everything that he does and combined with Aura’s joyful spirit, the feeling of love in each word wraps itself around the listener. In a world that at times can feel a little dark and overwhelming, “I Am Love, I Am Light” is a beacon to be shared and celebrated by children and adults alike. Spread this heartfelt message not just during the month of love, but throughout the entire year!

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New Holiday Music

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The December holidays are upon us! While I had intended to get this out shortly after Thanksgiving, it’s never too late to discover new sounds of the season. By far my favorite new holiday album of 2022 is Oy Vey! Another Christmas Album from Joanie Leeds and Fyütch. Blending Joanie’s lush jazz-infused vocals with Fyütch’s hip-hop stylings and updating the tempos and arrangements, the duo brings a fresh new vibe to songs such as “Winter Wonderland,” I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and “Little Drummer Boy.” While you might come for the standards, make sure to stay for the originals including the delightful “Decorating the Christmas Tree” which features Joanie’s daughter Joya and Fyütch’s daughter Aura, and the children’s radio hit “Every Day’s a Holiday.” Take a listen to the EP here.

Looking for more holiday music? Try these offerings. 

Another Laurie Berkner Christmas by The Laurie Berkner Band

“Christmas Eve” by Suzanne Jamieson

“Christmas Time is Here” by Tom Weber

“Go to Bed Little Reindeer” by JellyBean Queen

“Great Big Holiday” by BenAnna Band

“Happy Holidays” by Mr. Pete’s Playhouse

“Holiday Lights” by Stacy & Athena

“It Must Be Christmas” by Mr. Jon & Friends

“It’s Almost Christmas Day” by Fabulous Lemon Drops

“La Navidad” by EVT Kids 

“Listen for Santa” by You and Us

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Song Spotlight – “Joy, Spice, Soul”

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In children’s music, something incredible happened as a direct result of the pandemic – collaboration. Sure, artists worked together on occasion before, but never like they do today. “Joy, Spice, Soul” is a perfect example of just one of the amazing collaborations happening right now. On this uplifting track, two-time GRAMMY winner Lucy Kalantari is joined by brand new GRAMMY winner Falu and GRAMMY nominee Fyütch in creating a slice of happiness. In this jazzy, upbeat tune, the basic melody remains constant as each of the performers brings their own style of music (jazz, soul, classical Indian) to the lyrics. When their voices join together, it’s pure magic. As they aptly declare, “We bring different flavors but sing the same song/Brothers and sisters let’s all sing along.” Take a listen below while you dance around the room celebrating the “Joy, Spice, Soul” in life!

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2021 Children’s Music Roundup

Librarians, Parents, Teachers, Uncategorized

Welcome to Kids Rhythm and Rock’s fourth annual Children’s Music Roundup! For those of you new to the blog, each year rather than doing a best of list, instead, I compile a list of my favorite albums.

2021 was an amazing year for children’s music with innumerable new artists making their way into the spotlight while more established acts continued to create incredible music and forged new musical partnerships with those they met along the way. Let’s say hello to 2022 by taking a look back at “the year that was” in children’s music. Don’t see your favorites listed below? Add them in the comments!

Be Mindful, Be Kind

Music to guide our everyday lives.

  • A Mind of Your Own performed by The Bright Siders
  • Maybe by Next Year performed by Kid Pan Alley
  • Frogs and Birds performed by Lindsay Munroe with Raffi
  • Yoga Dreamland performed by Putamayo

Beautiful Beats

Fun, fantastic tunes to brighten any day.

  • A Colorful World performed by Falu
  • You Are Magic performed by Allison Faith Levy
  • 28 Days performed by Little Miss Ann
  • Make it Happen! performed by Stacey Peasley
  • I Am performed by Shine and the Moonbeams

Potpourri

This was always my favorite Jeopardy! category. In this case, it’s a fun way to group the jazziest jazz, the quirkiest tunes, and songs on some popular topics together.

  • Seconds performed by Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots
  • It’s for You performed by Flula Borg and Go Banana Go!
  • What Kind of World? performed by Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats
  • Planetary Promenade performed by Billy Kelly
  • From My Head to My Toes performed by Music with Mandy
  • Ponderosa Bunchgrass & the Golden Rule performed by The Oot N’ Oots

Regional Superstars You Should Know

It’s easy to forget that our talented local performers aren’t well known all across the country. Here’s some from the past year everyone should give a try.

  • All Together Now performed by Esther Crow (New York)
  • Music Makes Me Happy performed by Katie Dwyer (New York)
  • The Grumpytime Club performed by Carrie Ferguson (Massachusetts)
  • Sing Your Song Performed by The Harmonica Pocket (Washington)
  • All Together performed by Kathryn the Grape (California)

Rockin’ Rhythms

I dare you to try and sit still while listening to these albums!

  • Crayon Kids performed by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
  • Ready, Set, Go! performed by Divinity Roxx
  • Invisible performed by Father Goose
  • Family Tree performed by Fyütch
  • Slow Clap performed by Koo Koo Kangaroo

Unique Musical Stylings

There was nothing else quite like these albums this year.

  • Young Maestros, Vol. 1 performed by Tracy Bonham (these could be showtunes)
  • Black to the Future performed by Pierce Freelon (Afrofuturism)
  • Folk for Little Folk, Vol.1 performed by Gordie MacKeeman (award-winning fiddling)
  • Okay to Be Different performed by SaulPaul (rap)
  • The Beat Bach Symphonies performed by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (rap with a symphony orchestra)
  • The Strawberry Band performed by The Story Pirates (music based on children’s stories)

Visiting with Old Friends

  • Let’s Go! performed by Laurie Berkner
  • Love Me for Who I Am: The Remix performed by Brady Rymer
  • Sharon, Lois & Bram Best of the Best Live performed by Sharon, Lois & Bram
  • We’re All Fruit Salad performed by The Wiggles



Wide World of Music

These albums feature music in Spanish, Spanish and English, and music from as far away as New Zealand.

  • Activate performed by 123 Andrés
  • Pachamama performed by Flor Bromley
  • Danilo & Chapis, Vol 1 performed by Danilo & Chapis
  • Esperanza performed by Sonia De Los Santos
  • Sing Through the Year performed by Claudia Robin Gunn
  • A Mi Me Gusta Ser Yo *It’s Ok To Be Me performed by Twinkle Time

With a Little Help From My Friends

2021 was a year of amazing partnerships and collaborations.

  • All One Tribe performed by 1 Tribe Collective
  • Let It Out! performed by Mil’s Trills
  • Let Love Be Your Guide performed by Dan & Claudia Zanes
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Video Spotlight – “Juneteenth” performed by Fyütch and Alphabet Rockers

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On June 17, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, making June 19 a federal holiday. Today’s video spotlight commemorates and celebrates Juneteenth. Music and social justice artists Fyütch and Alphabet Rockers have teamed up to set the historical record straight on the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Working with African American historian and scholar Dr. Sherri Arnold Mehta, they created “Juneteenth,” an anthem that honors the soldiers and families who strategized and worked for the freedom of all. This song is based in Dr. Mehta’s research which focuses on letters written by Black men who served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War. Dr. Mehta is the descendant of two ancestors who served in the USCT. Her ancestor Jefferson Michie, who was present in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865 for the reading of General Order No. 3, is on the cover art (above) of this song. Do you know the story of Juneteenth? Watch the video for “Juneteenth” below to learn more.

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It’s Your Graduation! Let’s Celebrate!!

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It’s been quite the year for students across the nation. Throughout the myriad of challenges – remote learning, hybrid learning, in-person learning, in school all day with very little movement from the classroom, wearing masks all day, not seeing friends, not seeing loved ones – our kids have shown an amazing amount of resiliency. Not only did they adapt, but with all that was going on, they still managed to participate, learn, and have some fun while “in school.” I’m in awe of the kids I see everyday. Yes, many have struggled, but many have also found ways to thrive and they are coming back stronger than ever before because they saw things this year. They experienced things this year. They hurt and they found joy. But most importantly, they made it. From the preschooler to the high school senior, it’s time to celebrate all those kids (and the families behind them!) who reached that life milestone of graduation.

Let’s start things off with “Ace It” from SaulPaul‘s recently released album OK to Be Different. “Ace It” recognizes the challenges that students face both at school and at home, as well as the reward when all that hard work pays off with graduation. One of my favorite phrases is “Life is a test…Ace It. Show up. Show out. Shine. Repeat.”

With graduation season having already started in some places, but running through the middle of June in others, let’s cap things off with a dance party from Fyütch with SaulPaul. “Graduation Bop” will have students moving and grooving across the stage to lyrics filled with praise. “You did it, you’re moving on up. Today we’re celebrating, we gon’ turn it up. You made it. What an accomplishment. Put on your cap and gown and get ready. It’s your graduation.” Congratulations to ALL of the 2021 graduates. This was a year for the books and as the song says, “you made it.” Celebrate!

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“Black Women in History” performed by Fyütch

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Fyütch is an incredible one-of-a-kind performer. He’s the master of the theme song remix, a social justice artist, an entertainer who combines music and visuals in new, inclusive ways (ASL plus a slow jam = awesome!) and family music performer. Last fall he debuted the fantastic “Indigenous Peoples Day Song for Kids” and just two weeks ago premiered his newest family music offering – “Black Women in History” which features Rissi Palmer and Snooknuk. 

One of the things that elevates the song and video “Black Women in History” is that rather than focus on women that we are all familiar with, Fyütch instead chooses to weave lesser known, but equally important, historical figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, Juno Frankie Pierce, and Claudette Colvin  into the song’s narrative. Not only does Fyütch weave them in, but he draws a line through history showing how the groundbreakers paved the way for today’s amazing women. A great example of this is highlighting Rebecca Crumpler, the first Black woman with a medical degree followed by the first Black, female veterinarians and ending with Dr. Kizzy who helped create the COVID-19 vaccine. Photographs of each woman mentioned in the song appear throughout the video. The lyrics are displayed on the screen in an easy to read manner that adds to the depth of the song by ensuring that listeners don’t miss a single thing. Enjoy this tour through history then ask your local library to help you find more information about these awe-inspiring women!

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