Todays act is a pirate. Pretty much sums it up. However if one looks even with the most slightest, of intent, past the make up, the accent, and the motley crew, what you will find is a complex world of mysterious and magical musings of a world that only in hindsight, seems to exists in fantasy. 



And that is where the fun begins. For it’s the invitation into this world where todays guest really does ignite their audiences fascination and willingness to leave what they know behind them and enter a world of controlled chaos, adventure and total abandonment of social norms. 

Todays guests seem, on the surface, to be a fun loving group, totally embodying the idea of dancing, celebration and being oneself. Which is fare enough because that’s what they are. However if you go deeper, listen a little more carefully with intent and indeed look into the history of this act, you will find a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to throwing their arms around the community they work to empower. 



Yes, their music is fun and it is a celebration, but this celebration comes with a much deeper sense of loving because it’s a celebration of one self, the person next to you, and the people everywhere who have found it harder to be heard in the world around them. 

Theres a common idea with children that in reality the musical scape or genre presented doesn’t really matter, as along as the lyrics one puts to their music is relatable and relevant. Under these circumstances, the music itself is really irrelevant. Not irrelevant in creation but rather anything is up for grabs in the ears of children. A mistake we can often fall into is thinking music for children and families must take on a particular form.



But this is changing as a new error of musicians find themselves not only challenging this notion but also simple realising it just isn’t the way it needs to be and it’s about time we treat children with the same sophistication we would treat any discerning music listener. 



Enter Diver City, an act that by all accounts, is as much at home in the festivals of adults as it is in the  halls for children and families. 



Their absolute dedication to their genre and their desire to bring it to a new audience has seen some of the most exciting music released for our children for years. 

Todays guests, are an act who in only two short years and two albums have established themselves, at least from the perspective of a listener, as corner stones to the new emerging scene. Building blocks to what is becoming a whole new generation of musical acts and style presented for children and families.



In this episode we get to hear about their process, their commitment to getting it right and their relentless work ethic.

Todays guest is an act that really does seem to just plonk itself firmly into the world of children, as if the instruments have been left out and a bunch of kids have stumbled on them and decided to sing a few songs on whatever they are thinking about at the time. I guess this do-it-yourself honesty can only find its feet in the art of punk so it makes total sense that that is the genre they choose. 



Introducing the Punk Rocks Socks. A group of sock puppets by the names of Sheena Gerry and Vern, who as far as I can tell, pretty much live in the shoes of children keeping their feet warm. 



Today we are lucky enough to chat with Sheena, aka Jolene Young on what it takes to fill the shoes of children.

Today my guest is Animator, Writer and Illustrator Raymond McGrath, an artist who is kind of talented beyond compare. You see he is known as an animator which he absolutely deserves for his animation is both exquisite, absolutely versatile and also locked in this world of making the inprobable very real. However when you observe  him through the parts he offers us, what you also find is an incredible story writer, song writer and a dreamer in the most absolute purest form of the term. 

Today my guest is Animator, Writer and Illustrator Raymond McGrath, an artist who is kind of talented beyond compare. You see he is known as an animator which he absolutely deserves for his animation is both exquisite, absolutely versatile and also locked in this world of making the inprobable very real. However when you observe  him through the parts he offers us, what you also find is an incredible story writer, song writer and a dreamer in the most absolute purest form of the term. 

Today we do a deep dive into the work of Yeah Nah.



An artist who has captured the unique ability to speak on behalf of a child who is speaking on behalf of the adult. A quite complex arrangement but one that stirs emotions of nostalgia for our own upbringing and undoubtedly reminding us juts how special our time with our kids are and more importantly just how special it is to them.



This is an artist with a genuine heart and one who is happy to wear it on the sleeve of an album.

Today on Benny asking People Questions we talk To Little Miss Ann and Suzi Shelton. Two dear friends and individually successful artists who have come together to form Birds of a Feather, an act with the clear intention of celebrating their friendship.



Their debut album is nothing short of a triumphant ride and something that will be celebrated the world over.



So grab a cup of coffee, listen to the love and the laughs of these two amazing woman as they celebrate finding each other.

Today we discuss the value of values and the stories that share them with Van Sereno.



Van is one of our industries most prolific artists and today we talk about his 19th album Parables, an album he states, come full circle in his life.



So sit back and let Van tell you a story.

Few people truly see the world through the eyes of a child and take us on adventure and intrigue as Andy Day.



His career in children’s television is as extensive and as varied as the man himself and with a genuine love for the excitement and adventuress he has given us an insight into the world our children see.



He is about to embark on an Australian tour and we were luckily enough chat to him all about the ins and outs of being an odd sock.

We all have a message, well, we all feel we have a message. But few have a message as clear and succinct as todays guest.



With an academic life dedicated to the respect and celebration of the earth, it is of no wonder, really that that is exactly what the music would be about.



But not just a celebration but also more engaging in the wonder of it all. A wonder they want to share with children. To enage the listener in the wonder of whats right in front of us.



The music is epic in some regard as it menaders through verses of information and awareness but always keeping its musical feet planted (excuse the pun) firmly in the pot of fun and humour. It is music for us to clap along to, sing along to, and get busy with and share with our families as we take time to admire all the things the world has already given us.



I give you Amelie Ecology

Todays is a bit of a treat for me as I have been watching the career of Flor Bromley from a far and have grown to deeply appreciate her approach to all she does.



It’s not just for the music and the seemingly effortless meandering she does through genre’s and ideas, both big and small, but really for the pride in which she does it.



She has such a deep love for not so much her culture and upbringing but in herself which comes out ever so strongly in her work.



Flor herself is as fascinating as her music and today we get to find out why.

Every once and a while a genre finds itself being spun on its head. It’s a natural progression of all things, as tastes, sensibilities, understandings, and the world in general changes and grows. As it grows so too does its thirst for a voice that represents the now.



Enter todays guests. An act that really reminds us all of the power children have and the respect their content deserves.



Known for not only there extraordinary craft, beautiful musical moments, messaging and execution, they possess an incredible work ethic and drive to create things that are simply put, beautiful for our children,



Their music is anything but common place and their tireless pursuit in providing what they feel is a platform our children deserve, is shown in their unprecedented popularity, respect and celebration.



And to think it all came from the one family, the one lounge room, the result of a singular parenting style.



So sit back and listen to Byll and Beth of Teeny Tiny Stevies on Benny Asking People questions.

When we think of Children’s music we often fall into the assumption of the 2-3 minute jingle-esque music and movement variety. It conjures an image of dancing, shouting, stage shows of colour and fanfare.



However as the world begins to expand it’s understanding and celebration of the complexities of the child, we starting to realise that the musical tastes and needs of children are just as complex, if not more, than that of the average adult.



Entre Eli. Eli first created his music for children through the Kinderling Kids Radio podcast, Bedtime explorers, where he merged his love of field recordings, Soundscapes and electronic music into a beautiful body of work to help children dream, and mo0re importantly, day dream.



In this interview we talk the complexities of relaxation music and just how something so seemingly simple can contain the complexities and vast as the universe it encourages us to explore.

Benny caves to the pressure and speaks a little more with Chris Lam Sam, about Major Minor Music and a few other personal journeys.

Today on ‘Benny asking People questions’ I finally cave to the pressure and allow someone else to ask ME the questions.



So grab a cuppa and sit back for todays episode of Chris Lam Sam asking BENNY questions.

Todays guests are simply chaos. Not to be confused with chaotic. There is a big difference. They are chaos in the true sense that they do what they want or need to do because its important to them, and if you truly engage in that sense of honesty, theres less need, want or desperation for it to work, You simply do what your heart tells you.



Their ‘do it yourself’ abandonment is truly admirable, and I think, at the chore of what makes their music fun.



And thats what this interview is….fun.



I bring you Todd’n’Tina

In Part 2 of our interview with Aunty Sharron, we talk exclusively about her song ‘I am me’.



This song, commissioned by ‘Human Rights Queensland’ is an ode, nod or musical interpretation of the UN’s rights of the child. A document outlining the respect, treatment and recognition all children deserve and should be strived for.



Her song is just as, if not more, powerful than the document and a real triumph and master class in speaking on behalf of thechild.



So grab a cuppa and sit and sip it all in as we chat with Aunty Sharron mirii Bell Part 2

Today on Part 1 Benny asking people questions we speak with Aunty Sharron mirii Bell.



Aunty Sharron talks about her life as an educator, her work imbedding First Nations perspectives into the education system and of course, her music.



Aunty Sharron is not an artist who does things by halves and her work is testament to the consideration, the commitment and the overall heart that goes into making every song, every decision and every sound.



Her music is as poignant as it is joyful and we get to hear what makes it all tick.