When people ask me to describe punk rock, two words always come to the forefront – Mike Park. The dude has released music of constant quality since the late 80s as a member of various bands including Skankin’ Pickle and the Bruce Lee Band. He kept his label, Asian Man Records, independent during an era when it seemed like every indie was being scooped up by majors, and he has released music by some of my favorite bands, including Lawrence Arms and Joyce Manor.
Being a young person’s librarian – I was ecstatic when in 2012, he turned some of his attention to children’s music, launching Fun Fun Records as an outlet for punk rock parents to release music that appeals to young people. Park is providing a quality alternative to The Wiggles and those “lullaby renditions of popular artists” comps, (does Coldplay really need to be “toned down?”). Outside of Matt Pryor’s The Terrible Twos project, Park’s are the only releases that I can see a punk rock parent and child equally enjoying on long car rides, so I wanted to talk to Park about the label’s beginnings and future.
What inspired you to start Fun Fun Records?
Being a father is what led me on this path. I found myself strumming the guitar and making up improvised silly songs to my cooing baby. As the kids got older they would remember the songs, but since I just made them up I’d never remember them. So I thought, why not actually write some children’s music and thus began FUN FUN RECORDS.
What’s been the biggest challenge in running Fun Fun that is different than running Asian Man?
It’s just such a different demographic. So it’s like starting over again. Becoming acquainted with new children friendly radio/blogs/magazines, etc.
Through Fun Fun, you’ve released albums from musicians you’ve met through the punk rock scene (Kepi Ghoulie, Jesse Wagner, Dan Potthast, etc.). Do you plan on reaching out to artists who specialize specifically in kid’s music outside of the punk scene, or do you envision this label as a place specifically for people with ties to the punk scene?
This will specifically be a label that works with musicians in the punk community.
How did you approach the artists you’ve signed to Fun Fun? Did you send out a blanket request to your friends looking for artists or did they come to you?
A little bit of both, but it’s mostly me reaching out to friends that I’ve worked with in some capacity before. These are all side projects for our bands. For example, Jesse Wagner’s main gig is the Aggrolites. The only full time band is Koo Koo Kanga Roo. They play both kid shows and adult shows.
Editor’s note: Be sure to check out Koo Koo Kanga Roo TONIGHT at The Beauty Bar with locals 3d6 and Pet Tigers. We saw them open for Frank Turner last year – and believe me – it’s a show you won’t soon forget.
Who are your favorite children’s musicians who aren’t current releasing music through Fun Fun?
To be honest, I have very little contact with other children’s musicians. I feel like music is music and whether it’s the Beatles or Slayer, if the lyrics are family friendly, then go and blast it to your kids.
What punk musician have you not signed to Fun Fun that you think has a lot of untapped potential for children’s music? I’m a huge fan of Brendan Kelly’s, and I know he’s a dad, so I always thought it would be cool to hear a kids album from him.
I’ve already talked to Brendan and he’s on board, but having him actually finish is another story altogether.
When I saw you perform with The Chinkees at Viva Ska Vegas last year you mentioned being a part of the Yo Gabba Gabba tour. Can you tell me how that came about and what that tour was like? Do you find it more or less nerve wracking getting up on stage in front of little kids?
That was probably one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I have been friends with the MC BAT COMMANDER for quite some time and he is one of the producers of the show. They were looking for a single musician that could do the entire tour and somehow my name was thrown in the mix and BAM!! I was picked. It’s hard to describe, but it was just so exciting to be part of this mega hit show and just soak up the energy of a big theater type show. I got to perform in giant venues that I’d otherwise never be able to play at and I got to hang out with Biz Markie every day and eat catered food and ride in a fancy tour bus. It was like being a kid at Disneyland.
Editor’s note: If you want to see MC Bat Commander live – you’re in luck! Aquabats play Vegas on October 1st at the Hard Rock Live. Kids under 5 get in for free with a paying adult.
A lot of popular children’s musicians – Jim Gill comes to mind – have educational backgrounds in child development, and as such, tailor their songs to be both fun and also encouraging of early literacy through combinations of physical movement and active play. Like Gill’s “List of Dances” and “Jumping and Counting.” Is this something you encourage Fun Fun artists to become familiar with?
Not really. I just tell bands don’t dumb down the music. Just do something that’s family friendly. Again, I have no idea what I’m doing. My only credentials is being a parent and using them to test out the songs.
Do you see Fun Fun branching off into other forms of children’s entertainment? Releasing picture books, cartoons and the like?
I mean, I’d love to do that, but I have no idea if it’s possible. I’m just excited to be trying this venture and having fun with it.
Can you tell us what albums you have coming up?
We just released KOO KOO KANGA ROO “Whoopty Whoop” and HAPPY WAGS S/T. Our next release will be Matt Skiba and the Cereal Killers sometime in 2015.
Thank you Mike! Readers, if you want more from Fun Fun Records, please had over to funfunrecords.com/
The Chinkees and Koo Koo Kanga Roo photos by Emily Matview
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