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Interview: An Interview with Laurie Berkner |
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Fatherville.com: Laurie, what motivated you to produce a children music DVD? In other words tell us a little bit about the vision behind creating the DVD? Why did you decide to pursue children's music?
LB: I was teaching music to preschoolers and was really inspired by the kids and their energy. A DVD seemed like another way that I could connect with children, by adding the new element of visuals.
Fatherville.com: Who wrote the songs on your album and how did you decide which songs to include on the DVD?
LB: I did, except for "O Susannah." I chose songs that I like that I thought should get a little more out in the world, like "Moon Moon Moon" and "The Goldfish" that kids weren�t seeing on TV, and a few that I knew were big hits like "Victor Vito" and "We Are The Dinosaurs."
Fatherville.com: Did you have other songs to choose from other than those that ended up on the album?
LB: I could have gone with anything, those were the ones that made sense to me.
Fatherville.com: How did you come up with the name "The Laurie Berkner Band"?
LB: I wanted to keep my name in it so people would know who I was but I also wanted to make it clear that it's not just me, there's a band involved.
Fatherville.com: How long did it take you to complete the album?
LB: The DVD itself took about six weeks.
Fatherville.com: What age groups are best suited for your DVD?
LB: About ages 2-6
Fatherville.com: Besides the pure entertainment of watching the DVD are you also trying to teach kids specific lessons through your music or is it simply to have fun? Talk a little more about that please.
LB: It's too simple to say it's just about having fun, but that�s where I start from, and it's about having kids connect to music in a way that feels fun to them. Ultimately they end up learning things because of the songs. I write from the perspective of something that I think is important to myself � it's not so much about teaching, more about sharing something that I feel like I�ve learned, that I kind of wish I�d learned when I was younger. For example connecting with feelings of anger and power in "We Are The Dinosaurs."
Fatherville.com: In your opinion what are some of the biggest challenges that young kids face today?
LB: I don't know, can�t answer that yet.
Fatherville.com: When you were a child did you have a favorite musician or group you liked to listen to? What are your musical roots? When did you start? What age?
LB: In terms of children's albums we had Burl Ives, French and German folk music. In our house around the time that I was in middle school we listened to a lot of classical music, Broadway musicals, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver. I was really into Olivia Newton-John.
Fatherville.com: Who are your heros?
LB: Katharine Hepburn, David Byrne, Neil Young.
Fatherville.com: Who are your most significant musical influences?
LB: Growing up listening to musicals, John Lennon, Joan Armatrading, Neil Young.
Fatherville.com: Are there more DVD albums planned?
LB: Not at this point.
Fatherville.com: Thinking about all of the songs you've included on the album which one is your personal favorite? Why?
LB: I feel very close to "Walk Along The River." It was inspired by walking along the Hudson with my daughter.
Fatherville.com: Are you living your dream?
LB: Not really! What I mean by that is, I'm doing a lot of things that I love to do, but I'm realizing that the dream I had isn't reality! I had thought that I could be in control of everything and only be "the artist." My dream was somehow to be in control of everything and not have to do anything! Being responsible for what's happening in my career can feel good but mostly I find the business side difficult, so I've had to give up having sole control of that aspect.
Fatherville.com: Laurie, thank your for your time. We really appreciate the positive and fun influence you are having through your music.
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