Teeny Tiny Stevies – Sounds of Oz

I said I was going to highlight some Christmas music. You were warned. If you’re not ready to go full-Mariah yet, the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ new EP What Rhymes With Christmas? might be the release to ease you into the festive season.

I know, I know, I’m not in the Teeny Tiny Stevies’ core demographic. I’m definitely not a kid, and I don’t have any around me. I don’t have to listen to “children’s music.” I’ve resisted previous Teeny Tiny Stevies releases because I’ve already learned those important lessons about sharing, using sunscreen, and sleeping through the night. But Christmas is a season that brings out the inner child in us all, so these songs are a little more accessible than their standard fare.

This EP is full of really lovely folky music. It makes such a change from hearing the big divas and crooners that dominate Christmas playlists. Some might say it’s the ideal summer music. That’s what we need for an Aussie Christmas. Speaking of, it’s still so refreshing to hear musicians singing about our unique experiences of Christmas. There are references to Paul Kelly music, cicadas, the heat, and even biscuits. No cookies here!

“As songwriters, we feel so lucky to be welcomed into families’ homes via our Teeny Tiny Stevies catalogue, and while we’re privileged enough to be there it feels like the right time to add our local voice to the mix of mostly international Christmas classics,” Beth and Byll Stephens explained.

“Like most Australians, while enjoying the classic Christmas carols on offer, there is this weird disconnect when we’re singing along to songs about roasting chestnuts & snow men. It was a satisfying challenge, when writing these new songs, to ask ourselves ‘what does it feel like and sound like at MY Christmas right here at home’. ”

“I also like the idea of Christmas songs that aren’t completely about Christmas, for example ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is actually a love song, and ‘How to Make Gravy’ is the story of a family, I mean they are about Christmas but there’s another narrative. And we’ve honed in on that idea with ‘Three’. ”

Teeny Tiny Stevies are a children’s act, and I know that little ones will embrace these songs that tell real Aussie Christmas stories. But I encourage all of the adults out there to give What Rhymes With Christmas? a listen too. Like me, you might be pleasantly surprised.

If you’re still searching for the perfect present for little ones in your lives, how about some Teeny Tiny Stevies tickets? They’re taking their How to Be Creative tour all over the country in the New Year.

6 January 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
7 January 2023 – Civic Theatre Auditorium, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
8 January 2023 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
13 January 2023 – HOTA Lakeside Room, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
14 January 2023 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Meeajin/Brisbane
15 January 2023 – Armitage Centre @ Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
17 January 2023 – Events Centre Playhouse, Kabi Country/Caloundra
19 January 2023 – Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
20 January 2023 – MECC, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
22 January 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
27 January 2023 – Dunstan Playhouse, Tarntanya/Adelaide
28 January 2023 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
3 February 2023 – Port Cygnet Cannery, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Cygnet
4 February 2023 – Earl Arts Centre, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
5 February 2023 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 February 2023 – Live at the Bowl @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne
4 March 2023 – Twilight at Taronga @ Taronga Zoo, Eora/Sydney

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

It occurs to me that I don’t write about a lot of kids’ music on here. In fact, there’s a good chance I’ve never written about children’s music. I’m not a mum, so the most exposure I get is when The Wiggles and Hi-5 pop up on the carols each year. But I did want to put the Teeny Tiny Stevies on the radars of all the mums and dads out there, because they’re actually making excellent kids’ music. The kind of stuff parents might even want to listen to. Trust me.

Teeny Tiny Stevies is the brainchild of Byll and Beth Stephen, who you might know better as grown up band The Stevies. They take the same pop-folk approach to their kids’ music, but add lyrics that hope to educate and empower youngsters. Take the new single “Boss Of My Own Body.” On the surface it’s a fun song about how even though many things are outside a child’s control, they are free to move their body and express themselves through it how they want. But if children know their body is their own, they can also hopefully feel empowered should anyone else try to invade their space.

Expect more songs that speak of the challenges children and the things you want your youngster to know, as Byll and Beth brainstormed ideas for the album through social media. Parents bombarded the pair with song ideas, suggesting several topics they found difficult to broach at home. They hope their songs can become useful conversation starters for tackling those difficult issues.

“There is so much great children’s entertainment out there made exclusively with the children in mind, so instead of adding to that we wanted to consider the carers equally” said Byll. “After all it’s us parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and teachers who listen to the music along with the children.”

“Kids will have fun if their parents are having fun, and we want to create a space where music can be enjoyed by the whole family” adds Beth.

“Boss Of My Own Body” comes from Teeny Tiny Stevies forthcoming album Helpful Songs for Little People, which drops on February 16 through ABC Kids.

Image used with permission from Universal Music

Tag: Teeny Tiny Stevies

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