Being asked to do talks and interviews around the book, I find myself explaining the contents, my motivations, and my journey through the writing process in different ways to different audiences. Here is a short piece I wrote for my upcoming talk (December 2020) to post-grad students in the Cultures in Education Research, and Music in Education Research Groups at Birmingham City University. My new book, ‘Spinning the Child: ‘Musical Constructions of Childhood through Records

I have been writing and performing music for children and families for nearly 15 years. I've written and recorded at least 200 songs for youngsters. I've done hundreds of 'gigs for cool kids' with my band Johnny and the Raindrops. But why, oh, why, oh, why (Woody Guthrie reference) do I do it, and continue to do it? Without getting too deep into psychoanalysis and my own childhood experiences ('nuff said) here are my four reasons for writing and performing for children. 1. I

Once upon a time, not so long ago, everyone seemed to be singing to me, or about me. Records made for children or even by children seemed to