Newcastle’s much-loved children’s act The Quokkas is keen to spread some cheer, and a bit of silliness, with its latest release this month.
Songs For Silly Billies, released through ABC Kids Music, will hit the marketplace from 18 October, offering 13 tracks to keep the young ones, and hopefully the adults, entertained.
And, there aren’t many groups out there using birds getting electrocuted as a means to teach kids how to count.
But, Nick Gill, Pam Hyde, Komiti Levai, Stef Tuyl, Matt McLaren and his guide dog Indy wanted to fill that gap.
Hence the title Songs For Silly Billies.
“Kids love to laugh and that’s what we set out to do with our sophomore offering,” Gill told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’ve created a blend of ridiculous tracks while still sprinkling the heart that we’re known for.
“We wanted to put something together that taps into the boundless energy and humour of kids.
“So, the inspiration was simple.
“What if we took the joy of being silly and matched it with the magic of music?
“Every song was based on the question: ‘What makes children smile?’
“The album is a collection of tunes that are as playful as they are heartwarming, staying true to the spirit of The Quokkas.”
It’s easy to see why with the single titles I Forgot My Goggles, When We Work Together, Guacamole, Just A Song About Cats (feat Whistle and Trick), Five Little Birds, How Do You Get Around? (feat Itty Bitty Beats), Under The Sea, Fire Truck, Be Yourself (feat Tiptoe Giants), Nonsense Song, If You Try (feat Benny Time) and If Animals Could Talk.
Of course, there’s also the band’s theme, We’re The Quokkas.
It’s a musical party where everyone’s invited.
Nick Gill
“Each track aims to get a laugh,” Gill said.
“But, it also needs to be easy to sing and dance along to for it to work.
“So far, the response from the songs being performed live has been great.
“Fingers crossed it translates once the album is out.”
Formed in 2020 with a simple goal of creating fun and inclusive music, The Quokkas is doing that and so much more.
“There are a lot of kids bands that sing about this sort of stuff,” Gill said.
“However, The Quokkas are different in that we live this, with members of the group all from different background and abilities.
“We believe that ‘if you can’t see it, you can’t be it’.
“After three years together, we have amassed more than five million streams (current average: 160k+ per month) and over five million views on various video platforms for the 56 songs we’ve put out.
“We’ve been nominated for Best Album at the kids’ music awards (MMMAs).”
The group will now head on the road, with gigs already planned in Newcastle and Sydney to showcase Songs For Silly Billies.
“The magic of The Quokkas lies in our ability to make every child feel seen and celebrated,” Gill explained.
“Parents love us because our music embraces inclusivity.
“Whether you’re from a different culture, look unique or have special abilities, we make sure everyone feels like they belong.
“Kids tell us they can’t get enough of our songs because they’re irresistibly catchy.
“They love dancing, laughing and singing along, all while feeling part of the fun.
“It’s a musical party where everyone’s invited.”
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