In describing what we like about a band or an album we often default to, “I like the sound”. So what is it that makes one band’s sound pleasing and, even in the same genre, another annoying?
UCA has been considering this because time and again parents tell us, almost with a sigh of relief, that they, "like our sound".
Parents’ Feedback
We regularly hear, “Our kids love your music and we play it over and over again." Plus we hear many variations on, “The sound doesn’t irritate us like other kids’ albums do.”
Curious, and eager to build on what’s working, we ask parents to elucidate further. They comment on the clarity, the children’s singing and, once again ‘the sound’. So as producers we decided to put some solid thought into articulating exactly what the ‘UCA sound’ is.
Dedicated Studio
Most children’s albums are recorded either in fully professional recording studios which record bands & advertising jingles or, at the other end of the spectrum, in ‘hobby’ type facilities and home studios. In both situations, the resulting sound can be excellent. But often it is not.
UCA has its own professional recording studio almost entirely dedicated to children’s music. The studio set -up is child-friendly and the musical
The sound engineer’s ear is constantly attuned to the children’s performance and to achieving a mix that suits educational and family audiences. Through constant immersion in productions for children, the resulting mixes have a consistent, child-orientated ‘UCA sound’ that is pleasant to listen to in an ongoing way.
Educational Experience
Much of UCAs work over the past twenty years has been recording specific projects produced by Learning Media and the Ministry of Education for use in New Zealand schools. UCA appreciates how this side of our work keeps us up-to-date with educational trends. Radha, UCA’s creative director, is also a trained kindergarten teacher so the UCA sound is confident and ‘developmentally appropriate’.
Creative Freedom
The other side of our work is creating our own UCA albums. We are prolific writers enjoying uncompromised freedom in the creative process; original ideas bubble to the surface. Humour, fun, and wacky original ideas find expression. This gives our albums creative vibrancy which strikes a chord with children’s own inner playfulness, stimulating and inspiring their creativity.
Also contributing to the UCA Sound
- Exceptionally high production standards.
David, UCA’s engineer, mixed and mastered the album that won New Zealand’s first Grammy® Award. Our children’s music receives the same quality attention.
- The sound of children’s voices and excellence in their singing. We rigorously audition children and pay them for their work. We ensure they sing in tune and have good diction, since their singing will be a model for children listening.
- Professional, creative musicians who take children’s music as seriously as adults’ music. We also include just enough novel synth sounds that appeal to children.
- Stimulating and original content. Radha, UCA’s creative director, is an award-winning composer with over 25 years experience. She and fellow composer David Antony Clark have many original songs in the popular Kiwi Kidsongs series sung in classrooms throughout New Zealand.
- Age-appropriate musical arrangements. From extremely simple sounds for toddlers through to full ‘rock-band’ compositions for older kids, UCA albums expose children to a great variety of child-friendly musical ideas and genres.
So ...
Remember, if we as adults don’t like the sound, it can drive us to distraction! And yes, young children love repetition; they play their favourite music over and over again.So it is important that children's music is also pleasant listening for parents. (A witty parent once mused that the role of music in the teen years is just that; to drive parents nuts so it makes it easier to ‘let go’ when the kids leave home).
If your oldest is only knee high to a kiwi, be sure to choose the right ‘sound’ and make the most of these precious few years. Let our children be children for as long as possible. The grating volume and hormonal angst of teenage music will capture their loyalty all too soon. Enjoy the happy family listening years while you can – ‘the sound’ is precious!
Last Updated: September 18, 2007