Queensland-based New Zealand singer-songwriter, Eden Mulholland has taken a quick detour from his usual work as an award-winning composer and collaborator to create his very first album of children's music.
A prolific creator who has worked with the likes of Boy & Bear and Amy Shark, while recent commissions include The Royal NZ Ballet, World Of WearableArt, and FIFA Women's World Cup Opening Ceremony, it's not that big a step for Eden who readily admits to being fond of repetitive jokes that are not funny anymore, except to him.Currently a resident in the suburbs of North Brisbane, where he lives with his wife and three children, Eden has manifested the character Little Bear, recording ten quaint interpretations of classic nursery rhymes, the record titled 'A Bee Might Bite My Nose'.
"Sharing each draft with my kids and witnessing their affection for Little Bear has been a gift. They've now memorised every song," shares Eden.
The title track is Little Bear's kooky yet playful reimagining of 'Old MacDonald'. "This song is super fun," enthuses Little Bear.
"It goes like 'Old MacDonald;, but it's about a bee that might nibble on my nose! There are snouts and fishies and crabs and pigs in this song, and even honeycomb, yum!"
From the gorgeously plucked guitar lines, delightful egg shaker, cinematic percussion and Little Bear's child-like mischievous, inquisitive nature, 'A Bee Might Bite My Nose' is an instant earworm for children and parents alike.
With the album released today, scenestr is thrilled to premiere the 'A Bee Might Bite My Nose' music video. Enjoy.
"Making this album has been the most enjoyable, most stress-free creation process of any of my recent releases," Eden says.
"LB bosses me around, does all the creative heavy-lifting and I'm just along for the ride. I didn't bother being pedantic about the recordings either, nothing tracked to a click, it's all just LB's natural vibe.
"I thought this was going to be a single, but then ten songs poured out in about five days and the kids were loving them so I thought why don't I just put it out so other kids can hear it!
"LB however, has other expectations. He think's he's famous already. He keeps asking everyone if they want something signed hahah :)."
Other titles from 'A Bee Might Bite My Nose' include 'Four Jars Of Honey', 'This Old Bear', 'Incey Wincey Spiderbear', and 'Sniffle Snuffle Little Bear'. "I definitely think being a Dad makes me have more fun making music. I mean, it's all so SERIOUS when it's your job to make serious music!
"I love making serious music, don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT, but perhaps why making LB music is so enjoyable is because it's a truer reflection of my personality, generally pretty happy all the time with just the faintest of melancholic streaks.
"LB's character developed over about 15 years. Even before we had a family I used to send my wife silly 'setup' pictures of Little Bear in a pub, at the beach, asleep in bed etc. Now he's become as real to us as any member of our household. Sometimes I even blame things on LB (don't tell him)."
