When parents hear the strains of their wee one’s favourite ditty for the hundredth time, their toes curl up. Most hadn't realized that listening to a cartoon character singing the same song over and over would be one of the sacrifices they’d have to make as parents. Bryan Townsend, founder of Atlanta-based The Pokey Pup feels their pain: “Let's face it, parents end up listening to this music and watching the DVDs as much as their kids do, and after a while, that can be downright excruciating on everyone's ears.“
The Pokey Pup is an online e-tailer that sells CDs, DVDs and books as an alternative to pre-packaged saccharine and TV-inspired music. "The best children's music can be music that parents enjoy as much as their children,” says Townsend. A long time music industry veteran, Townsend was inspired to launch The Pokey Pup in 2005 as he and his wife awaited the birth of their first child. Since then, sales have doubled each month and he’s amassed a catalogue of over 1,000 selections, combining classics like Sesame Street with selections from well-known and relatively unknown artists.
Gen X and Y parents who want to participate equally in family entertainment are The Pokey Pup’s primary audience. These parents actively seek out and participate in cross-generational experiences and expect to enjoy the activity as much as their child. Another example of this trend is previously featured Baby Loves Disco, which holds Saturday afternoon parent/child dance fêtes at local night clubs.
One to expand to different countries and languages. Note that curation is key with a concept like The Pokey Pup, and harnessing the long tail of independent music requires dogged research, original taste in music and the ability to communicate your preferences. If literature is your forte, why not start up a niche online bookstore offering the best alternative children’s books?
Website: www.pokeypup.com
Contact: service@pokeypup.com
Spotted by: Beth Blenz-Clucas
As mum of 2 preschoolers, I've survived many a long car trip due to the creative genius of a similar idea born and bred in NZ! Baby Dub is reggae music for kids that won't drive the grown ups crazy unlike other options....
Here's some background on them:
BabyDub is a unique, inspired and aurally appealing collection of music designed to provide a stimulating listening experience for babies and their parents. Simple, fun and appealing to ears of all ages BabyDub will instantly change the way you think about music for babies.
Over the years, extensive clinical research has shown a clear connection between musical stimulation and the healthy development of babies and young children, with positive results even detected through exposure at a pre-natal stage. Until now the problem has been finding music that will stimulate baby without driving mum and dad batty!...
100% New Zealand Music
Likewise - try Cha Cha Sam music for big-spirited kids and their grownups. Bloody fabulous!
Andrea Lemon