Music Minute: Okee Dokee Brothers - Songs for Singin'

GRAMMY® Award-winning The Okee Dokee Brothers encourage hope with a new collection of 27 original songs on their latest two-disc studio album, Songs for Singin’, scheduled for release on Friday, May 1^st, 2020 (nearly two months earlier than the planned release date).
At a time when families are quarantined at home, The Okee Dokee Brothers draw from the age-old tradition of singing to heal the soul during difficult times. This slew of catchy and inclusive songs allow fans to join in and belt out. In the spirit of American folk legends Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, Songs for Singin’ presents timeless messages of hope and unity. The album, produced by Dean Jones, includes an illustrated 32-page book with the lyrics and chords to every song to inspire living room sing-alongs.
Stepping away from their outdoor adventure-themed albums (Can You Canoe?, Through the Woods, Saddle Up, and Winterland), The Okee Dokee Brothers engage their fans through meaningful social conversations in the form of call and response tunes, sea shanties, church hymns, campfire songs, all-ages social songs, and protest songs. Songs for Singin’ invites family members to strengthen their bonds by experiencing music together amidst the backdrop of an increasingly divided world. To capture the free-spirit and imperfections of sing-alongs, the recordings feature an array of tunes tracked live with choruses sung by kids and parents alike.
Woody Guthrie’s words, humor, and life lessons are at the heart of Songs for Singin’. Homages to the revered folk icon include songs such as “Hope Machine,” “One Little Heart,” “Music Train,” “Campin’,” and “Hushabye.” A special nod to Pete Seeger, the song “If You Want A Song” came about after Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing witnessed Seeger perform live in Woodstock, NY. 

I had a chance to interview Joe Mallander of the Okee Dokee Brothers to learn more.

What do you love about making albums for kids and families?We love the challenge of writing a song that spans generations. We try to weave humor and heart together with a meaningful take-away, a clear concept, and maybe even some winks to the adults. 

Is there an instrument you don't play that you'd love to learn?Justin would love to learn the fiddle! He bought one last year and has been trying to learn it in his free time. Easier said than done - it's a tricky one! It's been Joe's lifelong goal to learn the kazoo, but just can't get the hang of it. ;) Real answer: Joe plays a bit of piano (basic chords and basic note reading), but would love to get so much better... like, Elton John kinda better! 

Why is it so important for families to encourage music in their homes?

It's important for kids to learn that making music isn't just for pop stars; it's for everybody. Casual music-making was a part of human history forever and we don't need glamour and glitz to feel the connection you get singing and dancing with your family. 

At a time when we could all use a little more collective compassion, The Okee Dokee Brothers release yet another prolific song-cycle that’s good for the heart and soul. Songs for Singin’ covers the full day from morning (Disc 1) to night (Disc 2). Singing songs that match up with daily routines can be a life-giving ritual. Rhythmic steps on a morning stroll; syncopated raindrops in the afternoon; clanging in the kitchen; the rocking chair’s lullaby. These are all times for singing, and each song is a reminder to be present through the different “Seasons in a Day.”