Music Minute: Kira Willey - Every Voice

I'm raising two tweens (crazy that they're both in that stage) and that brings with it a variety of challenges. Fortunately for the most part they both have healthy self-esteem, but sometimes things happen that can rock that. There are also the hormones, and the transition between liking little kid things and wanting things that are more adult.

I was excited to review a new album by award-winning songwriter, author and kids’ yoga expert Kira Willey - Every Voice. It's her fifth album of original songs and the music is empowering, encouraging, and community-minded. My kids, especially my oldest one, loved it. The tunes are catchy and it didn't take long for her to be singing along with the choruses. 

Some of Kira's yoga background does come in, with elements of mindfulness, but mostly this focuses on being a strong citizen and finding one's place. It's full of possibility, hope, and kindness.

“This record represents a bit of a new direction for me, and I’m so excited about it,” Willey says. “Social-emotional learning is critical for young kids, and I hope the themes in these songs of confidence, compassion and hope will inspire and empower kids to be their strong, capable selves!”

 Every Voicewill be available wherever music is sold on June 15th (Burnside Distribution). 

 

Emmy-winning animator Maciek Albrecht (HBO, Sesame Street, Scholastic) has created videos for “The Leader in Me,” and “Community,” (to be released in June) and teen group Real Girls has made a video for the first single, “Real Girl.” 

Willey plans concerts and events this summer and fall to celebrate the release of Every Voice. Visit Kirawilley.com  and the Kira Willey Facebook page for upcoming performances and other news.

 

About Kira Willey

Kira Willey brings music, yoga-based movement, and mindfulness to kids, in various ways: through her Rockin’ Yoga school programs and concerts, with her music and books, and by working directly with teachers and parents. Her albums (Mindful Moments for Kids, How To Be a Cloud, Kings & Queens of the Forest, and Dance for the Sun) have all earned Parents’ Choice Awards and national acclaim. Her hit song “Colors” was chosen for a worldwide ad campaign by Dell Computers, and is currently featured in a Canadian tourism ad (primetime TV and on Air Canada). Willey’s “Backseat Yoga Breaks” can be heard on SiriusXM Kids Place Live, and she’s the creator of two yoga-for-kids programs which air on PBS TV affiliates nationwide. Willey has made guest appearances on Laurie Berkner’s best-selling songs, including “Swing Me” and "Open Your Heart” (which is also a music video). The two artists have collaborated to create “Music You Can Move To” interstitial programming for SiriusXM Satellite Radio. A recognized children’s yoga and mindfulness expert, Willey is a frequent presenter and speaker at conferences; her TEDx talk “Bite-Sized Mindfulness,” can be viewed online. Organic Life magazine recently featured her work in public schools. In December 2017 Willey published her children’s mindfulness book, Breathe Like a Bear (Penguin Random House). The mom of three lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and also founded and leads frequent “Pop-Up Choir” events for grownups. Visit www.kirawilley.com to learn more!