Ants on a Log’s third full-length album “Make it Myself” is full of clever songs encouraging children to think creatively about the challenges they can take on themselves. The songs ask questions like, what can we make instead of buy? How can we grow our emotional skills? Who can we stand up for? The Philadelphia-based duo, Julie Be (they/them) and Anya Rose (she/her), bring their well-honed balance of social justice and silliness to this 14-song album, which will be released as singles starting Feb 24, 2023.
With their signature mix of humor and harmony, Ants on a Log’s new songs address poignant issues such as inclusion, feminism, gender justice, racism, and environmentalism in joyful and accessible ways. The album’s smart lyrics and non-traditional narratives make listening a delight for adults, while offering families launch points for meaningful dinner table conversations.
In an age where kids are constantly on screens, “Make it Myself” is a refreshing reminder to children and families that they have screen-free ways to connect and create. Vibrant drums and saxophones kick off the title track, which empowers kids to think about what foods and toys they can make themselves with their own materials and skills. “Waiting in Line” demonstrates how children (and adults!) can invent spontaneous games in order to turn a frustrating situation into a time for creativity and fun. Driving harmonies are highlighted in each track, while the whole album features a well crafted mix of folk, rock, delicate finger picked guitar, complex hand percussion, and quirky dialogue from kids and adults. Eclectic sounds of the mandolin, flute, pandeiro, clarinet, saxophone, and electronic drums are woven into this album in an intentional and improvisational way. Listeners of all ages will be drawn into the Ants’ world of spontaneous joy and sing along moments.
In addition to an empowering invitation to activate kids’ autonomy, “Make it Myself” is also a nod to Julie Be’s audio production debut. Grammy® award winner Dean Jones served as Julie’s production mentor, and the two co-produced, recorded and mixed the album together at No Parking Studio in Rosendale, NY and Starfish Studio in Philadelphia, PA. Grammy® award winner Lucy Kalantari also served as a recording mentor and guest musician, and award-winning family musician Billy Jonas is featured as well.
The Ants offer educational content in an irresistibly fun package. Originally released on the “Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix,” Track 11, “They’re My Best Friend”, was the first song with exclusively nonbinary pronouns to be played on national radio stations. Track 12, “Had to Stand Up,” tells the story of a child who stands up for a new friend after witnessing racism on the playground. “The EPA Song” uses kid-friendly scenarios to illuminate how we decide what is safe for our air, water, and bodies.
Ants on a Log will celebrate their new album with an Earth Week Tour between Philadelphia and Boston. The tour runs April 13-30, starting at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and culminating with a multi-show run in Boston. The Ants touring band includes NY-based musician and theater-maker Mélissa Smith (of Bee Parks and the Hornets). She is also the author of “Insects & Me A to Z,” an interactive book which is creatively incorporated into Ants on a Log’s Earth Week concerts. Updated tour dates will be posted at www.AntsonaLogMusic.com and on their Facebook and Instagram pages @AntsonaLogMusic.
ABOUT ANTS ON A LOG
In addition to three full-length albums and several singles, Ants on a Log has created a variety of media. Their musical “Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline!” won a Parent’s Choice Award for the 2019 soundtrack, and is now viewable as a 40-minute musical movie, created and produced by Julie Be. The musical is also available as a script for schools to perform. In 2020 Julie produced the “Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix,” which won national acclaim as a landmark album in the world of intersectional kids media.The Ants’ self-produced music videos have been selected for juried film festivals including Providence Children’s Film Festival, Sydney Women’s International Film Festival, and Children’s Film Festival Seattle. Their song “Had to Stand Up” was a semi-finalist in the 2021 International Songwriting Competition, and has a companion anti-racism discussion guide created by Julie Be and DEI Education Specialist Mara Sapon-Shevin.
Anya Rose is an elementary science teacher and Julie Be is a music therapist. Blending their skills has enabled the duo to reach beyond the usual scope of simple songs for children. The Ants tackle complex themes, embracing the full potential of a child’s ability to think and feel. Their latest collaboration, “Zombie in my Head,” uses zombies as a metaphor for anxiety, offering children concrete skills to address intrusive thoughts, decrease negative self-talk, and increase mindfulness and confidence. Co-written by Julie Be and Bee Parks and the Hornets, the song comes with a companion skills worksheet for use by school counselors and child psychologists.
Performance credits include Wolf Trap, Cabot Theater, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Philadelphia Zoo, Strand Theater, World Cafe Live, and Provincetown Family Week. The Ants often partner with environmental, LGBTQ, and other justice-based organizations.
“The Ants pull off the impossible: kids’ music that is smart, challenging and fun, political but not preachy, catchy and appealing to adults.” -Rodney Whittenberg, Emmy-award winning producer
"...energetic and dynamic…Clever original songs were appreciated by all ages, including the adults in the room. Their socially conscious message was relayed with humor…"
-Mia Cabana, Head of Youth Services Department, Jones Library, Amherst, MA
“Ants on a Log are pushing family music in all the right directions. With wit and humor, they help kids (and parents) think through big, important ideas, and have fun doing it.”
~ Alastair Moock, Grammy® nominated children’s musician
"Ants on a Log will raise your spirits, and consciousness! Their music is smart, outrageously creative, illuminating, and FUN. Prepare yourself for a joyful and unpredictable journey — you are in good hands with Ants on a Log!” -Billy Jonas, award-winning family musician
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