Grammy nominee Brady Rymer toured and recorded with the rock
band “From Good Homes” for 13 years before reinventing himself as a star of the
children’s music scene. His latest CD Love
Me for Who I am celebrates children of all abilities. He will be playing at
Southpaw this Saturday at 12:30pm. I
recently had the opportunity to chat with Brady about his kid-oriented tunes. —
BONUS TIP: We’re hosting a giveaway in Brady’s honor! One family will win
a four-pack to his Southpaw show plus his new book/CD. To win,
simply email [email protected] by Friday at 11am with the subject line “Brady Rymer.” Please include your mailing address.
What sparked your
interest in writing music geared toward kids with Autism?
It happened very naturally—my friend had started a school in
Wharton, New Jersey
for kids with autism, Asperger’s and similar disabilities. One summer she
invited me to play for the kids. It was such an amazing experience that I
decided to write some songs for them, sort of like a gift. I asked my friend at
the school to give me a bunch of titles that would be important to the
kids. She gave me titles that they felt
would capture the spirit of the kids and the songs flowed from there.
What is the most
important message that you try to convey with your music?
Be yourself! Hopefully we’ll all be celebrated for our
uniqueness. I believe in the power of doing what you love.
How does music
benefit autistic children?
Obviously the kids enjoy the music. It gives them a chance
to physically “shake it up” and loosen up. Music helps build a bridge between
the kids and their parents. The biggest compliment I have gotten has been from
parents who have said that they feel as though my music is a message from their
kids—’don’t try to fix me, accept me for who I am’. I also try to make songs
funny and hopeful.
What differences exist
between writing and performing music for adults versus kids?
None. As an artist, I write music that inspires me and that
I like. The subject matter is different in songs for adults and songs for kids,
but its still comes from the same spirited place within me. When I write music
for kids I observe life through their eyes and write my music from their point
of view.
Who are your musical
influences and what do you listen to?
I grew up with my parents’ music from the 50’s. I’m very
influenced by Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Motown. I love Tom Petty,
Springsteen, Bob Dylan and James Brown.
How old are your kids
and do they share your taste in music?
Now they are 12 and 14. I try to play music around the house
that I like, and hope they will like, too. I think that I influence their
musical tastes, and they have definitely influenced mine.
