Written by: Tom Wilson - Sense Music Media

COVID has taken a lot from us, but it’s also given us a lot too. Left with nothing to do but write, bands and artists have been pouring themselves into their craft, and the results have been a testament to the endurance of the creative spirit. I first met Western Sydney’s VAN SERENO when he approached me for artwork for his children’s album Rock Baby during the height of the original lockdown. Mostly known for blues/urban roots, Van has branched into music for kids over the last two years, and he has already followed up Rock Baby with the new album Daddy Day. Artists often don’t like to pick their favourite albums – they compare it to picking their favourite child – but that doesn’t make for a fun article, so SENSE sat him down and made him pick five records you should check out.

1. VAN SERENO – Daddy Day (2020)

“My most personal reflections into my private life as a single father, I wear my heart on my sleeve on this one. Fearless in the vulnerability, and open to constructive criticism, Daddy Day is a rare perspective of positivity. Advocating peaceful and harmonious co-parenting between divorced families, I choose to push that children remain at the forefront. Each song, I believe, strives to place the children in focus. Despite its title, this one is definitely dedicated to the kids of separated parents. Songs to watch out for are the daring Daddy Day, the swinging I Imagine Daddy’s With Me, the playful Alphabet Song and the steady Sorry Sorry.”

 2. VAN SERENO – Rock Baby (2020)

“A children’s album made with pure joy and love, designed to lure parents and children onto their feet and dancing, even the title packs a punch! Targeted at children 0-5 years, this release takes the typical day-to-day activities of a kid and turns them into a party. For me and my band, I wanted this to be a fun project. I look at this album and hear a playfulness, a light-heartedness and brightness that shines in the production. Song highlights for me would be the quiet Rock Baby, the instructional Let’s Make the Bed, the colourful I Really Like Painting and the funny Sitting on the Toilet Seat.”

3. VAN SERENO – Hush (2019)

“My first foray into the children’s genre, Hush is generally targeted to older kids 4-9 years. Inspired by becoming a brand new father, I wrote songs that made my daughter dance and smile. I wanted to bring my brand and vibe of music as a fresh and funky way to do children’s music, going against the grain of the more traditional and old-school approach. Adding elements of jazz and blues and with no real centralising theme or concept, I hope to give parents and children a cool quirky collection of kids’ tunes that will stick. Check out the bubbly Can You Colour In?, the educational Ride that Bicycle, the relentless Are We There Yet? and the witty I’ve Got to Go Outside.”

4. VAN SERENO – Old Christmas Songs (2018)

Bringing my band together for a big jam, this batch of songs gathers Christmas tunes re-arranged and presented my way; groovy and simple, executing a modern interpretation to these timeless classics. With two original songs I penned myself, I add my personal touch about the way I view Christmas and introduce an Australian holiday song that emphasises family and togetherness – what Christmas should really be about. I genuinely love Christmas time, and the yuletide songs that always bring back fond memories of Christmas of the past and growing up. Standout tracks to me are the original Old Christmas Songs, the reggae Little Drummer Boy, the bluesy Please Come Home for Christmas and the melancholy Christmas Eve.”

5. VAN SERENO – Don’t Worry (2017)

“Worrying is such a root of anxiety sometimes – it can stifle creativity within us. This album means to me hope, and even in this unprecedented time of the pandemic, I still play tunes from this album in my live shows. At the time of writing I was very happy, flourishing in my new relationship with my partner at the time, our first baby on the way – I was a picture of optimism. This album, to me, was never marketed well in the way it should have been (with only myself to blame). I make mention of this album because of its positive messages of love and happiness – something that the world needs right now. With a total list of fifteen tracks, ten blues-based and five pop-based, only two are slow in tempo, so the album calls for a bit of a boogie and a head bop or two! Highlights for me would be the subtle Only Good, the boppy Guard my Mind, the catchy Keep On Keeping On and the funky I Love It.”

Download

You can stream Daddy Day and VAN SERENO’s full catalogue for free on YouTube

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