<<back A New Brand Emerges: The Kids Music Underground is Poised to Help Your Children Sing, Dance and Learn. Monday January 25, 2010—Brooklyn, NY— Another day at the office for John Carlin may sound a bit like a dream job to most Americans: start the day by leading music appreciation classes to a group of preschoolers, meet for lunch with the director/editor to put the finishing touches on the proposed television pilot for the KMU’s fledgling kids’ show, and finish the day writing music for the upcoming release of ME U. (aka “Me University”), an online supplemental education service for youngsters. On the contrary, the front man and Kids Music Underground co-founder is working hard to create what could be the preeminent children’s edutainment brand, and all of the fun, creative aspects of his days are balanced by solid, strategic business goals. “The KMU has two fundamental goals,” commented Carlin, “First, we create intelligent, authentic content that connects with a child’s deepest capabilities: unbridled love and the natural desire to learn. Secondly, we deliver these important messages in a consistent, dependable brand that stretches across the classroom, auditorium, television and internet.” Mr. Carlin was born into a family of entertainers from New Rochelle, NY. His late father, Tom, was a very successful actor, appearing regularly on Broadway, television and movies, including the comedy classic, Caddyshack. His mother, two-time Tony Award winning actress Frances Sternhagen, is something of a living legend, having appeared in countless television and stage productions, including ER, Sex and the City and Cheers. All of his five siblings are also involved in the performing arts. “Family, music and performance. It’s in my blood.” And so is parenting. Mr. Carlin has a thirteen-year-old daughter, Julia, who also appears to have tapped into the Carlin talent pool. “Suddenly she’s a budding singer-songwriter,” said Carlin, sporting a broad proud-father smile. But Mr. Carlin seems to be transforming all of this innate talent into a viable state-of-the-art business. “The KMU consists of four interconnected channels,” Carlin elaborated. “A television show, a franchised music appreciation school, a touring live act, and an online children’s university. The goal is to elevate the quality of children’s edutainment—both in terms of depth and scope—in order to keep them singing, laughing and learning in as many aspects of their lives as possible.” “And if we do it right,” he continued, “it will be enjoyable for the parents as well.” “We’re just putting the finishing touches on a kids’ television show pilot that we’ll be shopping to the networks. In each episode, my character comes to the aid of a child guest by traveling to a distant culture and learning about its people, food, customs and music,” Mr. Carlin explained, “with the help of three pretty amazing character puppets. We shot the majority of it in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival in 2009.” And where does all of this business acumen come from? “I have smart partners,” Carlin joked, referring to KMU co-founders Dan Stechow and Nick Sciorra, who together boast extensive backgrounds in music, media, technology and business affairs. “We have more combined years of experience than I care to mention.” But Mr. Carlin’s piece de resistance may be his ability to put on a heck-of-a-show. John Carlin and the Kids Music Underground also exists as a sextet, populated by a mix of genders, nationalities and musical backgrounds—precisely the Sly and the Family Stone meets Mr. Rogers blend that the KMU seeks. The KMU’s most recent release, “Welcome to the Kids Music Underground”, exhibits the same cultural and musical diversity…all without sacrificing memorable and enjoyable songs that the entire family will enjoy. All in all, Mr. Carlin’s endeavor may very well be exactly what the exploding children’s edutainment industry is in need of: smarts, sensitivity and quality. You can judge for yourself on Sunday, April 18th at Joe’s Pub in New York City. <<back