Biography of Alan Seeley
Children's music artist Alan Seeley carved a unique niche in the genre. Rather than adding to the abundance of simple and pedantic songs that populate the field, Alan strived to raise children's music to an art form. Knowing that kids today are sophisticated and are exposed to computers, the internet and television, Alan asked "Why not challenge and entertain kids with quality songs and lyrics with a strong storytelling component?"
The success of these efforts is evident in Alan's album Rocket Radio. Set in the mini-adventure of an alien rock star who arrives on Earth to give a concert, Rocket Radio contains thirteen original songs ranging from the James Taylor-like "A Friendly Day" to the rapping "Sherlock Homeboy" to the wistful "Out There Somewhere" to the inspirational "Read A Book." With its unique blend of adventure, dialogue and songs, Rocket Radio signals a new genre in children's music.
Alan's first album, Tales In Tune, remains a classic. With contagiously hummable tunes, witty lyrics and state-of-the-art arrangements, the songs tell stories about rapping rabbits, sluggish sloths, pizza ghouls, dizzy chickens and a variety of other creatures. For example, "All in a Line" functions as a highly entertaining counting song as six baby chicks one by one fall out of line en route to the watering hole. The song "Detour" uses vignettes of truck drivers, mountain climbers, river rafters and astronauts to deliver a message about the value of perseverance and resourcefulness. In "On Slow Groove" a sloth who drinks coffee to near-calamitous results learns from his sister that it's OK to move at your own speed. In "Try Try Try" a determined quail ignores ridicule from his peers and learns how to fly.
His quest for writing stories in song has led Alan to pen audio musical plays as well. His album Jason and the Books tells the story of a young boy who would much rather play video games than read. When the boy finds himself home alone one stormy night, the power goes out and the books come alive.
Star Matter ~ Recently released musical play with 10 new songs about a young girl, after a poor performance a her school play, finds herself on a trail to another planet with animals that morph into aliens. After a successful performance on this planet, she returns to Earth - to wake-up and discover it was all a dream.
Alan displayed his love for music at an early age and remained with him throughout his life, tuning & playing pianos and teaching himself the violin.
He composed music as well as playing and singing and always sharing it with kids. His playful ideas were transferred into songs and musical plays.
Music was his passion while still practicing his profession as an actuary. He also found time to perform at Border’s Book Stores, Bank Street Book Store and created a video shown at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)
Alan’s passing early in 2018 has not stopped his contribution to children’s songs and musical plays, now available throughout the world.
Alan lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico.