Kat Harlton
Toronto based, JUNO Award-winning children’s group Splash’N Boots, recently released their new album I Am Love on October 28th via The Orchard and all streaming platforms.
I Am Love provides a safe space for children while encouraging them to express their emotions and grow together. It has the heartwarming tones that every child will love and any parental figure can sing to. Songs like “I See You” and “B R A V E” teach kids they are loved and seen while the closing track “May You Grow” is an uplifting, courageous song.
Across their 14 album career, Splash’N Boots, have garnered over 7.5 million career streams to date, over 12 million views on Youtube and performed over 5,000 shows across North America. On television, they have appeared daily in over 8.5 million homes across Canada with their number one TV show The Big Yellow Boot on Treehouse TV and Disney Jr. Canada, and recently wrote and produced an episode for Sesame Street.
Over time Splash’N Boots have proven their original songs and live shows bring community and joy to all, but music is just the beginning for their stewardship in raising awareness on important causes for children. The duo continue to lead by example with their worldwide pen pal program that is specific for children with Autism called “Lucas’ Letters”. Their commitment to philanthropy with organizations such as SickKids Hospital and MusiCounts shows the dedication they have built around their community.
This winter and spring, Splash’N Boots are bringing their nearly 20-year legacy in children’s music to new generations with a family show filled with connection, music, and heart.
I had the opportunity to chat with Taes about their new album, what they’ve learned along the way, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new album I Am Love?
Taes: Every album we write is inspired by the children we meet and this one, perhaps more than ever, was written after seeing what children faced over the past few years, the changes they went through, their bravery, their strength. They have faced so much uncertainty and unique challenges that we cannot possibly fully understand from their point of view, but we can provide them with support and listening ears and music that might lift them up and help them remember that they are never alone .I mean we used to write songs about bananas and pirates. We love both of them…but this album is all about heart, and at the end of the day, that’s really all that matters.
Kat: What do you hope listeners take from the new album?
Taes: Music is such a great way to connect to feelings, and I am really hoping that these songs inspire families to open up conversations and connect to each other.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Taes: The most challenging part is probably around the middle of it. Coming up with the song ideas happens easily all the time, and then getting those initial ideas out always flows and then there is putting it all together into a finished song….deciding what the finished package will look like always involves a lot of decisions because there are always so many ways it can go! SO I guess just navigating through those waters of…where should we go with this?! It’s fun but can be challenging!
Kat: What has been a career highlight for Splash’N Boots so far? What have you learned along the way?
Taes: I think that making the television show with Treehouse was a career highlight, it definitely pushed us outside of our comfort zone, we were writing the episodes and filming and just suddenly in this whole other world. We have learned a lot about holding onto our integrity throughout it all. What remains important to us is and has always been the kids. So really just holding true to that and creating content that allows them to feel and dance and move and connect.
Kat: What can we expect from Splash’N Boots for the balance of 2022?
Taes: We are back out on tour so have lots of shows coming up which is really exciting. We are also busy creating new content, doing some writing and creating some new ways to connect with our fanbase, so stay tuned for that!
Splash’N Boots – Tour Dates
Nov. 27 – Mississauga, ON – Living Arts Centre
Feb. 19 – Oshawa, ON – Regent Theatre
Mar. 14 – Richmond Hill, ON – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – 11:00am
Mar. 14 – Richmond Hill, ON – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – 2:00pm
May 28 – Fort McMurray, AB – CenterFire Place
Connect With Splash’N Boots
Website: https://splashnboots.com
Twitter: @Splashnboots
Facebook: /splashnboots
Instagram: @splashnboots