The catchy tunes and heartwarming melodies of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood have captivated young audiences for years. But who’s the creative force behind these memorable songs? The answer is Voodoo Highway, a music production company founded by James Chapple and Brian Pickett, graduates of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program. Later joined by Graeme Cornies, this talented trio brings a wealth of experience and passion to the show’s musical landscape. Let’s delve into their journey and the magic they bring to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
From College Acquaintances to Music Powerhouse
James and Brian’s shared educational background at Fanshawe College laid the foundation for Voodoo Highway. Their paths converged again in Toronto, where a shared ambition to establish a music production company sparked a successful partnership. The burgeoning workload led them to recruit Graeme, a long-time friend of James, solidifying the team’s dynamic.
A Childhood Dream Realized: Scoring for TV and Film
For James, composing for film and television was a childhood aspiration nurtured by a love for iconic composers like John Williams, James Horner, and Danny Elfman. His organ training and passion for performing soundtracks instilled a deep appreciation for the language of film scoring, paving the way for his career. Graeme’s journey took a slightly different turn. Early aspirations in visual arts morphed into a passion for music, influenced by his father’s guitar lessons and his mother’s career as a harpist.
While Graeme initially envisioned touring with bands, his love for studio work and recording eventually led him to explore music production for advertisements, television, and games. This exploration ignited a passion for scoring, perfectly blending his artistic interests.
Childhood TV Influences: Inspiration for a New Generation
The team’s diverse childhood television experiences provide a rich tapestry of influences. From Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Mr. Dressup to classic cartoons like G.I. Joe and Transformers, their early exposure to a range of musical styles informs their current work. Graeme cites Full House characters Uncle Joey and Uncle Jesse, with their careers in voice acting and music, as particularly impactful on his career path. James credits the original Star Wars movies for sparking his imagination and solidifying his passion for a career in the arts.
Crafting the Music of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Collaborative Process
Creating music for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is a collaborative process deeply intertwined with the show’s narrative. The process often begins with discussions about the episode’s core message and the crucial “strategy melody,” which provides a solution to the central conflict. Multiple melodic hooks are composed for the strategy, with one ultimately selected by the 9 Story team. This chosen hook forms the chorus of the episode’s songs.
The songs are written and recorded in advance of animation, allowing the animators to incorporate characters interacting with the music. Once approved, the songs are performed by a cast, and after animation is complete, Voodoo Highway composes the underscore for the remaining narrative.
Favorite Episodes and Songs: A Composer’s Perspective
Both James and Graeme express a fondness for the longer “special” episodes, which provide greater creative freedom and opportunities for more complex musical arrangements. James highlights the Broadway-style musical numbers in the Baby Margaret and Tiger Family Trip episodes as personal favorites. He also values adapting Fred Rogers’ original songs, such as “It’s You I Like” and “You Are Special,” striving to maintain their essence while adding their unique musical touch.
Beyond Daniel Tiger: Personal Projects and Musical Influences
Outside of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, both James and Graeme pursue personal musical projects and draw inspiration from a wide range of genres. James enjoys attending Vancouver Canucks games with his family, composing personal music, and writing stories. Graeme dedicates his free time to painting, cooking, hiking with his dog, spending time with family, and exploring new musical projects.
Their musical influences span diverse genres, reflecting their versatility as composers. From John Williams and James Horner to Trent Reznor and The Beatles, their eclectic tastes enable them to adapt to the varied musical demands of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. The constant evolution of modern orchestral music and production aesthetics particularly excites Graeme.
In conclusion, Voodoo Highway’s diverse backgrounds, shared passion for music, and collaborative spirit contribute to the enduring appeal of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Their ability to blend educational messages with catchy melodies continues to resonate with young audiences, making them an integral part of the show’s success. You can explore more of Voodoo Highway’s work on their website. And don’t forget to catch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood daily on PBS KIDS! Check your local listings.
