Goddard Brown creators Robert Ciolfi
From the creative minds of Toronto-based visual artist Warren Brown and composer Adam Goddard, known collectively as Goddard/Brown, comes Big Block Sing Song, an animated series that’s capturing the hearts of preschoolers and their parents alike. This collection of charming two-minute episodes features vibrantly colored singing blocks, each bursting with unique personality. Imagine a block with a German accent serenading about hair, a playful monkey celebrating a “Two Banana Day,” or a caveman comically observing a volcanic eruption as a “hot mess”—these are just a taste of the delightful and quirky gems you’ll find in their repertoire.
Big Block Sing Song skillfully touches upon a range of topics relevant to young children, from animals and bedtime routines to essential social-emotional themes like navigating conflicts and embracing bravery. These short, expertly produced animations are designed to be both educational and entertaining for preschoolers. However, their sophisticated humor and catchy tunes resonate far beyond the target age group, quickly captivating older kids and adults with their lyrical wit and engaging visuals. The series seamlessly blends musical styles, incorporating elements of hip hop, funk, classic rock, and even European techno, creating a truly eclectic and enjoyable soundscape. For many, like myself watching the “Princess” episode with my six-year-old, it’s an instant hook, leading to complete and joyful immersion in the Big Block world.
Currently airing on major networks like CBC in Canada, Disney Jr., and Nick Jr. in the UK, Big Block Sing Song has already charmed audiences worldwide. For those yet to discover this animated treasure, prepare to be introduced to the whimsical and wonderful world crafted by the supreme rulers of this big block empire.
In this insightful interview, Warren and Adam delve into the origins of Big Block Sing Song, offering a peek into their unique production process, which deviates from traditional TV show creation, and emphasizing the crucial role of humor in their artistic approach.
Keep reading to uncover details about their Vol. 1 DVD and the must-have “Greatest Hits” album, perfect for bringing the Big Block fun into your home or on the go.
Big Block Singsong creators Warren Brown and Adam Goddard smiling
The Genesis of Big Block Sing Song: An Interview with Goddard/Brown
KCG: Can you share a bit about your backgrounds and how the concept for Big Block Sing Song came about?
Warren: Adam and I actually have a long history, growing up in Grimsby, Ontario. Although we attended the same nursery and high school, we weren’t really connected back then. My path led me to Toronto, where I became a creative director, animator, and designer at an animation studio. I worked on a variety of projects, from commercials to motion graphics, and even developed kids’ TV shows. Adam and I reconnected through a mutual friend at lunch, where we discussed the need for quality music in the kids’ shows I was working on. We collaborated on a couple of shows before I left that studio. Adam was already a successful freelance composer, so we continued our partnership and eventually shared a studio space. The idea for a simple singing face character emerged shortly after that, and that was the spark that ignited Big Block Sing Song.
Adam, could you elaborate on your musical background?
Adam: I’d describe my musical background as quite eclectic. As a child, I started with piano lessons but was always eager to learn other instruments. I played in bands and eventually pursued classical composition and orchestration at university.
How did you arrive at the final concept of singing blocks?
Warren: Initially, the idea was simply a fullscreen singing face. We conducted some small tests to see if it resonated, and we found a genuine connection with this big face singing directly to viewers. We then wondered what would happen if we placed this rectangular face onto a block character. This simple addition unlocked a whole world of possibilities and became the core concept for Big Block Sing Song. The consistent dimensions of the faces and blocks became a creative framework, surprisingly opening up even more creative avenues.
Tell us about the very first Big Block Sing Song episode.
Warren: Our debut episode featured a monkey lamenting a tough day in the jungle with the song “Two Banana Day.” The inspiration struck us while Adam and I were in the studio. I brought in two bananas for lunch and offered one to Adam, who declined. As I left his recording studio, I jokingly said, “I guess it’s gonna be a two banana kind of day.” Later that same day, Adam returned with a guitar and played the now-iconic “Two Banana Day” chorus. It all clicked into place from there.
Could you describe your collaborative process in developing the songs and characters for Big Block Sing Song?
Adam: It’s a very integrated process. We begin by brainstorming together, throwing around funny ideas and interesting words that fit the concept. There comes a point where I’ll take those ideas and start drafting lyrics and maybe a rough musical idea on guitar. Warren then takes that and brings it to life through animation. We constantly go back and forth throughout the entire process until we’re both satisfied with the final result. Our approach is quite different from the traditional TV show production model, where elements are often created in isolation.
Big Block Singsong Octopus character
Warren: Ideas can stem from a song or band we’ve been listening to, or perhaps a musical era that inspires us. We might be in a funk mood one week and decide to create something with a ’70s funk vibe. Or we might start with a broader concept, such as feelings, hairstyles, or body parts. Sometimes, we even begin with a specific character in mind, like an octopus, and then brainstorm what an octopus might sing about.
How does this collaborative approach differ from your previous experiences in kids’ TV production?
Warren: In traditional kids’ TV production, music is often the last element added, typically scored at the very end by a composer brought in specifically for that purpose. Adam and I were interested in exploring what we could create by bringing the composer into the process right from the beginning.
Once you developed the core concept for Big Block Sing Song, did you test it out before its official release?
Warren: Yes, we created around five test episodes featuring different characters. We found the concept inherently funny and engaging, even at that early stage.
An opportunity arose when a curator we knew, who was organizing a group art exhibit focused on animation as an art form, contacted us. Adam and I eagerly participated, showcasing our Big Block Sing Song test episodes. We set up TVs and headphones in the gallery, playing the episodes on DVDs. We observed people’s reactions firsthand as they put on the headphones and stood close to these large singing faces. It was incredibly rewarding to see both kids and adults laughing and smiling.
Later that year, one of these test episodes was screened at the Ottawa International Animation Festival. At the festival, we presented the idea to someone from CBC, who immediately liked it and saw its potential as a kids’ TV series. Initially, we didn’t have a specific target audience in mind. That moment at the festival was pivotal, leading us to focus on creating music and animations specifically for preschoolers, while still aiming for enjoyment for parents as well.
Are you currently working with multiple networks, or primarily with CBC?
Warren: We operate as an independent studio. Adam and I handle the entire production of the show ourselves. Adam creates the music, and I handle the design and animation. Big Block Sing Song is commissioned by CBC in Canada. Kim Wilson, the creative head of kids’ programming at CBC, approves our episodes for broadcast but plays a much more significant role. She acts as our editor, providing guidance and ensuring we are effectively communicating with children. We also have distributors who have successfully brought the show to Disney Junior in the US and Nick Jr. in the UK, which was a major step forward for us.
So, you enjoy a considerable degree of creative freedom then?
Warren: Yes, we handle all creative and production aspects in our studio, which is fantastic. We have a generous production schedule that allows us to approach each episode more like crafting an album rather than adhering to a rigid TV show production timeline. This extended schedule allows us to truly develop each episode to its full potential.
You are both fathers. How old are your children?
Adam: I have a 10-year-old son.
Warren: I have a four-year-old and a five-month-old.
Have your children been a source of inspiration for Big Block Sing Song?
Adam: Absolutely! Both of us draw inspiration from our kids in countless ways. There have been specific things my son has said that have really stuck with us. Warren and I will often find ourselves laughing about an idea that originated from something our children said or did, and then it somehow finds its way into an episode.
You strike a wonderful balance with humor, making it appealing to both children and adults. Do you often make each other laugh while working on ideas?
Warren: It’s essential that it’s funny to us first. If we’re not laughing while developing something, it’s unlikely that kids will find it funny either.
Adam: It’s funny because sometimes we get to a point where the lyrics seem pretty solid on paper. But when we record them, we realize something is missing in the delivery, or when paired with the music, it falls a little flat. Then there are other times when unexpected elements, things we’ve almost taken for granted, become the funniest parts of the track.
Warren: I also always consider whether my four-year-old son will understand the jokes or wordplay in the lyrics. If he doesn’t understand something, I want it to be interesting enough that he’ll ask about it. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear him using those little jokes or wordplay in his own life, when he’s playing with friends or talking at dinner. Music has a broader reach and connects with more people than just regular TV. I believe that’s why we have kids, parents, and even grandparents who enjoy our music, and why we hear from 30-somethings who have our album on their phones.
Big Block Sing Song effectively addresses social-emotional topics in an accessible way, without feeling preachy. “Better Way,” for example, encourages conflict resolution through communication, highlighting that “taking a frown and spreading it around won’t solve a thing.” What’s your approach when tackling feelings or social-emotional themes?
Warren: Adam and I naturally gravitate towards sillier characters when brainstorming ideas. “Better Way” presented a unique challenge. We were encouraged to address bullying, a crucial topic for everyone, especially children. We always want to maintain a fun and uplifting tone, ensuring kids feel happy while watching the show. So, we thought about how to frame the message in a positive and empowering way.
We applied the same approach to “Brave.” The original concept for that song was actually about being scared. We wanted to shift the focus to a positive message, encouraging kids to be brave, rather than dwelling on frightening things like a boogeyman. We think about what advice we would give our own children, or frankly, what we tell ourselves.
Big Block Singsong Brave character
Are there plans to evolve Big Block Sing Song into more narrative-driven episodes, where the blocks interact more, or will the focus remain primarily on the songs?
Warren: Songs will always be the central focus, for sure. In some episodes, we do include brief moments of character interaction, just a few lines of dialogue during a pause in the song. We are exploring the possibilities of incorporating more dialogue between characters. Currently, we approach the show like a band creating an album. We develop a collection of songs, and that collection ultimately forms a season of the show.
When developing these characters, do you personally relate to or envision yourselves as each one?
Adam: I definitely have to. It’s funny, sometimes Warren will sketch a character, and immediately I’ll hear a certain voice, delivery, or attitude that comes naturally. It can be a bit embarrassing when Warren walks into the studio and finds me belting out “I’m a spider!” at full volume.
Warren: We become immersed in the character through the voice and the attitude of the music, which is a huge advantage compared to my previous animation experiences. Once we understand a character’s personality and quirks, they naturally develop a distinct way of presenting themselves, whether it’s a monkey or a quirky spider.
Or a princess.
Adam: Well, I did the initial vocal take for that one, but I didn’t do the final voice.
Warren: For tracks that require a higher vocal range than Adam’s, we collaborate with a fantastic female vocalist, Stacey Kay.
You portrayed the princess as a tough princess, rather than a stereotypical “girly” princess. How did that decision come about?
Warren: Adam and I had been toying with the idea of a princess character for a while, but we knew we wanted to do something different, something with attitude.
Adam: At one point, Warren used the words “electric pink,” and I thought, “Okay, that’s it! ‘Electric pink’ is so cool, it has to be in the lyrics.” An electric pink tutu absolutely had to be part of the princess’s persona.
Adam, your speaking voice is surprisingly lower than I expected.
Adam: (lowers voice even further) Really? (Warren laughs)
Adam, are you the voice behind all the Big Block Sing Song characters, except for those sung by Stacey?
Adam: Yes, that’s right.
Big Block Singsong Hair character
In the “Hair” episode, you adopt a German accent.
Adam: Yeah.
(Both laugh)
How did you decide on a German accent for that character?
Warren: We were discussing ’80s European techno music and laughing about the concept. Looking at our list of topics, we said “Hair!” out loud. Adam spontaneously put on the German accent, and suddenly, we had the song.
Big Block Sing Song has been compared to Flight of the Conchords. I also hear echoes of Tenacious D and David Bowie in “Space Friends.”
Warren: I’m reflecting on that now. We are both fans of Flight of the Conchords and Tenacious D, and music in general, of course. I think what we appreciate about Flight of the Conchords and Tenacious D is their ability to deliver humorous songs with a certain level of determination and intensity.
Here in the studio, Adam sings with that same commitment.
What are your musical influences, and how do they weave their way into the music of Big Block Sing Song?
Adam: I genuinely love all kinds of music, and often the styles themselves inspire the direction we take in Big Block Sing Song. We tend to lean towards familiar pop and classic genres of music. The songs resonate well when people can identify with them to some extent. Personally, I grew up admiring the songwriting and harmonies of the Beach Boys and the Beatles. I have a deep affection for much of that classic material, and it definitely finds its way into the music, perhaps selfishly. I also enjoy the challenge of exploring musical styles that I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. It’s a lot of fun to dive in and try something completely unexpected.
So, what’s on the horizon for Goddard/Brown and Big Block Sing Song?
Warren: We’re nearing completion of 20 new episodes for Season 2, which will be airing soon on CBC and Disney Junior. The most exciting thing for us right now is seeing how audiences react to them. We’ve experimented with new genres, characters, and topics, so we’re eager to see if this new mix resonates as much as our first season. We hope people find new favorites in this season as well.
Stay connected with Big Block Sing Song by liking the Big Block Sing Song Facebook Page and following them on Twitter.
You can purchase Volume 1 of Big Block Sing Song on DVD through Amazon and iTunes.
Want to enjoy the songs anytime, anywhere? Purchase the Big Block Sing Song “Greatest Hits” Album through Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.
Click here to watch Season 1 episodes of Big Block Sing Song and dive deeper into the Big Block world!
