for your consideration
Buddy’s Magic Tree House for Best Children’s Album at the 68th Annual Grammy(R) Awards!
A MEGA RAN CLIMBS HIGH TO FIND A SAFE SPACE FOR KIDS
In an uncertain world, Mega Ran and his wife Rachel’s lives changed forever, when they added a beautiful 3 week old baby boy to their family. After getting the amazing news that “Buddy” would be getting his forever home with the Ran clan, Mega Ran released the standout children’s album “Buddy’s Magic Toy Box,” inspired by their journey and full of songs of hope, healthy habits and fun for all ages. Now, two years later, Mega Ran returns with the highly-anticipated, star-studded follow up release “Buddy’s Magic Tree House!”
In 2022, Mega Ran’s world was flipped upside down when the former teacher turned rapper and video game music composer decided with his wife to enter into the unpredictable world of foster parenting. This crash course into parenting completely changed Mega Ran’s approach to making music, leading him to work on the album “Buddy’s Magic Toy Box,” which debuted on Billboard as the #2 Kids Music album in the US, behind Marvel/Sony’s soundtrack to the cultural phenomenon that is “Spider Man: Across The Spider-Verse”
After the album’s release, Mega Ran’s transformation into a children's music artist seemed destined. It was seamless. Ran began playing shows at museums, parks and libraries; with the latter inspiring his latest hit “The Library Jawn,” which has fast become an anthem for reading advocates worldwide.
The remaining tracks found a home on 2024’s “Buddy’s Magic Remixes,” which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Charts. But more importantly, Ran also toured the world playing over 100 tour stops with legendary bands like Wheatus and The Cybertronic Spree, to all-ages and 21+ venues; yet he STILL played his children’s hits, despite having a mile-long catalog of rap songs about comics, games and pro-wrestling.
“If I can teach 12 year olds, then adults are easy,” Ran would say on stage, half joking.
He wasn’t wrong.
“Buddy’s Magic Tree House” is a star-studded rocket blast into the stratosphere, just hoping to land on a star or two on re-entry. Songs like “Have a Great Time” capture pop and R&B sensibilities while stressing that “every once in a while you gotta make time” for fun and games.
Mega Ran continues his trip into new genres with the prehistoric ska banger “Dino Stomp OnThe Playground,” a wild tale about dinosaurs taking over the local park.
Collaboration is the key element to the Tree House, with “Buddy” himself, Mega Ran’s 3-year old son, even appearing on the intro track “Good Morning,” inviting us all to have a great day as
we take the climb to another dimension in sound. The ABC’s have never been funkier than in “The Alphabet Song” featuring rapper/producer Last BeNeVoLeNcE. “Water Plug” is a fun tale about inner-city summertime splashes and features six-time Parents Choice Award winner Justin Roberts on guitar and vocals, with Jack White’s award-winning drummer Daru Jones on percussion. “Inventors” is a track encouraging imagination through science, and features
2023 GRAMMY Winners The Alphabet Rockers. Things get serious on “Why Do People Go,” a track to help kids understand the people that vanish from our lives featuring the legendary singer/songwriter Kimya Dawson.
The album ends with “Sing A Song,” a heartfelt dedication to “the first lady of children’s music,” Ella Jenkins, who passed away last year at 100. “Sing A Song” features backing vocals by over a dozen children’s musicians, all of whom admittedly would not be here if it were not for Miss Ella’s beautiful songs and wisdom.
Children of all ages will find something fruitful and special in the collection of songs within “Buddy’s Magic Tree House.” Find your safe space and cuddle with a loved one and be transported into another world!
We are honored to present this album for consideration at the 68th Annual Awards for BEST CHILDREN’s ALBUM.
