Member Profile: Joanie Leeds

Singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds is living the dream. It might not be the one she first envisioned when she arrived in NYC in 2000, but it's even better. Instead of ruling the downtown music scene, Joanie has become a star with the smaller set, mesmerizing infants, preschoolers, and their caregivers with original songs that break the mold of the typical kiddie tunes on which we children of the '80s were reared. Joanie spoke with us about how her career has moved notches up the growth chart and the plum role Urban Girl Squad plays in her life.

UGS: What neighborhood do you live in?

I live on the Upper West Side in a building that's, strangely enough, filled with musicians. Besides me there's a Broadway composer, another children's musician, and an opera singer.

UGS: When you feel like getting out of the city, where do you go?

I grew up in Miami and have many friends in Los Angeles, so I try to book gigs in both cities. And my dad has a cabin in the middle of the woods in North Carolina in a town that no one's ever heard of. I love to go there and write music alone. And I never turn down an invitation to the Hamptons!

UGS: How did you make the initial jump from singing in adult clubs to kids' Gymboree classes and then the leap to private work and performances?

It was difficult to get noticed in the adult music scene because I was competing with so many musicians. At any given venue there are six bands playing a night, even on a Tuesday in February at 7:30 when it's snowing. But no one's coming, and you're playing for the contents of a tip jar; it's very disappointing, even if you love performing. Plus, I was supporting myself with day jobs that I really couldn't stand.

A friend suggested that I could be musical all day by working with kids, so I tried it. About four years ago I started a birthday party business, which boomed; I'd often have two to six parties a weekend. I eventually recorded an album, and now I play shows for 200-300 children at a time and have a publicist and booking agent. I still do the occasional party and teach music in a preschool and for private playgroups. I don't concentrate on performing adult music anymore, but I'm still writing a lot.

My next kids' album focuses on animals and includes originals and covers. I'm debuting it with my band The Nightlights during two concerts on Sunday, April 11 at the Bronx Zoo as part of their spring event to welcome the new baby animals.

UGS: In the last few years "cool" kids' music like yours has really taken off. What's driving this trend?

The kids' music scene is a great artistic network; people really help each other out. I think with the general indie scene having blown up aided by blogs, people are always looking for hip and cool music; it was bound to happen eventually with kids' music. Also, kids and parents need things to do together, so there's always room for new acts. And there are a lot of famous people putting out kids' albums--Lisa Loeb, They Might Be Giants, Ziggy Marley.

UGS: So kids supposedly say the darndest things. What have some of them said to you?

Their funny comments often inspire my songs. One child told me she liked to eat sushi--my reaction to that was, "really?" but it turned into the song, "Sushi."

UGS: How did you first learn about Urban Girl Squad, and what keeps you coming back?

A friend invited me to the event at Rockwood Music Hall, although I don't think I knew at the time what Urban Girl Squad was or that it was sponsoring the event. I've now been to about ten events, and it's amazing to see how much the group has grown with steady regulars and new attendees. Events are a lot of fun and focus on things that I wouldn't typically do on my own, like rifle shooting. Most of my close friends are married with kids and moving out of the city, so it's a great social outlet for me to meet new people and do fun things.

UGS: What's your personal goal for 2010?

Say yes to anything and live life to the fullest. For three years I was busy building my business, and I never went out. I think I've gone out every night so far this year!

Little one in your life or just love rockin' out to hip shakin' kids' tunes? Check out Joanie's albums, upcoming gigs, and merch here