Kākāriki: Simply Us
Our debut album, ‘Kākāriki: Simply Us’ was released in 2019. A labour of love, this album brings to you a mixture of Siu’s originals and some favourites, in the style that we are known for, acoustic guitar and vocals – in other words… Simply Us!
The album’s tracks (click on the song titles to have a listen!):
- Five Little Birds – meet five of our NZ birds during a walk through the forest.
- No One Like You – a cover of John Denver’s classic, naming body parts.
- Incy Wincy Spider/Sipaita Si’i Si’i – a bilingual Tongan cover of this popular nursery rhyme.
- Hungry Puku – a great food song to use with a parachute!
- E Rere Taku Poi – a cover of this well-known poi song, using simple poi actions.
- Tīrama, Tīrama/Twinkle, Twinkle – a bilingual Māori cover of this twinkly nursery rhyme.
- Happy Song – tamariki/children learn about emotions in this expressive song.
- What Are You Wearing? – an action about different clothing items.
- Tētahi Taniwha/One Day A Taniwha – a cover of another classic children’s song.
- This Is Jack – a quick wee scarf song with simple actions.
- Peek-A-Boo Teddy Bear – peek-a-boo songs are always fun, and this teddy bear one is great to use with a scarf.
- Catch A Falling Bubble (Catch A Falling Star) – a cover of this well-known tune which is a perfect bubble song.
- Ngāti-Fruit Salad Kid – learn about the different cultures that makes each of us so unique!
Album acknowledgements
We are so incredibly grateful for the amount of support, encouragement and advice that has come our way… from our ever-present whānau and friends (near and far), Loopy Tunes families, and online followers! We also couldn’t do what we do without the endless support and childminding services of our parents, Auntī, husbands, siblings and wider whānau!
In making this CD, we’re thankful for the extra help and advice from various people. Chris “Goose” Geldard, your words of wisdom before, and after, the recording process were vital and the most helpful – cheers heeeaps!! Michal, from Petite Music Box, we picked your brain right at the beginning, so thank you for sharing your experiences and your advice! David Bush, the Methodist Publishing Board, Kathryn Walters and the Kingswood Trust, thank you for having enough confidence in us to help fund our project – the process would have taken much longer without it. Kris and Thom at Orange Studios, Peter Rattray, Murray at Stebbing, Gabs and Gabe at APRA, and Holly at DRM, you all answered our many questions and steered us in the right direction with your recommendations – SO appreciated!
We are so blessed and grateful for all the help that we have received, and lastly, thank you to YOU, for buying our album… enjoy and God Bless x
