Can’t get the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood songs out of your head??
Meet the rock stars that you can thank!
The crew at Voodoo Highway Music & Post are among my favorite people. They “get it” when we say we want a song to sound “pop-ish”, and I want parents to love it as much as kids, & then I give them a “research approved” strategy to work with..Of course, they have been ultra creative & have pushed the boundaries of traditional preschool music to create award winning songs (if I do say so myself) that are hip enough to make it onto my phone…
This week, we’re giving you a behind the scenes peek at the way the music comes together for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood which was created to be a new type of “preschool musical”. Meet the composers at Voodoo Highway Music, James Chapple, Graeme Cornies, Dave Kelly, Brian Pickett & so many more that bring the music and tone to life. We’re so happy that James Chapple can answer some questions about the musical process.
Can you explain a bit about your process of composing & sound editing?
There are 2 components to writing music for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: 1) the featured songs in each episode (an Imagination Song & a Strategy Song), & 2) the underscore (background music that plays throughout the episode). Before we even write a single note for 1 of the songs, we read over the script for that episode. This helps us understand exactly what the songs should be about, the style in which they should be written, and of course the message that the episode is trying to convey.
Once we have a firm understanding of what the core message of the episode should be, we write a “demo” for each song & revise based on feedback from the producers. We then record all of the talented cast singing. It is a unique process for us because, on most other shows, the music is composed after the animation is completed.
For Daniel, we write the songs before the animation has even begun, which allows the animators to make the visuals match up with our music. This helps the songs look & sound fantastic in the final episode! The underscore portion of the show is completed in a more traditional method. We get a copy of the episode once the animation is nearly complete. While we watch through, we make notes about how the music should reflect the action on screen. This process is called “spotting”. Once we spot the episode, we get to the fun part: composing the music! We work hard to help accentuate the emotions of the characters on screen, & ultimately it’s quite rewarding when we watch through the final episode & see how much our music helps tell the story!
Of all the (many!) songs you’ve composed for the series, can you pick 1 favorite?
Every song is unique & memorable, but my personal favorite would be the updated version of Fred’s song “It’s You I Like”. On that particular song, it was my job to learn the piano parts so Graeme would be able to add other instruments & vocals over top. It was a real challenge to figure out, as I didn’t have any sheet music & had to learn it all by ear from a recording of Fred singing. It was a moment where I felt very connected to Mister Rogers.
What was the most emotional moment for you while working on the show?
For me personally it was when we received the wonderful fan mail from parents across the country. We compose all the music in our studio, sometimes late at night, & it’s easy to become disconnected from the show’s audience. Seeing how our music has affected so many different people, in so many positive ways, was a really meaningful moment for me as a composer. When I started out to write music for a living, I had the hopes of being able to change lives the way music changed my own. To hear all of the wonderful things people have said about our music on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, well, it is simply the reason I got into this career in the first place.
Also, I should note, the moment my mother called me up in tears after watching the first episode was a beautiful moment as well. It really meant a lot to hear how proud she was of our work!
One of my favorites is the potty song – it still cracks me up & I can’t wait to hear my nephews sing it!
What was the funniest moment for you while working on the show?
I often find myself chuckling when we have to record funny characters that appear in the imagination songs. Recording the talented (& hilarious) voice actors pretending to be fish, knives, forks, superheroes, stuffed animals, flowers, or any other of the myriad of interesting characters always leaves me laughing.
The music just keeps getting better and better! Any episodes that are particularly special to you?
Well, the music for episode 31 (“Neighbor Day”), is simply out of this world. It’s a very music-heavy episode & we’ve written a lot of cool songs that incorporate many different characters singing. I think we are all very proud of that episode, as we went above & beyond what we normally compose.
Thanks for the incredible work James!!
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I love that song about how “You’ve Got to Try New Foods ‘Cause They Might Taste Good”. I think it’s mostly because of how cute the actors’ voices sound in the falsetto part. But I also like to tease my husband with it, because he’s still a picky eater!
My favorites are definitely “It’s You I Like” and “You are Special”. Those Fred Rogers songs just touch my heart, and the updated versions are perfect–lilting and sweet, but also simple and not overproduced.
I’ve been a musician my whole life and the music on DTN is incredible. My son, wife and I are all big fans. I’m glad to find this article as I’ve been wondering who was behind the music doing the great Fred Rogers’s work justice. Whoever sings lead on most of these songs has one of the greatest voices of this era as well!
The crew at Voodoo highway bring IT every day!! It’s so nice to hear comments, like yours, from the pros in the business! We hope your son is singing the songs throughout his day as well
https://angelasclues.com/music-daniel-tigers-neighborhood/
Are there any choral versions of the songs? They would be a big hit with school choirs.
That’s a good idea. Not at the moment. Thanks for asking
Making Something Is One Way to Say ‘I Love You” is our favorite song. Beautiful melody, lovely piano and soft percussion. We love all the singing voices on DTN but this voice makes us want to dance and hug. My 16 mo old daughter is in love with this show. It is all she watches. We sing Daniel Tiger songs in public whenever we need a positive distraction and recently sang while boarding the airplane– well, mommy sang and baby smiled!
“Making Something Is One Way to Say ‘I Love You” is one of my favorite songs too! I’m thrilled with the results of the long collaboration with the uber talented folks at Voodoo Highway! Thanks for your message & keep on singing!!
Who sings the song “when you feel jealous”?
Is there a cd you can buy of the songs, that are sung on the shows
Hello Nancy. Amazon’s got your covered & if you’ve got an Amazon Prime account, they’re FREE!! Here the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pbs-Kids-Presents-Neighborhood-Lessons/dp/B00ANGVEJM
Enjoy
Is there anywhere to purchase and download the background music that plays during the episodes? I particularly love the background music in some of the newest episodes with Baby Margaret.
Hello Melinda. Amazon’s got your covered & if you’ve got an Amazon Prime account, they’re FREE!! Here the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pbs-Kids-Presents-Neighborhood-Lessons/dp/B00ANGVEJM
Enjoy
Hi Angela,
Thank you for writing about the process of creating the Daniel Tiger music! My son loves the show and the songs work on him like magic. Soon after he started watching it, I was trying to convince him to take a bite of something and he just wasn’t having it. I tried singing “You’ve got to try new foods ’cause they might taste good!” and his eyes lit up and he opened his mouth. The next day I bought one of the music collections, and we listen to it all the time. “It’s almost time to stop, so choose one more thing to do” has helped ward off tantrums when we’re leaving places that he likes, “Grownups come back” reassures him when his dad has to go somewhere for work and we must have listened to “Goodnight Daniel” several thousand times to help him fall asleep. Most recently, he saw some Christmas presents when he was overtired and wouldn’t stop crying for them; the only thing that cut through his heightened emotional state was the phrase “Friends, not presents.” That immediately calmed him down and refocused his attention. (Then I started singing “Let Your Light Twinkle” but I was getting the words wrong and he corrected me.) It’s almost like the music provides an intermediate language that we’re both good at speaking.
I was wondering if there are any plans to release more of the music? I’ve bought all of the collections on Amazon, but I’d love to be able to play more of the songs. I think the dance music would be especially nice as a compilation, but he likes all of the songs, everything from “Sing a sad song” to “zipper music.” We often listen to the music in the car or as a compromise when I don’t want to have the TV on, and the more variety, the better.
I was also wondering if there is sheet music available of any of the songs? My son likes to play around with the piano, but I think it would blow his mind if Mama could play some of the songs or if he could play them when he starts to learn at some point.
Finally, I’d love some Daniel Tiger lullabies!
Thank you!
I love your songs!!can I purchase a recording for my grand children???
I’m happy to hear that. They’re out there!
Check out Amazon, Apple’s iTunes and of course the PBS site!
Love this show!!! Really noticed the catchy songs right away, and as a musician I noticed the slick ukulele playing that is generally underneath a large majority of the music. I think this helps make everything sound outstandingly positive and uplifting. I’m trying to figure out the chords to the intro and ending songs. Is there anywhere to get a list of those chords or something?
Thanks,
Kris K
Hey Kris. We LOVE our creatively talented music team. I posted about Voodoo Highway not too long ago. Here it is if you missed it:
angelasclues.com/music-daniel-tigers-neighborhood/
Try giving them a shout & perhaps they can assist. Thanks for reaching out & commenting!
really love this show…when we first started watching it, my daughter 18 mos picked up the song really quick…..after watchin 2-3 episodes she can hum and speak 3-4 words when daniel rides the train…so cutee…songs are really catchy and melodic…we love it…thank you!!
I’m so happy you (& your daughter) love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Kim! I LOVE getting messages like yours as well..it fuels the creative machine 🙂
Give your cutie a hug from me & all Daniel’s friends in the Neighborhood of Make Believe please!
I just want to say thank you Angela and the composers who put this wonderful show together! I love the theme song and I find myself singing it all the time even when the show is not on! Lol! My nephew loves it! Educational show as well as great music.
Much thanks Zeena. We work tirelessly on the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood music, so I’m happy when we get feedback like yours!! Thanks a bunch!
In the potty episode there is a piece of classical music played by strings. My wife insists it’s a synthesizer but I’m not sure. Can you tell us?
Turned the tv on this morning to pbs and Daniel was on while they sang the song about Enjoy the Nightime. what a catchy and beautiful song. Rewound some 8 times. Great chord progressions and harmonies. I’m a musician by profession and just want to say, what a great job in bringing beautiful complex, but approachable music to our children and the next generation of music lovers. Bravo!
I really enjoyed reading this! I was wondering about the classical music in the potty episode too- it’s wonderful, and I would happily buy a symphony-long version of it. You are all so talented. As Daniel would say, ‘thank you, for everything you do’!
Thanks so much for your comments Jaime. Our composers/musicians are incredible! We’re happy your enjoying the work that we put into it
Hi, is it just me or is the music in the second season becoming more evolved? It seems like there is more music overall and more harmonies and complex melodies. Am I imagining things or has something changed? Have you added more talent to your musician/writing roster or is the team just gelling more? Regardless, thanks for all the great work!
Thanks
Emma
So happy you noticed!! Everything needs to evolve at some degree or another, no? It’s the same multi talented musicians and composers, they’re just doing what they do best!!
Hi! I need to know! Who sings “its such a good feeling”? His voice is amazing!
Hello,
My daughter loves the show!
Being a lifelong musician and currently stay at home dad/mixer for hire I have to ask:
Why so heavy handed with the pitch correction on certain characters singing?
Thanks!
Happy to hear she’s a fan!
I. Perhaps, it’s the compression out to you & II. We like to direct the attention, at times, to certain characters to follow along the storyline.
Thank YOU!
I thought I heard Michael Frank’s voice singing it’s such a good feeling. Love the song
Hello. Michael Franks, as in the jazz singer/songwriter? If so, sorry to disappoint. My friends from Voodoo Highway are responsible for the tunes
Does Micheal Franks sing a few of the songs
No! Jason Mraz actually sings the songs in “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood!”
He sang just 1. Thanks for asking
We love the clean up, pick up, put away song
because it works with my grandson and use your
words is brilliant, really. We love them all.
We love the “clean up, pick up, put away” song
because it works (!) with my grandson and “use your words” is brilliant, really. Kids need to
learn the words for emotions and practice
expressing feelings in words. You guys nailed
it !
We love when we “nail it”! 🙂
REALLY love the show and the focus on life lessons. Just love that you are proudly carrying on Mr. Rogers’ legacy. 🙂 We recently got both CDs and I mentioned to my mother-in-law how much I love the songs for a growing little person. She plays piano and said to see if I can get the sheet music, another great way to reinforce the songs with our little one. Is is available anywhere? Thx!
Thanks Tania. The sheet music is not available, that I know of. But we’ll see what we can do about that. Stay tuned!
Do you offer the Daniel Tiger theme song in piano sheet music? My son is learning to play the piano and asked to learn this song next, but I can’t find the sheet music anywhere. Thanks!
I put ion a request for it. Hopefully I’ll get an answer to share soon. Thanks!
We love the songs from Daniel Tiger! I’ve seen the “Life’s Lessons” album available for download. But, I was wondering if there is any plan to release and actual physical CD for purchase? We would love to have a CD to be able to take in the car with us. Thanks for your wonderful show!
So happy to hear that Melissa! The mp3’s are available via PBS, Amazon, iTunes, etc. so I’m assuming they’re preferring to release them that way from now on. I could be wrong, but that’s out of my wheelhouse unfortunately. My advice is to download it to your mobile device & then you’re good to go!
There’s so much to explore when your outside sounds just like death cab for cutie! Blown away by how great you guys make the songs sound!
Daniel Tiger is the only children’s show that I will purposefully put on for not only my child’s enjoyment but my own. The music is so wonderful that it led me to Google and research more about who makes it.
I hope it makes Jason happy to learn that today, when Mama was completely overwhelmed and freaking out, I literally sang the song, let’s calm down and count down, five, four, three, two, one. 😂
LOVE this!!! Thank you!
The best song ever is Goodnight Sun! I haven’t been able to get it out of my head in what feels like months.
I hear that quite often! 🙂
Agree!
Do you know who sings most of the songs? (Like the opening and closing themes) I’ve been trying to find out and figure it our for a long time. He’s got an amazing voice. Thanks!
Have you seen this post. I’m putting it up again tmrw as we get that question quite a bit! Take care!
Dear Angela,
I love the music in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood because it’s my favorite show and Mister Roger’s too!
My Top 5 Songs Are:
1: Daniel Tiger! (Theme Song)!
2: It’s Such A Good Feeling! (Daniel Tiger)!
3: Friends Help Each Other!
4: Use Your Words!
5: Ask Questions About What Happened!
Please reply back soon Angela!
Thanks, And Take Care!
Nighttime in the Neighborhood absolutely blew me away. I was sitting there watching with my daughter as Daniel said goodnight to the sun and thought, “This is just a flat-out great song. What is music this good doing in a children’s show?” So glad. My daughter will grow up with great songs in her head.
I do enjoy the music, the one singer reminds me of micheal Frank’s. Very nice.
I love the songs and believe that they have great messages in them. I am a music teacher in a very low social/emotional/economic school. We are a trauma informed school and I could see many of these songs used with the K/1 music curriculum. Is there a way to get sheet music for the songs (I’ve found 6) or has someone started working on a songbook yet?
I’m so happy that you like the Daniel Tiger songs Mary. A lot of hard work goes into each and every one!!
I’ll ask around for sheet music but I don’t think they’re releasing them to the public just yet. When they do, I’ll be sure to share!!
Thanks again for your thoughts!!
I agree Mary! The songs do give out great messages for Children to learn! I found 6 Daniel Tiger songs with The Sheet Music on The PBS Kids Website! I just hope that there can be more soon! I like to play and sing most of The Fred Rogers And Daniel Tiger songs on my keyboard! I wrote my own Daniel Tiger songs with my own chords and lyrics and sang and played them on my keyboard! Please let me know too! What’s your favorite Daniel Tiger Song Angela? Please reply back to me soon!
Nice to hear that Gregory. “Grown Ups Come Back” is A favorite of mine but theyre like my kids, I love them all!! Be well please
I love the music from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood! They are so catchy and have such great messages!
I am a music teacher in a very low social/emotional/economic school. I think these songs would make a great SEL music curriculum! Is there anyway to purchase the sheet music for the songs? Is there a songbook available (not just lyrics)? Any information would greatly be appreciated! Thanks 🙂
Hi Angela,
I like watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (Your Creation) because they are my two favorite shows!
I also like The Daniel Tiger music that your team has created for this show!
I have a keyboard and I can play and sing most of these songs with it! They are, It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, It’s Such A Good Feeling (Daniel Tiger), Find A Way To Play Together, Good Night Daniel, The Morning Routine, Friends Help Each Other, Thank You For Everything You Do, Grownups Come Back, Ask Questions About What Happened, When You Have To Go Potty, So Many Feelings, Keep Trying, Things May Change And That’s Okay!
I just hope that your team creates more music in Season 5 in Daniel Tigers Neighborhood!
Please reply back to me soon!
Hi Angela,
I like watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (Your Creation) because they are my two favorite shows!
I also like The Daniel Tiger music that your team has created for this show!
I have a keyboard and I can play and sing most of these songs with it! They are, It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, It’s Such A Good Feeling (Daniel Tiger), Find A Way To Play Together, Good Night Daniel, The Morning Routine, Friends Help Each Other, Thank You For Everything You Do, Grownups Come Back, Ask Questions About What Happened, When You Have To Go Potty, So Many Feelings, Keep Trying, Things May Change And That’s Okay!
I just hope that your team creates more music in Season 5 in Daniel Tigers Neighborhood!
It’s Such A Good Feeling Is My Favorite Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Song With This Virus Going Around And Everyone Only Allowed To Buy Groceries Clothes Shoes Movies And Other Items My Favorite Fast Food Places Along With Barnes And Noble Is Closed And I’m Hoping That You Also Seen Seasons 1 And 2 Of Disney’s Good Troop On TV Dana Hill Joe Alaskey Christine Cavanaugh Jack Riley Are Very Talented Voice Over Stars And I Sure Wished That You Got To Work With Them It’s Sad That They Is Gone They Is Always In Our Hearts Honored Remembered On Holidays There Birthday And Forever 🙁
Hi Angela, I will keep continuing to Analyze the Chords for The Daniel Tiger Songs just by listening to them with my ear and then I will sing and play them on my Keyboard! I also wrote my own Daniel Tiger Song with my own Chords And Lyrics just because I love you, your team, and this show as much!
YAY!!! Happy to hear it. We Love you too 🙂
Hi. We’re glad you’re a fan of the show and we did consider just what you brought up in your comment. Nobody’s perfect I guess. Thanks for sharing Gregory
I had Daniel Tigers Neighborhood on tonight for my 3 year old daughter to fall asleep to and the song “There’s so much to explore when you’re outside “ played and I SWORE it was Death Cab for Cutie which is one of my favorites. So I’m here from a google search. I love the music to this show. It’s so beautiful, I was very moved. Thanks for the wonderful work you guys do! God Bless!
SO happy to hear that Kim. I love the music as well. Our musicians are just as passionate about the show as we are & I’m glad it shows!!
xo