Two decades is longevity, in any genre of music.
Bill Perison releases a new album of children’s music 22 years after his song Coconut Tree became popular with the toddler crowd.
“It still sells,” Perison said of that first song. “It’s cool to write something that’s old but still sounds good.”
It took 22 years to get to the next album because of another project – raising his own children.
Perison grew up in Nanaimo, attending Nanaimo District Secondary School and one year at Malaspina University-College (now Vancouver Island University) before leaving to pursue music as a career.
He returned 15 years ago to raise his sons.
“It’s been a really good place to raise a family,” he said.
He continued to play music and develop his skills, but he also learned more about interacting with kids while raising his own.
“We get a bit pedantic with kids’ stuff,” Perison said. “We should be teaching by example rather than dictating.”
He uses imagery in the songs, aiming to inspire children – with the odd joke thrown in that only the parents will understand.
“Everyone who listens will have a different image,” he said.
He hopes parents will find the music fun to listen to as well with its hip groove.
“I’m a much better musician than I was back then,” Perison said.
To celebrate the release of the album, Perison performs at Arbutus Music, 6324 Metral Dr., on Saturday (June 23) at 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 for any age.
He also performs at the Nanaimo Child Development Centre’s Silly Boat Regatta July 15.
For more information, please visit www.billperison.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
