9th Annual Independent Music Awards: Best Children’s Album of 2009 (I’m Me!)9th Annual Independent Music Awards: Best Children’s Song of 2009 (I’m Me!)
2010 Juno Award Nominee: Children’s Album of the Year (I’m Me!)
Summary of Awards & Honors
March 10th, 2010
New Album Brings ‘Hope’ to 2010 JUNO Awards Nominees List
March 9th, 2010LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Last week, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Charlie Hope joined the ranks of Michael Buble, Taylor Swift, Diana Krall, Melanie Fiona and others when she celebrated her JUNO Award nomination. Much to fans’ delight, her debut children’s release, I’m Me! earned a nomination for ‘Children’s Album of the Year.’ Presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), this is Hope’s first JUNO Award nod, but based on feedback from kids and critics alike, it certainly won’t be her last.
“…it is brilliant,” said Zachary Monson, station manager at Galaxie Kid’s Stuff, a popular Canadian children’s music station. “It’s probably the best produced, most well-written children’s album I’ve ever received. It wouldn’t surprise me if she wins the JUNO Award for Children’s Album of the Year.”
Since the release of I’m Me!, the album has received two Independent Music Awards for Best Album and Best Song and the Silver Parents’ Choice Award. Adored by critics, Hope’s vocals are “clear-as-glass, pitch-perfect” according to Cool Mom Picks, and according to Kiwi Magazine, she’s “in good company with some of the best lyricists and vocalists out there.”
“I’m overjoyed that I can bring such delight to kids and parents, and that critics have responded so warmly to the album,” said Hope, who was born in Toronto, and moved to Massachusetts at the age of 11. “All of the accolades that I’ve received for the album thus far have been wonderful, and a JUNO Award nomination is really a dream come true for me.”
Hope leveraged her songwriting talent, her degree in Art Therapy with Children from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her experience as a caregiver to create an award-winning album that resonates with both kids and parents. Fan favorites, including “Train Song,” “Frog Song,” “New Baby,” and the title track, “I’m Me!,” entertain, enlighten and bring endless joy to her audience.
“It’s clear to anyone who listens to Charlie’s music that she is uniquely in tune with children and that she truly loves what she does,” said Rob Wilson, vice president of Challenge & Fun, Inc., distributor of I’m Me! “She’s a remarkable artist and we’re excited to celebrate her first JUNO Award nomination. It’s certainly well deserved.”
First established in 1970, the JUNO Awards honor Canadian music artists and their artistic and technical achievements. This year’s awards will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland and will be broadcast on CTV. Charlie Hope will go up against Bobs & Lolo, Norman Foote, The Bee’s Knees and The Kerplunks, her fellow nominees, for her first JUNO Award win.
For more information about Charlie Hope, including audio, video clips, photo galleries and bio, visit www.charliehopemusic.com. For the latest updates, connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
For more information about the 2010 JUNO Awards and to view the complete list of nominees, visit www.junoawards.ca.
To request copies of I’m Me! for review, schedule interviews with Charlie Hope or request hi-res images, contact Rob Wilson at (888) 384-6200 or info[AT]challengeandfun[DOT]com.
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Charlie Hope Wins 2 Independent Music Awards
February 1st, 2010
Singer-songwriter’s “I’m Me!” album and title track awarded top honors in IMA children’s categories.
ASHLAND, Ma. – (Jan. 27, 2010) Being herself obviously has paid off for children’s musician Charlie Hope. Her “I’m Me!” album and its title track were just named cream of the crop in the children’s music division of the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMA).
Hope’s debut CD “I’m Me!” was chosen as “Best Album,” and her folksy title track was awarded “Best Song”, sweeping the children’s category. She is in good company with Dan Zanes, who won best album last year.
Released in July 2009 under the Little Maple Leaf Productions label, “I’m Me!” was among thousands of entries submitted by independent label and self-released artists worldwide. The eclectic field was pared down by a panel of judges, including notables such as Pete Wentz, Ricky Skaggs, DJ Spooky, The Black Keys, Suzanne Vega, Hanson, Aimee Mann, Bettye LaVette, Zooey Deschanel, M. Ward, and Judy Collins – among others.
“This is really exciting!” said Hope. “I’m really enjoying what I’m doing, and these awards are another confirmation that I am on the right path.”
Hope earned a bachelor’s degree in art therapy with children, from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and has worked with children in preschools and privately as a nanny. Music abilities nurtured in her youth, found an outlet in these childcare settings, said the Ashland High School graduate.
“I’ve worked with children for many years at preschools and in the home and believe music is an integral part of a child’s well-being,” she said. “My desire to really pursue children’s music came out of the blue one day while reevaluating my career. It was the obvious move…but it’s all in the timing. When I heard the first mixes of the songs, I just knew. ‘This is it,” I thought. ‘Now it gets exciting!’ ”
A Canadian by birth, Hope currently lives in Los Angeles. However, many of her concerts still take place in New England, where she grew up. Her music focuses on elements relevant to children’s lives and gives a positive spin on things like naptime and new siblings.
“One of my favorite things about doing children’s music is the live shows. If only one child is jumping up and down and dancing to the music, it makes my day,” said Hope in an interview with her hometown paper, the Ashland Tab.
The IMA award comes on the heels of recognition throughout the children’s music industry. Hope’s “I’m Me!” album garnered a Parents’ Choice Awards Silver Honor in October 2009 a Preferred Choice by Creative Child Magazine, and Favorite Kid’s Album by Boston Children’s Music. Her “World of Dreams” lullaby CD was also honored with a Seal of Excellence Award by Creative Child Magazine.
“I’m so happy that the IMA judges recognized Charlie’s talent,” said Rob Wilson of Challenge & Fun, an Ashland wholesaler of children’s natural toys and distributor of Charlie Hope’s music. “She really understands children, and her voice is absolutely charming.”
IMA recognizes noteworthy albums, songs, music videos and album art designs from all over the world – particularly those artists “who follow their own muse.” To hear Hope’s music, go to www.charliehopemusic.com and click on the “music” tab.
Music fans have until June 25 to champion their favorite Nominees at The IMA Vox Pop Jukebox (Click Here) to determine The 9th Independent Music Awards ‘People’s Voice’ Winners.
Contact
Would you like to set up an interview with Charlie Hope? Call Rob Wilson at the Challenge & Fun Inc. office at 1-888-384-6200 or 1-508-881-7500.
Rob Wilson
PO Box 222
Ashland, MA 01721
Email: info[AT]challengeandfun.com
Toll Free: 1-(888)-384-6200
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Charlie Hope’s CD “I’m Me!” Wins Parents’ Choice Silver
January 24th, 2010The ‘I’m Me!’ Children’s CD is a Breath of Fresh Air.”
ASHLAND, Ma. – (Oct. 19, 2009) Warm and clear like a bee’s
best honey, the voice and lyrics of singer Charlie Hope
beckon the imaginations of her pint-sized listeners and their parents, too. Hope’s
folksy style also recently charmed some discerning panelists, who bestowed a Parents’
Choice Awards Silver Honor on her “I’m Me!” debut CD.
Hope’s “lyrics are easy to understand and fun to repeat,” stated her Parents’ Choice
Awards (PCA) evaluation summary. “The a cappella songs are as singable as those
with instrumental backup. Each song – original or traditional – is buoyed by
her impressive use of voice and vocal sound effects.”
The Silver Honor awarded for Hope’s children’s CD is one of only three silvers given this
fall in the PCA music audio category. Four music projects were given gold-level
kudos, and more than two dozen other musicians were commended for their work. The
Parents’ Choice Awards committees recognize only about 20 percent of all items
submitted for stringent judging. Categories include books, toys, DVDs,
software, TV, video games, magazines, websites and audio.
Hope heard about her award via email and responded with the same sunny disposition
evident in her songs. “I was excited and called my mom right away,” the artist
explained. “Then once it was up on the Parents’ Choice website, I sent an email
to all of my close friends to let them know – as this is quite an honor,” she
said. “I remember just over a year ago – while writing and recording ‘I’m Me!’ –
I had looked up the Parents’ Choice Awards. Now…to be included with a
silver award is just great.”
“I’m Me!” is geared for children 1 to 7 years of age. Hope also recently released her
second CD on the Little Maple Leaf Productions label, a collection of soothing
songs and lullabies titled “World of Dreams”.
“Charlie Hope’s music is one of our sweeter products,” said Rob Wilson, the director of
marketing for Challenge & Fun, a wholesaler of children’s natural and wholesome products. “The ‘I’m Me!’
children’s CD is a breath of fresh air.”
To hear a song written and performed by Hope, check out the online music video clip
featuring her winsome train tune on www.charliehopemusic.com. The website also lists her
concert and event schedule.
The Parents’ Choice Foundation was established more than 30 years ago by author and
educator Diana Huss Green, who envisioned a non-commercial clearinghouse to
help parents find the very best quality toys and learning products. Today, the
foundation’s award panel includes educators, performing artists, librarians,
parents, scientists and children who endeavor to evaluate products objectively.
“The Parents’ Choice Awards committees look for products that entertain and teach
with flair, stimulate imagination and inspire creativity,” states the
organization’s website. “Judges are interested in how a product helps a child
grow: socially, intellectually, emotionally, ethically and physically. Among
the considerations of the jurors and judges: the learning value, the play
value, the appeal and the cost. A product’s originality weighs heavily in the
judges’ decisions.”
About
Challenge & Fun
Challenge & Fun, Inc. was established in 1998 to introduce beautiful, natural children’s products not
readily available in the U.S. market. Through the years, the product mix has evolved, but the company
has stayed true to its original objective while using only the finest materials. Challenge & Fun currently features soft, organic cotton dolls and stuffed animals, as well as wooden blocks and fruits and vegetables – all made in Europe. The
company has developed its own balance boards, manufactured from sustainable wood here in the USA.