James Culleton rocks at child’s play with “Superfun” new single
Childhood years are a full-on, multi-sensory experience. Much of the time is in pure, unadulterated fun. In celebration of these years, children’s music innovator James Culleton released his new anthem, “Superfun.”
Fresh from Culleton’s forthcoming album of the same name, the release builds on the folk/roots artist’s Unusual Friendships (2020). The album created a multi-sensory experience for listeners. “Superfun” roars out of the backyard gate, setting the tone for the ultimate playdate. With joyfully raucous guitar work from guitarist/producer Grant Siemens (Corb Lund, Del Barber), “Superfun” cranks the volume up for glee.
According to Culleton, it’s a tune with a simply irresistible mission: “It’s a song about everyone playing and having fun!”
Things started out differently when Culleton, Siemens, and the rest of the musicians recorded the tune. “When we were recording all the songs, it was the last one on the list,” recalls Culleton. “It was near the end of the day, everyone was pretty tired. But when that guitar lick started, the whole band just got revved up and it blew all our hair back, becoming the title track.”
“Superfun,” was written by Roger Mollot and the album, was recorded in Winnipeg at The Song Shop. In addition to Siemens on guitar and keyboards, the release features Al Simmons on banjo and harmonica. The sound effects are credited to Keri Latimer on theremin and Paul Balcain on saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Tom Fodey plays bass and Joanna Miller plays drums, adding a special funk to the upbeat song. The joy of jumping and playing without inhibitions, is evident throughout the new collection. It is destined to bring out the “kid” in everyone.
“A lot of the songs on the album are about making art and music and how fun that can be,” explains Culleton. “How there are no mistakes, or how you’ll be a lot of things in life and it’ll be the people you meet that are important.”
