A Conversation with Danny Lapidus and Francisco Cotto from Hot Peas ‘n Butter – HuffPost 8.2.13
Mike Ragogna: Tell me about your most recent video “Here At Last” that we have up as the exclusive.
HPnB: We wrote the song, “Here at Last!” because…well, who doesn’t love the summertime??!! It’s a Hot Peas ‘n Butter party jam!
MR: It definitely speaks to children but also to adults that love some fun in the sun.
HPnB: YES! It’s also a celebration of all new beginnings; like kids meeting new friends, going to camp, and having new experiences in life.
MR: I think what your group is doing for kids is very inspirational. I heard something about you being involved with St. Jude’s…can you explain that?
HPnB: Giving back is very important to Hot Peas ‘N Butter. In support of being a new partner to St. Jude’sTrike-A-Thon, we presented our song “Different Spokes for Different Folks,” off our award-winning album,Volume 4: The Pod Squad. St. Jude spawned a Trike-A-Thon launch in Puerto Rico using “Different Spokes for Different Folks” as its theme song. The original video airs regularly on Nick Jr. /Nickelodeon TV and is also featured on the official Trike-A-Thon DVD. “Different Spokes for Different Folks” held the number 1 spot for several weeks on Sirius Radio’s “Kids Stuff,” and continues to reside in the top 100 songs overall on Sirius. The hit song has helped to raise $2.6 million dollars for St. Jude!
MR: Who did you grow up listening to?
HPnB: Too many to name! But as far as influences in children’s music, Pete Seeger, Doc Watson, and Marlo Thomas, just to name a few. Songwriting influences include the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, the Band and Muddy Waters. We both studied jazz and listened to Miles Davis, john Coltrane, Wayne shorter, Michael Brecker, and Jaco Pastorius. This is the very short list!! We could go on…
MR: What are some words of advice to your fans as they grow up?
HPnB: Try to believe in yourself and follow your dreams, whatever they may be. Once you know what you enjoy doing the most, you can start to enjoy studying to get better at doing it. Of course, we also advise that you listen to your parents, they know what they’re talking about!
MR: At what point did you decide that doing music for kids was what you wanted?
HPnB: We’ve played music for kids and we’ve played music for adults. The only thing that’s changed is that now we approach them as being the same! After a few years of performing for kids, our writing became more fun, even more focused. We felt more connected to the audience. That was when we knew this was for us!
MR: What is your advice for kids that aspire to be musicians?
HPnB: Just remember that, like everything else, it’s a lot of hard work. Being a musician is tough because you have to be able to play your instrument well but you also need to be a good performer. That takes time and practice. It’s really worth it though, there is nothing more fun than being a musician! So practice, practice, practice!
MR: Are you presently touring?
HPnB: Yes we are! We are playing all over the country. Just go to our website or facebook page to see if we’re coming to your city.
MR: What can we expect next from Hot Peas ‘n Butter?
HPnB: We are releasing an EP in October, and an instrumental album in November. We are also filming a bunch of new videos! There are also plans to develop a Hot Peas ‘n Butter TV Show, and we will continue to work closely with St. Jude Children’s Research hospital on their Trike-A-Thon program. We are also creating a production company that will produce up and coming artists! We hope to help the genre and community grow.
MR: Do you have any final words to add?
HPnB: Every new beginning is a new opportunity, embrace them….and have fun!!