New Music News: Stinky & Dirty musician Dan Bern talks inspiration and his upcoming free concert
Dan Bern, a nationally touring and acclaimed singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, has a strong fan following in Portland, with past shows at Mississippi Studios and McMenamins. Dan will perform a free concert for families Thursday, Oct 20 at 3:30pm as part of the Little Ears series at the Old Church in downtown Portland.
Recently Dan wrote the theme song and an album full of other snappy tunes for the new Amazon Originals animated series, “The Stinky & Dirty Show.” The 20-song album is available via Amazon now, and available for free streaming for Prime members.
Stream the Dan Bern song “Let’s Get Dirty” here.
Based on the “I Stink!” book series by Kate and Jim McMullan, “The Stinky & Dirty Show” follows the adventures and mishaps faced by best friends and unlikely heroes, Stinky the garbage truck and Dirty, the backhoe loader. The series, which emphasizes creative ways to solve problems, is written and developed by Guy Toubes and animated by Brown Bag Films, which also creates “Doc McStuffins” and other shows. Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Lynch and Andy Richter are among voice talents for the show. A full season of animated episodes launched in September.
We asked Dan Bern a few questions about writing songs for a hit children’s show and what he likes about Portland:
Where did you find inspiration to write the songs for “The Stinky & Dirty Show?”
Really, it was from the scripts. I was able to read the scripts before they actually shot the episodes. By the time I finished reading each one, I already had a song going around in my head! I also found inspiration from singing songs with my daughter Lulu, who is now 7. We make up songs all the time. If she liked my “Stinky & Dirty Show” songs, I figured other kids would too. Luckily, she likes them a lot.
What was the process like? Did you see the episodes before you wrote the songs?
I saw the scripts, and wrote the songs, and then Brown Bag Films made the cartoons. It was amazing to see the cartoons for the first time—with my songs in them!
What is your favorite kind of truck, and why?
That’s a great question! I love garbage trucks, especially when they lift the garbage cans up high. I also love cement mixers, for the way they spin around and around to keep the cement inside wet. And dump trucks – who doesn’t love dump trucks?
What are you most looking forward to doing when you return to Portland on October 20?
Seeing some old friends. Playing in the beautiful Old Church. And singing some “Stinky & Dirty” songs with the kids.
For more information about Dan Bern, visit danbern.com.