The modern landscape of children’s music is full of pop influences, and for many kids, the works of Cocomelon are exciting and entertaining. Rick Robles, however, found his sons jamming out to rock artists like Green Day and Nirvana in the car rather than other kid-focused music. Robles saw this interest and decided to fill a kid rock music niche, to create a space that resonates with rockers while still being age-appropriate and about topics that kids find interesting. Partners in music, Robles and his friend and long-time collaborator Jesse Siebenberg, who has writing credits on the A Star is Born soundtrack as well as playing as part of Supertramp, came together to create Shoe Biters, an animated animal hard rock band for kids with songs about the community heroes, tough emotions, and the mailman.
“There is not much hard rock for kids. Mike the Mailman has parts that are closer to Rage Against The Machine and System of A Down, which you usually don’t hear referenced in kids’ music. There is a song that’s over 19 minutes long that has 6 parts to it with styles from industrial, classical, metal, and country all in the same song.” – Rick Robles
After the initial release of songs like “Firefighter Natalie,” Shoe Biters is gearing up for the release of their first album this year. The project brings together a powerhouse lineup of musicians whose resumes span generations and genres. Guitarist Greg Pajer, who has worked with pop heavyweights like Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, and keyboardist Zak St. John, known for performing alongside the legendary Stevie Wonder. On bass, Jennifer Jo Oberle brings experience from collaborations with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Five for Fighting, Rufus Wainwright, and additional performance credits with industry heavyweights like Melissa Etheridge, Angie Stone, Musiq Soulchild, and The Jacksons. With a lineup like this, Shoe Biters isn’t just another animated kids band; it’s a full-scale rock production disguised in fur and fangs.
As Shoe Biters gears up for the release of their first album, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and visit their website, shoebiters.com, to keep up with their exciting new career.