New children’s musical imprint
Alcopop! Records has launched its new children's musical imprint, Pandapop! Records, alongside the signing of CBEEBIES YUKEE star.
Debut single release
The label stated the debut release of the single Yukee “Fly Away Feathrs,” featuring Weezer’s Cuomo river. The track is available on transparent 5-inch vinyl and streaming platforms.
The Yukeman television series, produced by Aardman, comprises 52 episodes currently airing on CBEEBIES and BBC IPlayer. This show, featuring a Northern Ireland children’s actor voicing Yukee, is dedicated to introducing young audiences to fundamental musical concepts through themes of community and friendship.
The series has attracted numerous guest performances from various music industry icons, including Sam Carter, PP Arnold, Chali 2na, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Femi, and TJ Ezra Collective, with BBC Radio 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne. The adaptation of the podcast “Musical Adventures of Yukee,” narrated by Elbou Garvie, is available on BBC Sounds.
Insights from Alcopop! Records’ manager
Alcopop! Label Records manager Jack Klokier remarked: “In May last year, I welcomed a child named Talon with my partner Ri, and naturally, he completely transformed our perspective on everything. Thus began our journey from Yuki. CBEEBIES transcends mere children’s programming—Idles performed the HEY DUGGE STICK SONG live at Glastonbury. Stars like Stormzy, Kylie, and Frank Black have read bedtime stories, and amidst all this gold, there’s truly something special… yukee. It’s about a little girl, her Hawaiian guitar, and a never-ending garden party with all her friends!”
He continues: “The coupon was surprising for us. Then, during one of the first episodes I watched, I thought, ‘I recognize that dove’s voice.’ As it turns out, it was from Rivers of Weezer. Then I heard Lauren Laverne, Wet Leg, and Sam Carter from Architects. This show is absolutely infused with modern pop elements. So, we had discussions with the team behind this, developed some plans, and were overwhelmingly excited to the point we needed to take a moment!”
The label has appointed Clothier’s 21-month-old son, Talon Ashley Crocodile Clothier Jones, as the imprint’s drummer, making him the youngest record boss in the world. “He might need a bit of financial assistance, to be honest, but if record labels run on passion, enthusiasm, and faith alone (which, frankly, is exactly what Kev and I have done as we’ve worked to launch Alcopop! for the last 15 years), he is the best in the business!” Klokier adds.
