Super Stolie releases new CD | Interview

Since most tots aren’t digging the classic rock blaring from the radio as you drop them off at school, maybe it’s time to listen to something you both will find yourself singing along to. Chicago native Rebecca Stoelinga, or Super Stolie as her young fans know her, will be releasing her new CD Press Play! on November 6. Stolie sat down with us to discuss her second venture into kids music, which features 14 self-recorded songs in a variety of lively genres that will keep you listening even after the kids are dropped off.

How did you first become interested in music?
It goes all the way back to when I was six and saw a piano and started plucking it, so my mom signed me up for piano lessons. Eight years later, I started teaching myself guitar. Since then it’s always been natural for me to write songs, record them, have a product, and play shows.

How did you get the stage name Super Stolie?
Stolie is a nickname I’ve been going by since high school. When I started doing kids music, I wanted to keep the recognition with my name. Super Stolie was never meant to be a cape-wearing superhero. It’s just an alliteration that sounded fun and uplifting.

You recently switched to a whole new demographic. Why kids music?
I’ve been working as a musician for 15 years. I love playing for an enthusiastic audience, whoever that may be, and kids are so enthusiastic. They’re my favorite audience, because it’s just so fun. Kids music was the perfect transition out of nightlife performing.  

What was one of your most memorable shows?
Recently, I played for a fall fest. I played the last set and by then a lot of people had left. A handful of families came that knew all of the words. The kids were requesting my songs, and it was the biggest compliment. They made it a blast.

How is it making kids music if you don't have kids?
Sometimes I think that if I had kids it would help the songwriting ,because I would be pulling from direct experience. Other times, I think I’m writing in a different way because I don’t have to deal with the dirty diapers and the tantrums, so everything is funny to me.

What’s your recording process like since you do all of it yourself?
I record at home on my computer with Garage Band. I play most of the instruments used on the CD, like guitar, piano, bass, djembe, ukulele, banjo, tin whistle, tambourine, harmonica and drum sticks on a laundry basket. Drums, synth sounds or violins are programmed where I can then tweak each track. After fixing errors, I export the track. The track gets sent off to the company that prints it off. 

What can we expect to hear in this album?
This album seems geared more towards three to seven year-olds. My song writing sensibility is pop rock. I like to write in a lot of genres, and that’s educational for kids because it exposes them to different styles. 

How does your music compare to the songs kids hear on the radio?
My music has to be something that I would want kids to repeat. It’s funny how my music-listening has shifted since I started playing for kids. I’m constantly offended by music that’s being released today on the radio. There are no bad words, but innuendo is just as bad. 

What are your musical aspirations now that you’ve just released a CD?
I can’t wait for people to learn all the words and come to the shows and request songs. Hopefully more people have heard about my music, where more moms are saying to their friends You got to hear this album. Go to her website and buy it."

What upcoming gigs can families look forward to?
The big one is Friday, November 9, at Little Beans café (1809 West Webster). So that show is the CD release show.

What’s your advice for young musicians?
I think if you like music, you have to be involved with music. If you want to be a rock star when you grow up, you have to start right now. Anytime you have a chance to be on stage do it, and don’t be afraid because everyone’s rooting for you.