Jules, Co-Star of Ms. Rachel Videos, Releases Debut Album

Jules understands all about big feelings—they aren’t exclusive to little ones, although children are their main audience. Happy, sad, angry, excited… all these emotions are valid, according to the children’s musician.

Jules Hoffman, a non-binary independent artist who uses they/them pronouns, emphasizes this in their single “Crabby Crab,” released on July 26. This track is part of their debut album “Jamming with Jules!,” which is set to drop on Aug. 23 across all major platforms. The first two singles, “Pizza Party” and “Caterpillar Butterfly Thing,” were released in May and June, respectively.

The primary goal, Jules states, is to remind children that “they are loved, no matter what.”

Known to their audience on a first-name basis, Jules is an independent artist who gained global attention through their appearances on the YouTube nursery series “Songs For Littles,” created by Rachel Griffin Accurso, popularly known as Ms. Rachel. Jules also has over 100 videos available on their YouTube channel. Currently, the focus is on “Jamming with Jules!,” released under the Immediate Family LLC label. The aim is to become a cherished sing-along addition to family playlists.

“‘Jamming with Jules!’ is meant not just for kids, but also for the child within each adult, caretaker, and parent,” Jules explains. “They deserve the same love and care they give to the kids in their lives.”

Jules and producer Catho designed the album so that it appeals not just to children but also to the adults in their lives. “Ultimately parents, grandparents, caretakers, and nannies end up listening and watching what their kids do. So we knew this album really needed to reflect my roots in rock and folk,” Jules shares.

Jules aimed to create music that engages kids’ imaginations without needing screens. Known for their heartfelt original compositions and inclusive messaging, Jules teaches valuable life lessons through song. They describe their sound as “Raffi meets Kacey Musgraves with a rock and roll influence.”

“I designed a musical journey that incorporates various instruments and encourages movement and the expression of emotions,” Jules explains. “Kids will be up dancing and ready for sleep by the end.”

The album features collaboration with their former rock band, Boketto the Wolf, and particularly producer and ex-bandmate Catho. Together, they crafted the vision and sound for this project, incorporating social-emotional concepts that resonate with all ages.

Starting with the theme song “Jam with Jules,” which harkens back to ‘90s kids’ television, the album travels through songs celebrating authenticity, kindness, and diversity. Highlights include “Crabby Crab,” which offers advice on managing “big feelings,” and “It’s Okay to Cry,” reminding all listeners that it’s healthy to express emotions.

Also featured is “Train Song” from “Songs For Littles” and “Sleep and Dream,” a peaceful lullaby that ends the album’s 20-minute run with a calming note.

Jules, who graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in songwriting, has been playing music and writing songs since the age of five. Early influences include artists like Carole King and James Taylor and favorite kids’ TV shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Sesame Street.” Eventually, they developed their taste in pop rock and pop punk in middle and high school.

“Jamming with Jules!” marks their first children’s album. Previous works were aimed at an adult market. However, an interest in children’s music grew after the birth of Jules’ nephew Elijah in 2014. Jules now has four nieces and nephews who inspire their work.

“After my last year at Berklee, my sister had her first child, which changed a lot for me,” Jules recalls. “When Eli was born, I started writing kids’ music to inspire and teach bigger concepts. And I just couldn’t stop.”

Feeling like a kid at heart helps Jules connect with children. “I think that’s why I can connect with kids. I love puppets and getting on the ground to start crab walking,” they laugh.

Moving to New York opened opportunities, leading to collaborations, including classes and videos for “Songs For Littles” with Ms. Rachel. Jules also appears in “Small Legacies” and “Laurie Berkner” videos on YouTube and has collaborated musically with Berkner, a treasured figure in children’s music.

Reflecting on the newfound fame from “Ms. Rachel,” Jules admits they were initially unaware of its extent until they began getting recognized in public. Popularity grew further when they started a TikTok account, quickly amassing followers overnight.

Jules, while still part of the “Songs For Littles” community, aims to appeal to slightly older kids, beyond Ms. Rachel’s core audience. “I resonate with kids between two and seven and want to create music for them. I foresee future collaborations but also want to establish my own identity,” Jules says.

Now living in New Mexico, Jules stays active in their community and values spending time in nature, cooking for friends, and dancing. Looking forward, they plan to tour with engaging live performances that bring the album’s musical diversity to life for children.

Among the tour highlights is the presence of their puppet companion Poppy. Jules’s band Boketto the Wolf will join them, transitioning from an almost-signed adult rock band to “Jamming with Jules!” live performers.

“I want the live shows to sound like the album, featuring a variety of instruments to inspire kids,” Jules asserts.

When not performing, Jules delights in outdoor activities and community engagement, continually inspired by new surroundings and experiences.

Source: USA Today