I like to hear new music when I get the chance but since having kids it is harder for me to keep up with the changing music scene. All the more reason why I sample music before buying it for me or my kids. CD Baby is a cool online music shop where you can get quite a taste of sounds. It offers several of our kids’ favorite artists, including Dan Zanes, The Sippy Cups, and Shel Silverstein. I was even able to search for local Rhode Island artists – like Keith Munslow and Mark Binder.
CD Baby is based in Portland, Oregon, and sells CDs by independent musicians only. They buy direct from the artist — thereby cutting out the middle guy and putting more money into the artist’s pocket. But this site isn’t just for kids. CD Baby has something for everyone. Click on style and choose from classical to British punk. Click on flavor and you can match your mood — music for a rainy day, perhaps — or match your occasion — like sleepy sounds to soothe you (or your child) to sleep. Check the bargain bin for $5 CDs. My favorite flavor? That all depends on the particular day and whether or not I am spending it with my kids.
I love CD baby! One of our favorite CD Baby artists is Elizabeth Mitchell, a performer with a RI connection (she attended Brown. She has a honey of an kids’ album, “You are My Flower,” which we’ve given out to many, many new parents, who in turn rave about it. A sweet voice with some songs that make you smile! (And I can’t say I’m big fan of kids music in general–which I guess is why I’m so enthusiastic about the CD).