New York, AP – Parents with young children, take note. YouTube sensation and music educator Ms. Rachel, along with her husband Aron Accurso, will release their debut album titled ‘I’m So Happy’ on September 25. The album comprises 23 tracks.
Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, emphasized the power of music as a bonding tool for families. ‘Music is such a wonderful way for people to bond, for parents to bond. I know from the minute my kids were born, we’re singing to them,’ she shared. With her husband, known online as Mr. Aron, she started her popular YouTube channel in 2019.
As a music educator, Ms. Rachel highlights the significance of exposing children to real instruments. ‘I am a music educator, so I get excited about kids hearing a real clarinet on “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum,” and kids getting excited about hearing more real instruments,’ she stated.
The album also focuses on social skills development. A track like ‘I Could Be Your Friend’ offers children guidance in enhancing their social interactions. ‘We’re always thinking about all kinds of kids, whether they have disabilities, whether they’re autistic. We just want the world to feel like it’s helpful to all children and the musical worlds as well,’ she mentioned.
The album spans various genres. For example, the single ‘I Love a Rainbow’ features a bossa nova style. Their version of ‘Old McDonald’ adopts a bluegrass approach. ‘Music is at the heart of our show,’ Aron Accurso noted. ‘And so, we’ve always wanted to release the music and have families experience the music away from the screen.’
Co-produced by Aron Accurso and Grammy winner Scott Riesett, the album includes arrangements by Mr. Aron. With a team of 19 vocalists and 42 instrumentalists, Aron Accurso reinvented several of Ms. Rachel’s fan favorites and childhood classics. ‘It’s songs that people know from the show, but we decided to expand them and elevate them with new arrangements and reproducing them,’ Aron Accurso explained.
We hope the album encourages “living room dance parties.’ – Aron Accurso
Ms. Rachel is also known for her advocacy efforts. She uses her platforms to address global humanitarian issues, focusing on children’s rights. Recently, she commented on the mysterious death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells in Mississippi, drawing attention to racial issues and law enforcement distrust. ‘I view myself as an advocate for children’s rights so anytime they’re being violated by anyone anywhere, I want to be speaking out,’ Ms. Rachel stated.
The ‘I’m So Happy’ album aims to raise awareness of her advocacy work as well.
‘I’m So Happy’ Tracklist:
- “I’m So Happy”
- “I Love a Rainbow”
- “Icky Sticky Bubble Gum”
- “Phonics”
- “Hop Little Bunnies”
- “Caterpillar”
- “Up and Down”
- “Bubble Pop”
- “Walkin’ at the Zoo”
- “Open Shut Them”
- “I Could Be Your Friend”
- “I Listen to My Body”
- “The Wheels on the Bus”
- “Dino Play”
- “Pop Those Bubbles”
- “Old MacDonald”
- “If You Should Meet an Elephant”
- “Counting to 20!”
- “B-I-N-G-O”
- “Lobby Loo”
- “Big Feelings”
- “Together”
- “I Love You to the Moon”