Don’t listen to negativity. No matter what, there will be people that don’t like what you do, even if a million other people do.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Martin and Rose Music.
Martin and Rose Music is a husband and wife duo dedicated to making entertaining educational songs and videos suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school students K — 3rd grade! Their new single “Duck Boots”, a song about life’s simple pleasures like playing in the rain, comes out August 26th. Shortly after, on September 23rd, Martin and Rose will release “Dear Heart”, an 11 song album that deals with the relationships we build as children and speaks to and for the little kid in each of us. It’s a conversation piece about childhood, parenthood, growing up, forgiving mistakes, and celebrating differences. As parents of 4 children they see how unique each child’s experience is and how, as a family, they have to make adjustments for each individual’s needs.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
Daniel: Thanks for having us! It’s been a long journey and we’re just getting started. I have spent my adult life making music. In 2012 I was the owner of a recording studio in Anaheim, CA. and Stefani came in as a country singer looking for a producer.
Stefani: I have been performing since I was a kid. Over the years I have focused on projects that bring me joy. Working with Daniel brought focus to my strengths and helped me pinpoint where my strengths as a songwriter and artist are.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
Daniel & Stefani: Honestly, it’s all super silly. The first time we did a YouTube video in our living room we couldn’t stop laughing. We dressed up our son, Nixon, in this fuzzy cat outfit so he could film a segment for the end screen of our videos. From there it just kept getting more ridiculous. Our “ABC Song” video was the first time we realized that taking this stuff too seriously was not going to get us anywhere. So, 50 star-swipes and cheesy cuts later, we had a style that we love to watch and create.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Daniel & Stefani: Perseverance is key. You can’t stop just because things aren’t going exactly as planned. You push through the rough patches and acknowledge the fact that there are highs and lows in everything. The better you prepare for the lows, the less stressful the path to success will be.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
Daniel: For me, it was probably my dad. We’ve had our fair share of arguments in the past, but I can’t remember one time where he told me I couldn’t succeed in the music business. In fact, he jokingly said music was the only thing I was good at. I have a solid moral grounding and an awareness of the people around me, which gives me the backbone to navigate a difficult industry while simultaneously being cognizant of the needs and wants of the people I do business with or, more importantly, the needs and wants of my wife and children. My Dad was a police officer for nearly 30 years, and I learned a lot about people through his stories and experiences. Additionally, he must have really believed yard work was the key to building character, because I did a lot of that!
Stefani: I would also have to say my dad has had a huge impact on my life. He has been my biggest cheerleader, motivator, and worst critic. There have been times where I thought I had no chance, and he pushed me through it. I hated it at the time but looking back, I am beyond thankful for his belief in me and my talents. The best story is when I convinced myself I had no way of getting into Yale, and my dad pushed me to just apply. The day I got my acceptance letter we were on a father/daughter trip, taking the back roads in a convertible from Palm Springs to Las Vegas to meet some of my friends, My mom called us, she read me the letter, and I looked at my dad and said “YALE” and gave him a thumbs up. He just started yelling. Later he explained that he thought I said “YELL.” It wasn’t until we got to Vegas that he fully understood I had been accepted.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
Daniel & Stefani: We are focused on making people smile and bringing stories of strength, inclusion, and compassion to life. The music and videos we create are intentionally designed to help kids learn lessons that make them great humans! Right now, our focus is on our record, Dear Heart, which comes out September 23rd. We’d like to go play these songs live for families all around the globe, whether it be in libraries, concert halls or children’s hospitals, as we believe this record has so much goodness to share. The message in each song rings true to the heart, and the album as a whole provides a deeper look into childhood in a post-pandemic era.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
Watching our four kids go through the Covid lockdowns, the uncertainty of the pandemic, and just general childhood challenges have made us champions of preserving the joy and innocence of childhood. The world is a scary, mean place, and it’s time we celebrate our differences and allow kids and parents to share their stories of both fear and joy. This album really captures all of that.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
Our oldest son, Niko, is a huge inspiration for our upcoming record. He was diagnosed with epilepsy at age two and was faced with seizures, MRIs, hospital visits, and daily medication for many years. He is now, thankfully, at 13 years old, off medication and seizure free.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Daniel & Stefani: It all starts with watching and listening. From there, we could really use the support of people by having them share our work. If they really enjoy it, they probably know more people that would, as well. That compounding fan base can really help us make sure that we’ll be able to continue to make these songs and vides. Of course, any funding or financial assistance from groups or our government would make it easier for us to create better content more often!
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
1.Don’t listen to negativity. No matter what, there will be people that don’t like what you do, even if a million other people do.
2. Take the leap of faith immediately. No risk, no reward.
3. Make bold choices without fear of consequence.
4. Have fun. Nothing else matters.
5. It’s about who you are, not where you are. You don’t necessarily have to be in LA, Nashville, NY or Chicago to do things in the entertainment business.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Daniel: My passion has always been focused on helping create positive change within the music business. I’ve created a label called Authentic Artists where we sell merchandise to help fund independent artists. 100% of our proceeds goes into our “artist fund,” which is then used to sign artists to non-recoupable (debt free) record deals where they get to reap all of the benefits that major label artists get, but without feeling the burden of recoupment. Our record deals are also split more evenly, creating a more equitable royalty distribution on the back end. This, to me, can help artists all over the world create and make a living off their music, which I believe would make the world a better place.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
Daniel: “You’ll stop caring about what people think of you when you realize how little they do.”
Stefani: “Creative people will always create creative work for themselves”.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Daniel: Wow, this is tricky! I personally would love sit down with Post Malone. Every time I see him in a real-life situation, I feel like he’s extremely humble and well put-together, considering the number of responsibilities he has as a major figure. He puts his fans first, and I really think he could jump into the kids’ music space with no problem. His personality is beaming, and that comes through on everything he does. Even though his look and style can be abrasive, when people have big hearts, you can sense it.
Stefani: I would love to meet with the former head of content for PBS Kids, Linda Simensky. Martin and Rose Music is just in the beginning phases, and getting her insight and support would be incredible. I am a huge fan of the classic PBS Kids shows. This may sound super silly, but my goal with Martin and Rose Music is to weave education and entertainment together just like Mr. Rogers and Big Bird!! I could see our stuff on PBS for sure!!
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Martin and Rose Are Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.