Press Preview — New Releases
Cover design: Kelli Caldwell featuring pillow handmade by Kelli's mother-in-law, Karen Segelken
All the Love
Song Details: All the Love
Song release date: May 2, 2025
Label: 1st + 1st media
For all ages, but especially for ages 0-14
Song run time: 02:34
Kelli Welli, award-winning Children’s songwriter, recently recognized by the International Songwriting Competition, American Songwriter Magazine, and the John Lennon Song Contest, releases a fun, upbeat song about love and loving the time we spend together with our kids. To have this song produced, Kelli reached out to the one-an-only Mo Phillips, a long-time favorite kindie artist in the Portland area — and Mo said yes!
“I was so excited when Mo — aka Lord Mo Phillips, aka Ninja — agreed to make this song, because he brings such a playful magic to everything he does, but he’s also one of the smartest songwriters around. I knew he would make it better in his own wonderful way,” says Kelli Welli.
The song lyrics start: “Whether we are happy or we’re feeling kinda crappy… Whether we can dawdle or we gotta make it snappy… Any kind of “whether,” I’m always feeling better when I’m with you… Ooh hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo!” It’s an easy breezy toe-tapper, sing-and-dance-alonger and Kelli and Mo really hope you not only enjoy, but feel all the love… (see what we did there?) they poured into making this song.
For the cover art, Kelli is so pleased to showcase this amazing pillow that was handmade by her mother-in-law, Karen Segelken, of Punta Gorda, FL. Karen is a marvelously talented seamstress, quilter, and fabric artist — not to mention a great mother-in-law and grandma — and she surprised Kelli one day with this pillow to celebrate another song release and video where Kelli, her kids, and other kid friends painted a heart of many colors (see “Rainbow Love Song” on Kelli Welli YouTube channel). Karen’s was a very loving gesture and including this as the cover artwork really completes the deep meaning behind this song.
Full Download
Song, cover artwork, press release, photos + bios
Song Download
Press Release Download
Kelli Welli - photo by Alia Rose
Kelli Welli (aka Kelli Caldwell) has been called “The Pixar of Children’s songwriters” for her award-winning work and commitment to keeping even the silliest of songs super smart, with full respect for kids’ brains. Recently named the Grand Prize Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Top 3 in the International Songwriting Competition, Kelli draws upon her unique upbringing to create songs that often defy categorization. Kelli’s wide-ranging songwriting is clever, fun, often hilarious, sometimes reflective and deeply sweet. Always genuine. Kelli’s released four full albums in the last four years and can be heard on SiriusXM Kids Place Live. Her newest endeavors also include short film making, with inclusion in over 30 film festivals world-wide, including the Sonoma Film Festival, San Diego Comic Con, Children’s Film Festival of Seattle, and Portland’s one-of-a-kind gem, the Hollywood Theatre at PDX Airport. KELLIWELLI.COM
Mo Phillips is a teaching artist and a fun time maker in Portland, Oregon. He writes and records songs, makes odd ball videos, produces choose-your-own-adventure musicals, all in Mo-Fi. Mo-Fi is a way of making art centered on joy and exploration, primarily of inexpensive apps that do silly stuff. When not teaching song writing in schools or shredding ukulele for the people, Mo is a dad. That's his favorite job, the rest is just gravy. MOPHILLIPS.COM
Mo Phillips
Cover design: Kelli Caldwell, Ryan Segelken | Paper artwork and illustration by Shelley Hanmo, Junonia Arts
Sweet Dreams
Song Details: Sweet Dreams
Song release date: March 28, 2025
Label: 1st + 1st Media
For all ages, but especially for ages 0-14
Song run time: 03:41
A genuine, heartwarming, and uplifting song about exploration in dreams. Written for one of Kelli's twins, who struggled with bad dreams when he was a little guy, in this song, we ask, “Where shall we go tonight in our dreams?” imagining the best adventures we can together, and we try to take charge of our dreams when they turn dark. Kelli draws on real, proven techniques she and her son learned to prepare for and try to change the course of bad dreams.
To have this special song produced, Kelli reached out to the uber talented Johnny Clay of kindie band Ants Ants Ants and folk pop band The Dimes — and he agreed to bring this lovely song to life, infused with the loving approach he takes with all of his own children’s music, knowing how precious and important it is to mark these moments with our children and support them through all of their journeys.
“I was so grateful when Johnny agreed to make this song for me. It’s such a meaningful one and I love the harmonies and wonderful energy I’ve heard in his work over the years” says Kelli Welli. “I also appreciated his leadership and patience, encouraging me to finger pick on acoustic guitar for my son’s song, a new step for me in recording.”
For the cover art, Kelli is so pleased to showcase the incredible paper art talent of Shelley Hanmo of Junonia Arts, an artist whose textured and innovative work Kelli has admired for some time. Shelley is a self-taught freelance illustrator and paper artist based in Indianapolis, who specializes in creating children’s book illustrations and editorial designs.
Full Download
Song, cover artwork, press release, photos + bios
Song Download
Press Release Download
Kelli Welli - photo by Alia Rose
Kelli Welli (aka Kelli Caldwell) has been called “The Pixar of Children’s songwriters” for her award-winning work and commitment to keeping even the silliest of songs super smart, with full respect for kids’ brains. Recently named the Grand Prize Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Top 3 in the International Songwriting Competition, Kelli draws upon her unique upbringing to create songs that often defy categorization. Kelli’s wide-ranging songwriting is clever, fun, often hilarious, sometimes reflective and deeply sweet. Always genuine. Kelli’s released four full albums in the last four years and can be heard on SiriusXM Kids Place Live. Her newest endeavors also include short film making, with inclusion in over 30 film festivals world-wide, including the Sonoma Film Festival, San Diego Comic Con, Children’s Film Festival of Seattle, and Portland’s one-of-a-kind gem, the Hollywood Theatre at PDX Airport. KELLIWELLI.COM
Leader of the folk pop band The Dimes, Johnny Clay has enjoyed a run of buzz fueled by his unique ability to craft catchy pop songs framed around fascinating historical themes and lyrics, as best demonstrated on the band’s 2009 release, “The King Can Drink the Harbour Dry.” In 2018, Clay formed the kindie band Ants Ants Ants with fellow singer/songwriters Dave Gulick and Nat Johnson from the indie rock band Derby. Ants Ants Ants has gone on to release 4 critically acclaimed albums and EPs and has become a staple of the Pacific Northwest summer festival circuit. JOHNNYCLAYMUSIC.COM
Johnny Clay
Shelley Hanmo
Shelley Hanmo is a self-taught illustrator specializing in cut paper collage. As a paper artist, Shelley loves exploring different possibilities of colors, shapes, layers, and textures in pieces of paper. And her artistic inspirations often come from her life experience as a woman of color, immigrant, professional musician, as well as her love for nature and conservation. Since her art studio launched in 2020, Shelley has worked with clients across the country, creating children's books, editorial art, brand illustrations, and teaching art workshops. JUNONIAARTS.COM
Road Trip - Two Versions
Cover photos/design: Kelli Caldwell
BI-SPECIES Set of Summertime Singles |
Release date: July 19, 2024 • DOWNLOADS BELOW
You’ve heard of bi-lingual releases, but WHAT IS A BI-SPECIES RELEASE?! A catchy tune for the season of adventure written from two perspectives: the point of view of road-trip loving canines and road-trip loving homo sapiens. Just who is having more fun?
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Kelli is a mom to two human kids (twins, age 11 – her daughter steals the show on the cover artwork of the Human version) and a fur baby named Piper Peach (Black Labrador Retriever). Piper Peach contributed both to inspiration and vocalization in making the Dog version, along with her best buds, Loki Newman (Golden Retriever, Border Collie mix) and Mia Swanson (Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd, Siberian Husky mix). Loki contributed his special trill to the “mouth horn” section of the Dog version, his enthusiasm and heart not to be outdone by anyone of any species.
“I’ve had a dream for a while to make an album for Dogs and the people who love them. ROAD TRIP – DOG VERSION is the first single release for this forthcoming album (coming 2025) and I decided, why not go ahead and make a version for humans too?!” says Kelli Welli. “We have an absolute blast playing ROAD TRIP live, especially when the audience joins in on the mouth-horn part. Spit may be flying, but it’s some serious fun… And I was so excited to be joined in recording these songs by my great friends, The Newman Family Singers, and their dog, Loki, who make these songs even more special.”
Cover photos/design: Kelli Caldwell
Full Download
Both songs, cover artwork, press release, photos + bios
Song Download - Dog Version
Song Download - Human Version
Press Release Download
Kelli Welli - photo by Alia Rose
Kelli Welli (aka Kelli Caldwell) has been called “The Pixar of Children’s songwriters” for her award-winning work and commitment to keeping even the silliest of songs super smart, with full respect for kids’ brains. Recently named the Grand Prize Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Top 3 in the International Songwriting Competition, Kelli draws upon her unique upbringing to create songs that often defy categorization. Kelli’s wide-ranging songwriting is clever, fun, often hilarious, sometimes reflective and deeply sweet. Always genuine. Kelli’s released four full albums in the last four years and can be heard on SiriusXM Kids Place Live. Her newest endeavors also include short film making, with inclusion in over 30 film festivals world-wide, including the Sonoma Film Festival, San Diego Comic Con, Children’s Film Festival of Seattle, and Portland’s one-of-a-kind gem, the Hollywood Theatre at PDX Airport. KELLIWELLI.COM
Favorite road trip destination: Camping with friends and familly. Also Disneyland.
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Bryan Daste is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and recording engineer based in Portland, Oregon. He’s worked with a wide variety of artists, including touring Europe with Grammy® nominee Courtney Marie Andrews, sharing the stage with the Head and the Heart as a member of Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles, playing countless shows with Emma Hill and Small Souls, and playing on Laura Sullivan’s recent Grammy® nominated album Pieces of Forever. He’s contributed session work with Jeffrey Martin, Evan Phillips, Pretty Gritty, Myrrh Larsen, Anna Tivel and many others. As a recording engineer and producer, Bryan likes to find and highlight what’s unique about each artist’s music. He’s a member of the Recording Academy, and has his own podcast dedicated to the art of pedal steel. More about Bryan’s work at BRYANDASTE.COM.
Favorite road trip destination: Pioneertown, CA. Former western movie set and location of legendary Pappy & Harriet's music venue.
Bryan Daste
Piper Peach Segelken (Black Labrador Retriever) loves balls, toys that squeak, and dirty socks. She's credited with writing one of the songs on Kelli Welli's 4th album, Baby Ninja: "Dirty Socks." Piper loves trying to catch or bite water from a hose and swimming or basking in water anywhere. She loves her friends, but also prefers being the center of attention.
Favortie road trip destination: Any water.
Family: Kelli Welli & kids
Loki Newman (Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix) is one of the sweetest people... he greets with the truest joy. He enjoys cornering chipmunks in the wood pile and keeping dedicated watch for squirrels, as well as his weekly adventure day out. He's known throughout the Pacific Northwest music community for the skill in his trill.
Favorite road trip destination: The Oregon Coast.
Family: The Newman Family
Mia Swanson (Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix) is smart as a whip and a bundle of energy. She enjoys reading serious novels and scientific non-fiction, between calculating best methods to maximize daily dog treats. She keeps a steady watch on everything and loves sitting in the front seat.
Favorite road trip destination: The closest Aeronautics Research Center
Family: The Swanson Family
Three buddies making mischief, having just finished a class 3 Dognado.
My Darling Daffodil
New Single — A Duet with Red Yarn and Kelli Welli
Release date: March 15, 2024 • DOWNLOADS BELOW
A springtime song about love and admiration between a daffodil and dandelion (song produced by a bumblebee), paying homage to the unsung patience and persistence of flowers in nature, and anticipation of the coming joy that springtime can bring
Cover Illustration: Maddo Hughes; Design: Kelli Caldwell
Music Video
Created with Dave Gulick of Ants, Ants, Ants
Releasing alongside the song, a totally fun and funky music video! Another creative Portland powerhouse, Dave Gulick of successful bands, including Derby and kindie band, Ants, Ants, Ants, flexes his animation and video creation talents. Dave teamed up with Kelli to create an animated short film that brings to life… or shall we say “springs to life”… the artwork of rising Portland artist and muralist, Maddo Hughes. Kids and grownups alike will groove along with this story of love and mutual admiration that all starts with “Cheese!” in one of those photo-cutout boards for kids. A totally unique approach by this creative team!
Full Download
Song, cover artwork, press release, photos + bios
Song Download
Press Release Download
Music Video Stills Download
Kelli Welli - photo by Alia Rose
Kelli Welli (aka Kelli Caldwell) has been called “The Pixar of Children’s songwriters” for her award-winning work and commitment to keeping even the silliest of songs super smart, with full respect for kids’ brains. Recently named the Grand Prize Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Top 3 in the International Songwriting Competition, Kelli draws upon her unique upbringing to create songs that often defy categorization. Kelli’s wide-ranging songwriting is clever, fun, often hilarious, sometimes reflective and deeply sweet. Always genuine. Kelli’s released four full albums in the last four years and can be heard on SiriusXM Kids Place Live. Her newest endeavors also include short film making, with inclusion in over 30 film festivals world-wide, including the Sonoma Film Festival, San Diego Comic Con, Children’s Film Festival of Seattle, and Portland’s one-of-a-kind gem, the Hollywood Theatre at PDX Airport. KELLIWELLI.COM
Red Yarn - photo by Aaron Hewitt
Red Yarn (aka Andy Furgeson) is a Texas-born, Oregon-based family performer who weaves music and puppetry into high-energy shows for all ages. With his engaging performances, rowdy folk-rock recordings, and playful music videos, this red-bearded bard reinvigorates American roots music traditions for younger generations. Red Yarn recently released his tenth in a series of award-winning albums in ten years, The Get-Together, an inclusive celebration of community, collaboration, human connection & childhood. Red Yarn & his family band have performed at Austin City Limits Festival, South by Southwest, Pilgrimage Music Fest, Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Wolf Trap National Park, Symphony Space, Pickathon, Northwest String Summit, and libraries and children’s museums across the country. Accolades include: NAPPA Gold, Parents’ Choice, and Fids & Kamily Music Awards, and frequent play on SiriusXM Kids Place Live. REDYARNPRODUCTIONS.COM
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Bryan Daste is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and recording engineer based in Portland, Oregon. He’s worked with a wide variety of artists, including touring Europe with Grammy® nominee Courtney Marie Andrews, sharing the stage with the Head and the Heart as a member of Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles, playing countless shows with Emma Hill and Small Souls, and playing on Laura Sullivan’s recent Grammy® nominated album Pieces of Forever. He’s contributed session work with Jeffrey Martin, Evan Phillips, Pretty Gritty, Myrrh Larsen, Anna Tivel and many others. As a recording engineer and producer, Bryan likes to find and highlight what’s unique about each artist’s music. He’s a member of the Recording Academy, and has his own podcast dedicated to the art of pedal steel. More about Bryan’s work at BRYANDASTE.COM.
Bryan Daste
Dave Gulick is the driving creative force behind the bands Derby, Fremont and Teemster. Known for his infectious melodies and perfectly crafted indie rock arrangements, his work has been heard in countless television shows and advertising campaigns, including spots for Nike, Coca-Cola, Verizon and Facebook. Derby’s 2008 hit “If Ever There’s a Reason” was also featured in a Super Bowl spot for Ford, showcasing the band and Gulick’s songwriting to a global audience. With his work in several short films, Gulick has explored multiple genres in recent years, collaborating with songwriter Johnny Clay (The Dimes) on indie film scores, rock, electronic pop and many others. DAVEWGULICK.COM
Dave Gulick
Maddo Hughes
Maddo Hughes is an artist and muralist based in Portland, OR. He began his journey engaged in the task of painting theatrical sets, eventually transitioning into a career focused on murals. His approach incorporates folk art themes with elements characterized by a sense of playfulness. He has now developed into an artist with a commitment to capturing life's essence. Maddo's practice explores creating site specific artwork that is influenced by the community that it serves. MADDOMURALS.COM
Baby Ninja Album
16 tracks -- AND a Baby Ninja Comic Book!
Releases June 16, 2023 • Downloads Below
Baby Ninja bursts out of the gate with the album’s title track, infused with a Southwestern, retro-martial-arts spy vibe underscored by this takeaway: never underestimate the very real power of a baby!
Cover Illustration: Belén Toscano; Design: Kelli Caldwell
Listen along with the Baby Ninja Comic Book!
Take a little bit of pop, a pinch of Americana, and a dash of African rhythm. Add in a taste of Cajun flavor, a touch of country and western with a Japanese flair, (and some dirty socks), and you have what fans have come to expect from Kelli Welli: originality, personality, a dose of the ridiculous, and lots and lots of love. The 16 tracks on Baby Ninja explode with Kelli Welli’s creativity and include contributions from fellow kids' artists and talented friends Uncle Jumbo, Claudia Robin Gunn, Nanny Nikki, Stacey Peasley, and the album’s co-producer and multi-instrumentalist, Bryan Daste.
for online use - 500 & 1500px versions in ZIP
Album Download
16 Tracks, 30 minutes, produced by Bryan Daste and Kelli Caldwell
Comic PDF Preview Download
40 pages, co-authored by Kelli Caldwell (Kelli Welli) and illustrator Belen Toscano; layout by Kelli Caldwell
Press Release Download
Press contact: Elizabeth Waldman, Waldmania PR
elizabeth at waldmaniapr.com
for print use - 3000px image in ZIP
Kelli Welli - photo by Alia Rose
Kelli Welli
illustration by Belén Toscano
Bryan Daste - Producer
Bryan Daste
illustration by Belén Toscano