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Press Preview — New Releases
Releasing on INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY, August 26, 2026...
A Duo-Species Duo-Album Release
One album for DOGS and another album for KIDS... and the people who love them
1. PUPPY LOVE
Release date: August 26, 2026 • Label: 1st + 1st Media
For all ages • Album run time: 00:34:23
UPC: 885000118876 • 15 Tracks
See DOGS and credits below | DOWNLOAD FULL PACKAGE
Anticipated for a couple of years now, Kelli Welli & friends are proud to present this 15-track album made for and with dogs — one song is apparently written by her adorable black lab, Piper Peach, who is also featured on the album cover — along with her dog-loving family and friends. Woven in with Kelli's signature wit, some songs reflect the dog's point-of-view, some the joy and quirkiness our furry friends bring to humans' lives, and some just celebrate everything canine. Touching and poignant tracks like "Rescue" and "Sweet Dreams, My Doggie" round out this album that's meant not only to echo the love we feel for our "fur babies," but to express great respect for the way they seem to treat us with unconditional love. How do they do this so well? And what can we learn from them?
Cover image: Kelli's doggy, Piper Peach (Labrador), when she was a tiny pup, 8 years ago.
Cover design: Kelli Caldwell with input from her kids
2. ALL THE LOVE
Release date: August 26, 2026 • Label: 1st + 1st Media
For all ages, especially ages 0-14 • 15 Tracks
Album run time: 00:36:31 • UPC: 885000141584
See credits below | DOWNLOAD FULL PACKAGE
Kelli Welli & a host of her amazing friends present this compilation album for (human) kids and families featuring songs (many singles recently released) to fill all the seasons with a whole lotta LOVE. Includes brand new songs about Friendship and Nature, made with Nanny Nikki, Wendy & DB, Tara Trudel, Shawny, and The Dapper Dudes... along with songs made with friends like Red Yarn, Suzi Shelton, Little Miss Ann and Kelli's wonderful kids — as well as over fifty 4th graders — that have been awarded top honors in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Unsigned Only Music Awards, and the International Songwriting Competition. Fabulous guest producers Johnny Clay of Ants Ants Ants and The Dimes, as well as Mo Phillips of Portland, OR, and Andrew Oedel of Ghost Hit Recording in West Springfield, MA, bring extra depth and beauty to the tracks, along with the work of Portland's incredible Bryan Daste at Dream Tree Studios NW.
DOWNLOADS FOR BOTH ALBUMS
FULL PACKAGE: albums, artwork, press release, photos + bios
PRESS RELEASE ONLY
PUPPY LOVE ONLY
ALL THE LOVE ONLY
ARTIST, DOGS & FRIENDS PHOTOS ONLY
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 Unsigned Only Best Children’s Artist, Grand Prize Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Best Album in the Josie Music Awards, and Top 2 in the International Songwriting Competition, Kelli draws upon her unique upbringing to create songs that often defy categorization. Kelli will release her 5th album for kids this year and her songs can be heard on SiriusXM. Kelli’s short films for kids have been included in over 50 film festivals world-wide, including San Diego Comic Con, the Sonoma Film Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music BAMkids Festival, and more. Kelli has a Master of Publishing degree from Simon Fraser University in Canada and lives in Portland, OR USA with her husband, their twins, dog & cat. KELLIWELLI.COM
THE DOGS WHO HELPED MAKE PUPPY LOVE...
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
Working tirelessly to get things recorded as naturally as they could, Loki, Piper, and Mia perform a live "dognado" while Kelli Welli just hopes she's holding the mic properly. Piper makes a couple of corrections to Kelli's form and they finally get the best, most authentic take.
THE FRIENDS & FAMILY WHO HELPED MAKE BOTH ALBUMS...
Nanny Nikki is a Grammy® nominated, interactive children’s entertainer and teaching artist who loves sharing my love of music with young children and their loved ones! From her roots in children’s choir, musical theater, and gospel choir to 15 years as a professional nanny, Nikki knows kids and knows how to relate to them through music. NANNYNIKKI.COM
Don Trinite and Bryan Rolfson are The Dapper Dudes, an incredible musical duo that provides accompaniment for children’s musicians (namely Nanny Nikki ) as well as live audio production. The Dapper Dudes premiered Kelli's song "Want to Be Your Friend" with her and Nanny Nikki at the CMN 2024 Conference in Chicago. @the_dapperdudes
Shawny is an award-winning Canadian children's artist, Youtuber, and performer. An elementary school music teacher turned children’s musician, Shawny brings more than 20 years’ experience with kids to the table. He is so in touch with his inner child that children instantly recognize him as a big, goofy friend! SHAWNYKIDSMUSIC.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. Mo produced the title track for the ALL THE LOVE album. MOPHILLIPS.COM
Wendy & DB, a Grammy® nominated kindie duo from Chicago, with two guitars, a ukulele, and their voices, write and perform songs about science, nature, diversity, animals, safety, and the arts. Their unique style is reflected in the music and catchy lyrics along with their vocal harmonies. WENDYANDDB.COM
Tara Trudel is a versatile songwriter, composer, and music producer based in Los Angeles. She is the composer for the upcoming feature film, BASIC that premiered at SXSW in 2026. Tara is also an award-winning children's songwriter and former music teacher, as well as music director for Second City National Touring Company. TARATRUDEL.COM
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, this red-bearded bard reinvigorates American roots music traditions for younger generations. 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 Kelli's main producer for both PUPPY LOVE and ALL THE LOVE, and most of Kelli's albums. Bryan has worked with a wide variety of artists, including touring Europe with Grammy® nominee Courtney Marie Andrews and playing on Laura Sullivan’s Grammy® nominated album Pieces of Forever, among countless others. BRYANDASTE.COM.
Birds of a Feather is a new American indie family superduo consisting of two kids music luminaries - Brooklyn's, longtime children's music pioneer, Suzi Shelton and Filipina-American Little Miss Ann of Chicago. Individually, Suzi and Ann have each maintained a strong presence within the national kids music community performing with their own bands across the country and producing many award-winning albums on their own. @birdsofafeather4eva | LITTLEMISSANN.COM & SUZISHELTON.COM
Johnny Clay, leader of the folk pop band The Dimes, has enjoyed a run of buzz fueled by his unique ability to craft catchy pop songs framed around fascinating historical themes and lyrics. Clay formed the kindie band Ants Ants Ants with fellow singer/songwriters Dave Gulick and Nat Johnson from the indie rock band Derby. Johnny produced two songs on Kelli's ALL THE LOVE album. JOHNNYCLAYMUSIC.COM
Ryan Segelken is Kelli's son, contributed backing vocals and claps on "Sunshine is Medicine" on the ALL THE LOVE album and in various tracks on the PUPPY LOVE album, including backing vocals and voiceover. "Sweet Dreams" on the ALL THE LOVE album was written for Ryan. These are the 5th and 6th albums he's been a part of.
Kira Segelken is Kelli's daughter, part of various tracks on the PUPPY LOVE album, adding backing vocals and voiceover — including her own original song, "Whatcha Gonna Do When Your Doggie's with You." Kira contributed backing vocals and claps in "Sunshine is Medicine" on the ALL THE LOVE album. These are the 5th and 6th albums she's been a part of.
Timothy James Uecker is a multi-talented master instrumentalist and composer, award-winning with over a dozen albums and a lifetime of performance and teaching. Tim plays regularly with Kelli Welli, as well as a solo artist and with his band, The Tide. Music is his passion. As he likes to say, "There's something about music that grabs my chest and makes my heart pound." @TJUecker on FB
Blaine Heinonen has made a name for himself as a drummer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is widely recognized as the drummer for the indie-rock band Glitterfox and was formerly half of the Americana roots-and-soul duo Pretty Gritty. Blaine brings an extra special energy to Kelli's albums, not only with drums and percussion, but vocals and voiceover — he makes a highly convincing hound dog. @blaine.heinonen on FB
The Newman Family, Devon, Aidric, Mark, and Jack (left to right in photo) are multi-talented musicians, writers, and all-around great human beings — who really love dogs. They brought the love on "Road Trip (Dog Version" with backing vocals and incredible mouth horns, and are featured throughout the PUPPY LOVE album with vocals and voiceover, as well as some songwriting contribution. They've been part of several Kelli Welli albums. They're also LOKI, the dog's family.
Sarah McCarthy brings her wonderful energy to both the PUPPY LOVE and the ALL THE LOVE albums, contributing backing vocals and voiceover. She hails from Portland, loves hula hooping, hiking, and Halloween — hear her on "Spider on Your Eyelid" and "Pumpkin Run." She's also aunt to an amazing doggie!
Andrew Oedel produced "Feeding the Birds" on the ALL THE LOVE album. He has worked with clients from all over the world, including numerous Grammy® winners, The Voice winner Brynn Cartelli, and America’s Got Talent “Golden Buzzer” winner Mandy Harvey. He recorded and mixed Grammy® nominated album, “Be a Pain” by Alastair Moock. GHOSTHITRECORDING.COM
Courtney Castaneda & Sasha Klare-Ayvazian made the music for "Feeding the Birds" on the ALL THE LOVE album. As part of their band, American Dreamer, they bring a heavy dose of strings to their unique blend of Indie-Folk. American Dreamer has toured nationally building on relatable Folk songs, transformed through bold string arrangements and resplendent three-part harmony. AMERICANDREAMERMUSIC.COM
The West TV Sunglass Brigade is a group of 50+ kids from Kelli's kids' elementary school that contributed to the songwriting process for "The Responsibility Song" as a school project to teach other kids about the topic. They performed the song live in front of their school and funds from this song are donated to the American Red Cross. ARTWORK BY LILA ROTRAMEL
HeadKrack is a hip-hop artist, TV/radio personality, actor, and creative force known for his sharp lyricism, magnetic stage presence and artistic versatility. He's worked alongside the likes of Method Man, Kool Keith, Vedo, Tamar Braxton, Erykah Badu and many more. His masterful releases span over 20 years. HEADKRACK.COM
Jennifer Smieja contributed frottoir, backing vocals, and voiceover on the PUPPY LOVE album. When she was a little girl, Jennifer would sit at the piano lost in a dream. Music took her some place that felt better than anything. She had talent they said, but somehow life got in the way. Now years later she’s reclaimed her true north. JENNIFERSMIEJA.COM
Paul DeHaan is a multi-talented creative keeping very busy as the father of three amazing girls. He's a weekend warrior for their sports these days, loves the outdoors when he can get there, and occasionally finds time to dazzle friends with his imaginative creations.
Mike Danner is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, recording engineer, and teacher well known in the Portland, OR area. He's brought his amazing accordion magic to several of Kelli's albums over the years and plays in various bands, including the zydeco favorite Swamp Thang. MIKEDANNERMUSIC.WIXSITE.COM
Ben Tarne is the popular children's music performer Music Quest bringing live music to kids and families in Portland, OR. His goal is take kids of all ages on a music quest filled with singing, laughter, movement and smiles to empower kids and adults alike to find and explore their primary instruments - the voice and body. MUSICQUESTKIDS.COM
Dana White of Specialized Mastering has mastered for Grammy® nominated and Billboard-charting artists, and has mastered most of Kelli's albums, including PUPPY LOVE and most of ALL THE LOVE. His approach to mastering is to delicately unveil the very essence of the musical expression, allowing it to confidently speak for itself. SPECIALIZEDMASTERING.COM
Will Hensley mastered "Sunshine is Medicine" and "Sweet Dreams" on the ALL THE LOVE album. He is a Grammyy® winning mixer, engineer, and producer. Whether it’s mixing, producing, engineering, playing, co-writing, or any combination of his abilities, he constantly strives to help clients realize their artistic vision. WAHPRODUCTIONS.COM
Tom Walker is the owner of Dream Tree Studios NW and a talented instrumentalist. He contributed vocals and voiceover throughout the PUPPY LOVE album and backing vocals on the ALL THE LOVE album. DREAMTREESTUDIOSNW.COM
Sérgio da Silva is a musician, songwriter, producer, and drummer with 25 years of experience, has worked with top artists at major festivals. He adapts easily to different genres, offering expert performances from detailed lead sheets or audio guides. @sergio__silva
Christian McKee plays music on the mandolin family of instruments, focusing on classical and mandolin ensemble music. He's the Musical Director of the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra and member of The Big North Duo. CLASSICALMANDOLIN.BANDCAMP.COM
João Paulo Drumond is a percussionist and vibraphonist, a master of rhythms. His expertise extends to flamenco and Arab rhythms, making a sought-after musician for diverse percussion needs. @joaopaulo_drumond
Jon-Paul Frappier is a well-known trumpeter and horn player, having recorded on over 500 Nashville sessions and toured with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie and The Temptations. FUNKYBRASS.WIXSITE.COM
Yuri Villar is a music producer, saxophonist and arranger from Rio de Janeiro. He's worked with Itiberê Zwarg (Hermeto), Guinga, Carlos Malta, among other great artists. He edits and records saxophone, flute and keyboards. @yuri_villar
Grammy-nominated Antônio Guerra is a multi-award-winning pianist and accordionist, is celebrated for his versatile playing. With over 15 years of experience, he's worked with notable artists and brings a wide range of keyboard skills to any project. @antonio.guerra_
Darrell Nutt is a session and performance drummer who has worked with members of Steely Dan, AC/DC, The Doobie Brothers, Goo Goo Dolls, The Moody Blues, YES and many more. He shares European music awards has written and produced music for The Oprah Winfrey Network, Motorola, Harley-Davidson, and more. DARRELLNUTT.COM
Taras Kuznetsov is a keyboardist with over 20 years of experience, known for versatile and sensitive approach. He offers a unique touch to every project with deep understanding of keyboards. @taraskuznetsovmusic
Khai Zhen Yap is a beatmaker, a rising artist and producer from Kuala Lumpur, brings a fresh and vibrant approach to song production. With influences from American and Asian cultures, work resonates across various platforms and media.
Minsoo Sung is an up-and-coming artist and producer known for blending hip-hop and R&B with catchy melodies and hard-hitting drums. A Berklee College of Music graduate bringing a refined skill set and a versatile approach to their craft.
Human kids in the recording studio bringing joy to "Sunshine is Medicine".
Fur-babies hanging out after recording sound for PUPPY LOVE.
Dave Gulick's doggie Finn chilling next to Red Yarn on set of our music video for "My Darling Daffodil".
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