Interview: Kath Bee talks about the Elastic Island Adventures song
- NZ Booklovers
- 12 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Kath Bee is an award-winning songwriter. She takes pride in writing well-crafted songs with meaningful, clever lyrics and catchy melodies for children. Kath's list of most loved songs includes Individuality, Dad, I Wanna Be a Camel, E Tū Tāngata, Sprinkle a Little Sunshine, Magic in Me, Dragons Under My Bed, and many more. She has the ability to delve into the minds of children, creating songs that touch their hearts and stay with them into adulthood. Kath is a published author of three picture books, has over 100 songs streaming online, plus a variety of videos on her YouTube Channel. She produced and hosted a children's radio show for over 15 years, which is now available via podcast:
Considered the Paul McCartney of children’s songwriting, Kath Bee now turns her talents to the Elastic Island Adventures world by Karen McMillan, which captures the fun and imagination of the book series, and the unique way characters travel on Elastic Island to different tropical islands. Kath talks to NZ Booklovers.
You are an award-winning songwriter. Can you tell us a bit about your career and the highlights?
I wrote my first song as a teenager — an appropriate little number called Unemployment Blues — armed with just a handful of guitar chords. I realised I could write songs people enjoyed listening to when I completed a year-long music course in Nelson in 2000.
In 2001, I came across the Kiwi Kidsongs CDs, published by Learning Media. That was a turning point. I wrote a song called Individuality, inspired by my daughter, Siân (who sang on the recording), which was accepted for the 2002 CD. The following year, Dad I Wanna Be a Camel and Seasons were accepted for the 2003 release. These songs have been sung in classrooms all over Aotearoa ever since — if I had a dollar for every time they were sung, I’d be a very rich woman!
Winning my first award in 2010 for Individuality was a proud moment and receiving APRA’s Best Children’s Song Award in 2020 for I Love Life, and again in 2022 for E Tū Tāngata (Stand Together), were definite highlights. Having three published books has also been a huge achievement — the road to being accepted by a publisher isn’t easy, so seeing them out in the world feels incredibly rewarding.
But truly, nothing beats watching children’s faces light up when I perform my song, or when parents send me videos or messages about how their kids love my songs — their joy and connection to my music really does make everything worthwhile. Bumping into 20-something-year-olds who still remember the songs from their childhood is also heart-warming. And now, having my three-year-old granddaughter join me on stage? That’s the absolute BEST!
How did you come to write the Elastic Island Adventures song for this popular book series?
I have to thank Suzy Cato for that! She was working with the author, Karen McMillan, voicing her audiobooks and asked if she wanted a song for the series. Karen said yes, and so Suzy hooked us up! I’m very grateful, as commissions are a dream come true for me – it’s my perfect job – in fact, it’s really what I’ve wanted to do for a living, since starting this journey – so get in touch if you want a song – I can write anything!
How did you go about writing this song?
Karen sent me the book series, I started reading through the first one, skimmed some of the others, read Karen’s brief and started to get a feel for what I’d weave into the lyrics, what it needed musically (a Pacifica feel), how I could make it adventurous and fun for the 8-12yrs whilst including some of the characters and book titles….it all came together quite quickly, then Karen asked for the book title Plantation Island Resort to be added and I was able to create a bridge around it! The bonus was when I sent the first demo, Karen and Chrissy (Duckling Publishing) loved it, and after adding the bridge, they were both so happy! It’s very satisfying for me to create a unique song for someone.
What are the key ingredients that make up a successful song for children?
I’ll focus on my favourite age group, 5 to 10 years. It’s all about striking the right balance. The song needs a catchy chorus that’s accessible for the younger ones, but also offers something more challenging for the older kids, that the younger ones can grow into and feel proud to master.
I love including elements like chants, raps, split parts and lyrics that lend themselves to actions, which invites participation and repetition. Engaging lyrics are essential — I often add interesting words or phrases that might prompt questions, giving teachers or parents a chance to explore the meaning. Writing in the first person helps children connect emotionally and imagine themselves in the story.
Musically, I aim for rhyme and rhythm that feel satisfying and natural — this not only supports memory but adds to the overall enjoyment, plus kids want to sing it over and over. I try to make sure the instrumentation enhances the theme, lyrics and mood of the song. One of my favourite additions to a song is a surprise! Whether it’s a musical twist, a funny lyric, or an unexpected sound, I love keeping kids (and adults!) on their toes.
Of all the many songs you have written, do you have a favourite and why?
It’s always tough choosing a favourite, but Changing Clouds holds a special place in my heart, especially as my daughter sings on the recording, which makes it very personal. I’m also proud of the song’s structure — the rhyme, rhythm, and pattern give it a unique feel that sets it apart from my other songs.
The instrumentation is another highlight for me. My friend Rich brought it to life with beautiful guitar and bass, and the flute solo, played by David Bowater, adds such a peaceful, floating quality. But my very favourite thing about Changing Clouds is that it doesn’t resolve musically at the end, meaning the listener is left ‘hanging’ – gives it a wistful feeling and mirrors the idea of gazing up at the endless sky….
Fun fact: the first three chords were inspired by Rod Stewart’s song; I Was Only Joking!
What is your favourite book that you have read this year?
For reasons unknown, I haven’t read many books this year, but the one I did read quite quickly was Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks.
What is next on your agenda?
I’ve recently collaborated with talented musician and producer, Tom Fox on a song written especially for my daughter to sing – it’s a pop song about freeing yourself from, well, whatever you need to free yourself from! I’m thinking about the best way to release it. I’m also working on a funding application for a podcast for 8–14-year-olds – watch this space! I’ve just released the first videos in a new YouTube Series called ‘Top Tips on Writing Songs for Children’, where I share snippets and tools for all you budding children’s songwriters out there - why not have a go at writing a song for your children or grandchildren – you could even write a song together!
The Elastic Island Adventures song is available on all streaming platforms:
Sing along with the lyric video here:
