The Kerplunks

The Kerplunks
Dinah D (Upright Bass), Phil Wipper (Drums), Tina Jones (horns) Aaron Cadwaladr (Guitar)
Background information
Origin	Gabriola Island, BC
Genres	Children's Music
Years active	2007–present
Labels	Independent
Website	www.thekerplunks.com

The Kerplunks are a Canadian children's music group based on Gabriola Island, BC. This group was formed in 2007, shortly after the meeting of Dinah D and Tina Jones. The Kerplunks are currently a three time Juno Award nominated band, having received a nomination for each of their three albums. Due to public outcry for children's music that parents could enjoy, this 4-piece band can be found at top music festivals across Canada and beyond.

The Kerplunks are composed of musicians Dinah D, Tina Jones, Phil Wipper and Aaron Cadwaladr. Their first album, The Kerplunks was recorded in 2007 and was written and largely performed by Dinah D and Tina Jones, with the introduction of Phil Wipper on drums. This album saw the band receive several award nominations and wins in Canada, including the prestigious JUNO Award. The Kerplunks' second album, Walk On 2009, saw the introduction of Aaron Cadwaladr as guitarist, and garnered several more award nominations. Their third album, Number 3 (released in June 2010) followed suit with multiple awards internationally. In June 2012, The Kerplunks released their full-length DVD titled Get Creative, also to critical acclaim. As of 2012, The Kerplunks have added tour drummer Brendan Holm to their roster.

The Kerplunks are a four-piece band who perform for children's audiences. Each show is an action-packed adventure between the band members and the audience, resulting in dancing, singing and hilarity. On album, they combine to play over 10 different instruments, from the kazoo to the upright bass. Live, The Kerplunks perform with Upright Bass (Dinah), Trumpet/Trombone (Tina), Guitar (Aaron) and Drums (Phil or Brendan). Appearing at many large national festivals and small community gatherings, they play many musical feels including reggae, rock, swing, blues, bluegrass and many others.

The Kerplunks were nominees for the 2009 Juno Award, 2010 Juno Award, and 2011 Juno Award in the category for Children's Album of the Year. The group were recipients of the 8th annual Vox Populi Independent Music Awards for Best Children’s Album "The Kerplunks" and again in 2009 for best Children's song "Walk On". The Kerplunks' "Ants Dance" was also nominated for the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards for Children's Song of the year. In 2008 they won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Children’s Album of the Year; Parent’s Choice Approved Award and the Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Children’s Recording.

Early history

Pre-The Kerplunks

All members of The Kerplunks began playing music in grade school. Each band member took formal music training and had many years of performances before the creation of The Kerplunks.

Formation and early success

Dinah D (Desrochers) and Tina Jones originally met in 2005 on Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada. Desrochers and Jones were soon teaching their successful musical preschool called Melody Makers on Gabriola Island. Two year later, D and Jones formed The Kerplunks after performing their co-penned original songs for a large audience of Gabriola Islanders as part of a production they were producing called D'Ants in Yer Pants, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. This led to the first self-titled studio album by The Kerplunks.

Discography

The Kerplunks (2007)
Walk On (2009)
Number 3 (2010)
Get Creative DVD (2012)
Pants and Mammals (2015)

See also

• Music of Canada
• List of bands from Canada

References

Citations