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T-Rex—a.k.a. Thaddeus Holmes—is likely the only kids’ musician with a philosophy degree. The Indiana University grad-school alum uses his brainy background to write silly-sweet acoustic rock tunes and to encourage kids to be creative through songwriting workshops and contests. T-Rex was raised right across the border in Covington, Indiana, and now lives with his wife, three-year-old son and infant daughter in Ukrainian Village. His motto, “Read Like a Rock Star,” born out of his own love for books, finds its way into almost every one of his songs.
His latest album, Shakin’ in Chicago, debuted this month and features collaborations with Koko Taylor, 94-year-old bluesman Pinetop Perkins and George Gershwin’s son, Alan. We caught up with him after one of his recent shows in south suburban New Lenox.
Time Out Chicago: Was it always your intention to write kids’ music?
Thaddeus Rex: I was trying to write country songs, rock songs, whatever I could—and kids’ songs kept coming out. I couldn’t really finish a song without something goofy or silly in it, and I kind of realized that was what I was meant to do.
TOC: How did you develop the idea for “Read Like a Rock Star?”
Thaddeus Rex: After a show in Las Vegas, a couple of teachers approached me about coming to their school to promote reading. That’s when I thought, “Wow, I could really do something with my music.” So I started a songwriting contest where kids submit their own poems. Now, when I perform at a school or go to a public venue, parents contact me afterward to tell me their kids are wanting to write.
TOC: What’s your goal with opening up your creative process like that?
Thaddeus Rex: I think the best way to make the world a better place is to create more critical thinkers, people who are willing to question the system. Those are the people who become inventors and revolutionaries in their fields. Silicon Valley and all these places wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for people with that attitude.
TOC: Does reading influence what you write?
Thaddeus Rex: There’s no other way to get my imagination moving. I get lots of specific ideas from all kinds of books as I’m reading. For the song “Where Can I Find Green Eggs and Ham?” I was reading the [Dr. Seuss] book to my son, and I just thought that would make a really funny song. When I was younger, I read mostly fantasy and science fiction, but as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to enjoy most everything. Still, my all-time favorite book series ever is “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis.
TOC: How did you manage to collaborate with such noteworthy musicians on this new album?
Thaddeus Rex: Alan Gershwin actually sent me some songs. They weren’t kids’ songs; they were kind of songs for tweens and teenagers. So we took a love song, and I turned it into a love song for a big brother. Another romantic love song, I turned it into one about how much kids love the carnival.
TOC: I got ahold of Pinetop Perkins’s manager and kind of explained the project. He’s created a foundation [to support retired musicians], so I actually gave a portion of the royalties for the song he appears on to his foundation.
Thaddeus Rex: With Koko Taylor, I just pitched the project. Being in the recording studio with her was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Her voice is so powerful. And her whole body goes into that singing. It was amazing being that close to her, hearing her sing a song that I wrote.
Thaddeus Rex hosts a CD release show and two songwriting workshops Saturday 19 at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest.
