Claudia Robin Gunn Releases New Album, Enchants Young Audience

Claudia Robin Gunn, a renowned children’s music artist from East Auckland, has unveiled her latest album, Little Wild Singable Songs, marking a significant milestone in her prolific 2025. This new collection features catchy tunes that explore themes of dinosaurs, fire trucks, and rainbows, designed specifically for young children.

The album embodies Gunn’s belief that “a song can be a friend,” illustrating her philosophy that music plays a vital role in a child’s emotional landscape. She asserts that “the right song at the right time can transform the whole energy and dynamics” in various settings, whether during a car ride or at home. The project pays homage to Raffi’s classic Singable Songs for the Very Young, emphasizing the power of music to foster kindness and harmony.

As a culmination of her creative efforts throughout the year, Gunn invites listeners to discover their favorite tracks within this album. She mentions that among the collection, there is a new gratitude song to kick off the festivities and a soothing lullaby to conclude the experience.

Touring and Engaging Young Audiences

This summer, Gunn plans to embark on a nationwide tour, promising concerts filled with movement, dance, and joyful melodies. To give families a glimpse of her performance style, she has launched a series of videos on her YouTube channel. These productions, supported by NZ On Air Tamariki, allow children to “meet” the artist while enjoying her songs.

“I wanted kids to feel like they could be a part of my show, even if they live on the other side of the world,” Gunn explains, highlighting her desire to create a more inclusive musical experience.

Gunn, often referred to as a “Kiwi kids’ music megastar,” has achieved considerable success in her career, including two APRA awards. With a global following and over 15 million streams on Spotify, her influence extends well beyond New Zealand’s borders.

Last year, she was honored with the coveted Tūi prize for Recorded Music NZ’s Best Children’s Music Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards for her exceptional album, Firefly, produced in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Dean Jones.

A Journey Through Music and Emotions

Gunn’s approach to songwriting often reflects her personal experiences. She notes, “Songs arrive and sing themselves around my head until I figure them out.” This creative process can range from quick solutions to years of exploration, often influenced by her own children and their growth.

Before fully dedicating herself to children’s music, Gunn was the vocalist and co-producer for the dance music duo Substax. According to her friend and Auckland music writer Renee Jones, the transition into children’s music felt destined. “This is music for kids that engages their curiosity, emotions, and zest for life, and also doesn’t drive their parents bonkers,” Jones remarks.

Gunn’s music serves varied purposes, from learning and playing to quiet moments, delivered through warm harmonies that inspire imagination. Her work continues to resonate with families, reinforcing the idea that music is a powerful tool for connection and joy in children’s lives.

For more insights into Gunn’s journey and her impact on children’s music, read the earlier feature Q&A interview available online.