Debi Derryberry – Gotta Go Green

By starrymag | April 22, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) My sound is well produced music that is fun, melodic, full of harmonies, easy to listen to and easy to understand lyrically.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

A) A lifelong admirer of Linda Rondstat, James Taylor and Dolly Parton

 

Q) Your 4th kids’ album Gotta Go Green is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

A) Some themes I explore in Gotta Go Green are recycling, carbon footprint, electric cars, plight of the orangutan and cycle of water – all having to do with helping our Earth and how to save it.

Q) My favorite songs are “Carbon Footprint” and “Little Tiny Molecules of H20.” Are there any particular songs on this album that hold a special place in your heart and what makes them so significant for you?

A) Gosh, that is like asking who your favorite child is. [laughs] I do love all the songs. but I wrote “I’m a Great Recycler” when my son was about 6-7 years old. We recycled cans and bottles together and created our compost bin together.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) My process is not always the same. But, in general, I start with a lyrical hook or a topic and start the lyrics. Then, I do a rough melody with my guitar.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I am involved with my songs from start to finish. I’m present at all the sessions. I want to make sure the production of the song feels right to me all the way through. It is such a creative process that brings me so much joy and satisfaction.

 

Q) The album is perfectly timed for Earth Day this week – especially with the song “Earth Day is My Birthday.” What do you hope listeners take away from exploring the music on this album? 

A) All the songs are intended to have the listener ask questions, but also to give tangible, real actions that people can take to help save our earth.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

A) I would love to collaborate with James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Brady Rymer, Laurie Berkner, Andres123 and there are more! But currently I’m finishing a kids song with Lisa Loeb that is marvelous…You are gonna love it!!!

 

Q) We love you as the voice of Jimmy Neutron. What has it meant to you to have become such a poignant part of so many childhood memories for this beloved series? 

A) Being the voice of Jimmy Neutron has been a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. (I still hope for a reboot of the series…Come on Nickelodeon!!)

I never take it for granted that I was given this opportunity to do what I love! Music, voices, and animation all have come together for me with my new YouTube channel “Debi Derryberry Kids!”

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

A) To all my fans and supporters, I want you to know that I will always give each job/character/show my very best. I love all my fans for their ongoing support on my new YouTube channel “Debi Derryberry Kids!,” TikTok and Instagram (@debiderryberry)

I hope to be able to have a “Little Debi” animated show that incorporates all that I love…voiceover, acting, music, and animation. The YouTube channel is where you can see all my animated music videos for this album, Gotta Go Green.

Let’s save our earth together! Start in your own home. Every action, no matter how small, is important and worth it! I love you all!!!