By Maura Marcellino
This was by far one of the most nostalgic and sweetest interviews I have had so far. I was smiling the whole time chatting with father-daughter duo Dan and Lennon, also known as, Homescool. For background information, I used to play the drums in highschool and this made me want to get back into it even more and a great way I bond with my parents is through music, especially growing up. It really is not your young daughter’s typical music, but combines Kurt Cobain, Katy Perry, and Sesame Street. When I first saw this video, it made me think of when R.E.M. went on Sesame Street to sing “Furry Happy Monsters” (“Shiny Happy People”) and I was so confused as a toddler because I did not know why they were singing the wrong lyrics. It reminded me of blending different generations into one song, how my parents raised me listening to their favorite music, and the music video for “Flames” by power couple Mod Sun and Avril Lavigne, who also happens to be mine and Lennon’s favorite singer. Their new video, “THE DRUMS,” brings in friends of theirs, Street Drum Corps & Kids to create an anthem for drummers.
Founded by father-daughter duo, Dan (member of alternative rock band Nico Vega and TWWO) and Lennon Epand, Homescool features guest performances from notable recording artists, and a collective of rad kids, whose parents happen to be rock stars, like Imagine Dragons, Fitz and The Tantrums, & The Who. When Lennon would hit burnout on her classwork during remote learning, she and her dad would channel those feelings into writing and recording- thus the name Homescool. Inspirations include Animal the Muppet, Grouplove, and Annie. Animal was why Dan wanted to play drums and Lennon would sing Annie and Grouplove with all her heart and soul.
Lennon is the 8-year old co-writer and frontwoman who can be in the car singing something and Dan would record it. One time he asked what they should write about and she said not just a cat, but a MISSING cat. Sessions are spontaneous and from the heart. For this song, all Lennon wanted to do was play. “Everyone likes the drums, why not make a song about the drums?” It really is time for a new drumming anthem and this is more than perfect!
It brings me hope and joy that this is not the typical children’s music, but rad music with edge. I cannot wait to see a Homescool lighting up the flashlight on my phone, screaming, feeling free, and having a fun time!
Maura Marcellino is studying business and environmental sustainability at George Mason University. When she is not studying, Maura enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
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