It’s always nice to hold a long overdue reunion – particularly after 30 years, and even more so when it’s done in support of three great causes and to spread some much needed, albeit slightly early, festive cheer. This year, 17 members of the world-renowned Mickey Mouse Club have come together to record a Christmas album, ‘Why? Because It’s Christmas’, which is available now on all digital platforms and the CD drops November 27th.
PopWrapped caught up with three of the seventeen members involved in creating the album; Tony Lucca, singer/songwriter and executive producer on the album, Dale Godboldo, star of The People Vs OJ Simpson and also an executive producer on the album, and writer, musician and mental health advocate Mylin Brooks-Stoddard to talk challenges making the collection, their favourite tracks on the record and, given the impact of Covid-19, where they see the future of the music industry heading in the months and years ahead.
Where did the idea for this album first come from and how long was the process from first thoughts to finished product? How did you each come to be involved?
Tony: I forget how long ago it was but I believe it was fellow castmate, Tasha Danner, who proposed the idea initially. We assembled the executive production team back in June or July and started really exploring what it might entail. After reaching out to the cast to gage interest, we began setting up Zoom meetings walk everyone through the process. From there it was just a matter of chipping away at it, one song at a time, files and recordings being passed around and shared through Dropbox and WeTreansfer, all coming together in one truly remarkable collaboration.
Dale: One of the Mouseketeers, Tasha Danner, group messaged us with the incredible idea earlier this year. I immediately reached out to her and offered to help put together the business and infrastructure through Always In The Club. Tony and Chasen (Hampton, The X Files) then joined the Executive Production team to oversee the record and help all of us deliver songs we’d be proud of. We launched zoom meetings with each Mouseketeer, and assembled the album song by song virtually throughout the country. We got the album delivered around October 1st.
The Mickey Mouse Club is, for many Americans at least, one of the most well-known ‘entertainment’ establishments/groups in recent history. With that in mind, was it an intentional decision to reunite some of its members in this way, and was there anyone you wanted to be, or would liked to have seen be, a part of the album you couldn’t lock down?
T: After the MMC30 event in Orlando last year, I think we all realized or at least recalled just how much we all love working together, how precious that time was for all of us growing up and how remarkably strong our connection remains to be to this day. Obviously, we would have loved to have had everyone who had been on the show to participate, but I don’t think any of us are naive to the realities of what it would entail to get some of our more, shall I say, “iconic” former castmates on board. Folks are busy and to be fair, we had a very small window within which to make this thing happen at all.
D: We do our best to keep everyone up to date on reunion opportunities. We keep an open invitation to whomever is available at the time. Putting this record together was particularly challenging given COVID, so we were thankful to have anyone that was willing to take on this challenge in support of our charity partners.
Given that the music industry, as with much of the world, has been badly affected by the ongoing CV pandemic and seen a lot of professional changes occur as a result, exactly how easy or hard was it to bring all the artists involved on this album together, given that they’re based all over the country? What might you say were the biggest challenges when making this album? What would you say were the highlights and surprise moments during its making?
T: The biggest challenge was getting everyone recorded as safely and as professionally as possible. We booked a full day at a studio in LA and our fellow ‘teer David Kater helped us out tremendously by commandeering a vocal recording session for himself and 4 other castmates. In some cases, folks recorded themselves in their basements and closets, calling in favors from friends and fellow local musicians. Getting it all to sound cohesive was no small feat and one that we simply can’t shower Jeff Bohannon with nearly enough praise for. To me, the brightest highlights are the performances from those who may not have necessarily been doing the “music thing” or recording much at all over these past several years. There’s a beautiful sense of honesty and integrity in this album that no doubt shines through.
D: I think the biggest challenge was making sure the record had a beautiful cohesion. Artists were all over the country, using different equipment with different setups, even sometimes simply recording in their closet. It was all expertly handled by Tony Lucca and Jeff Bohannon, with David Kater handling a small group recording out of Los Angeles. These guys came together with Chasen to deliver something that honestly exceeded even my own expectations.
How does this project differ from anything you’ve done or been a part of in the past, and is it something you’d perhaps consider doing again, should the circumstances be right?
Mylin: After many years of doing records, this is actually my very first Christmas album! I’ve always wanted to do one, as Christmas is my absolute, favorite holiday. I’ve also never done an ensemble record until now and I love that I get to do it with some of the most amazing people I know. I’m truly honored to have been included on this beautiful album with all of my Mickey Mouse Club brothers and sisters!
T: Yeah, I can easily say I’ve never helped put something like this together before. It almost redefines “collaboration” for me. And yes, given ample time and financial resources, not to mention having learned a TON from this one, I’d gladly do it again.
D: I’ve certainly never been part of a virtually produced project like this. But the process and final album feels very much like the process of producing episodes on the Mouse Club. It’s been over 25 years since I’ve had the chance to collaborate with my brothers and sisters like this, so the feels were all over the place. And I’d absolutely do it again!
Could you pick your favourite track on the album and if so, which is it and why?
M: “O Holy Night“, of course! I had to say that because it’s the song I chose to sing. Seriously though, my favorite song is performed by Deedee. It’s called “Birthday of a King.” It’s just beautiful all-around. The meaning and message are what Christmas is about and Deedee’s voice is velvet. I’m not saying this just because she’s my best friend. I’ve always adored her voice and it just gives me goosebumps on this record!
T: It changes with every listen quite honestly. However, I think “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is pretty remarkable. It stands alone as a phenomenal recording and really represents the project best, if for no other reason than that we’re all on it. It sounds cheesy but you can clearly hear the family spirit resonate on this one, right from the opening lines. I just love it!
D: That’s really, really hard. I love each and everyone one of them for different reasons. If I had to choose, I’d probably say “Go Tell It On The Mountain” because it’s the only track that has all 17 of us together for the first time in 30 years… and in some cases, the first time we’ve collaborated at all. It’s a very special recording that reflects the spirit of the project and how we see ourselves as family.
If you could have included any Christmas song, cover or artist original, that didn’t make the album, which would it be?
T: “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway.
D: Nat King Cole – “The Christmas Song.”
The album drops just after Thanksgiving; a time for thanks and appreciation, and usually, family gatherings, though that may not be the case this year. Is this collection a means of uniting people and reminding them that despite the hardships, there is plenty to look forward to and be grateful for? Are you usually big festive/holiday people?
M: Our album, “Why? Because It’s Christmas”, is 100% meant to bring joy to people in a time when there isn’t much joy being spread. The songs were purposefully chosen and every single one is filled with nostalgia. In a time when things seem so uncertain, so up in the air, the familiarity can really help soothe and comfort the soul.
And yes! I LOVE the Christmas season!! I’m one of “those” people who puts the tree and lights up right after Thanksgiving. It really helps me enjoy the Christmas season! Now, if only it would snow for about a week here in Southern California..
T: Yeah. I think this album offers up both a festive sense of the season as well as plenty of room for reflection and calm. I will say that Nikki’s contribution is one of the single most moving things I’ve ever been a part of. For anyone enduring the loss of a loved one, it can require no less than an entire box of Kleenex. For real. She really opened up and shared her heart in a beautiful and touching way.
D: 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, and we knew that Christmas would be a particularly challenging time for so many. Beyond our own joy in making this record, I believe this album can bring a bit of cheer during these crazy times. “Why? Because It’s Christmas”, reflects the true spirit of family… something I think we’ll all need going into the holidays.
Is there any particular message you want listeners to take from this album when they hear it?
M: Our album, “Why? Because It’s Christmas”, is about joy and celebration! Not only is it a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it’s also a time to celebrate the love we share with family and friends.
T: Friendship and family are forever. If you were a fan of the show, you can’t help but feel that when hearing us all singing together again after so many years.
D: Yes. Family is everything.
You’re also holding a virtual record release party, featuring all 17 artists on the album, that will be streamed live – can you tease anything as to what we can expect from the event?
T: A solid option to stand in line at Walmart.
D: Only that it’s a reunion 30 years in the making!
Some of the proceeds from this album will go towards three great causes, Cast Member Pantry, MusiCares and The Brave Of Heart Fund, the last two of which support artists and performers, and frontline medical staff and their families. Might you say, certainly in terms of TBH, this is your way of giving a little something back to those who have played such a pivotal role over the last few months?
M: I love that the founders of “Always in the Club” are always mindful of giving back! There’s always an element of charity in what they do…including our MMC 30th Reunion that was held in 2019. Also, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without our supporters who came alongside our campaign. We’re honored to be able to contribute to MusiCares and The Brave Of Heart Fund.
T: Definitely. Both MusiCares and The Brave Of Heart Fund have done such tremendous work during the pandemic. As artists and musicians, we know first hand the way that Covid has altered the lives of those in the music industry, and how even the smallest amount of support and shared resources can help. As for those who have lost loved ones, let alone those out on the front lines of this awful pandemic, I can’t think of a more powerful effort than the one TBH is making. If this record can in any way help further these causes, I could not be more proud and honored to have been a part of it.
D: That’s exactly it. These organizations are some of the ones on the front lines fighting every day to catch so many of us in case we fall into despair and financial ruin as a result of this pandemic. These guys are heroes to me.
Finally then, moving away from the album for a moment, as individuals who have all had lengthy and established careers in the music and entertainment industries, where do you see the future of such going? Can things ever get back to how they were before this pandemic or do you feel that, as it could be argued we’re all doing every day already, the industry is just going to have to adapt to a “new normal”?
M: What a great question. In all honesty, I don’t know what the future holds for the entertainment industry. I do see that people are doing the best they can with what they are dealt – in this case, Covid-19. People are resilient. The entertainment business is resilient and extremely creative. Entertainment is a huge part of life, something I can’t see ever going away, so I believe people will continue to do the very best they can to adjust and create…and God-willing, in due time, things will begin to return to normal.
T: No. I think there will be a return to normal in time. It will no doubt take longer than any of us would like it to but eventually, there will be tours and sold-out shows again. If my fans have shown me anything during this time it’s that nothing has the same impact on our lives as music. I’ve heard it referred to as “essential” more than a few times. That said, I think it will be the artists and industry professionals who learned to (or allowed themselves to) adapt that will make it through these trying times. I think a lot of artists have been forced to come to terms with just how invested they are in their careers and their craft. It will require pivoting, evolving, learning new skills and staying prolific, especially when inspiration may be in short supply. We’ll get there. I believe it.
D: I do believe we’ll get back to much of what it was before, but I also think there will certainly be a new normal. For instance, I think the rise in virtual experiences has created amazing opportunities for people to connect around the world, and that will continue to be attractive.
The “Why? Because It’s Christmas” CD can be pre-ordered here and information regarding the live release party on November 27th can be found by visiting m12.tv.
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