Be a Pain: An Album for Young (and Old) Leaders
Alastair Moock’s new album, Be a Pain, is a joyful, musical rallying cry for young (and old) leaders in these turbulent times. It looks to the heroes of our past (Dr. King, Harvey Milk, Billie Jean King, Pete Seeger, Cesar Chavez, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X) and our present (Malala Yousafzai, the Parkland student protestors, climate change marchers) to inspire our kids to move the ball forward. The album features guest performances from a powerful and diverse group of musicians and change-makers, including Sol y Canto, Alisa Amador, Reggie Harris, Mark Erelli, Melanie DeMore, Kris Delmhorst, Rani Arbo, Crys Matthews, Sean Staples, Heather Mae, Boston City Singers, and producer Anand Nayak. 
Moock’s plan is to give away free copies of the album –– along with free programming on social justice history –– to underserved schools in the Boston region and beyond. So far, the fund has raised over $13,000 towards that goal. More info here.
Alastair Moock is a 2013 GRAMMY Nominee, three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner, and recipient of the ASCAP Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award. Long one of Boston’s premier folk artists, Alastair turned his attention to family music after the birth of his twins in 2006. The New York Times calls him “a Tom Waits for kids” and The Boston Globe declares that, “in the footsteps of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Alastair Moock makes real kids’ music that parents can actually enjoy.”
role modeling the pursuit of fame, fortune, or personal gain, Alastair’s songs encourage
our kids to pursue goodness, kindness, awareness and courage. Adults might listen up!”
– Nora Guthrie, President, Woody Guthrie Publications
Awards
Winner, 2020 RAWA Songs for Social Change Contest
Second Place, 2020 International Songwriting Competition
Official Selection / Honorable Mention, 2020 Ottawa International Animation Festival
Official Selection, 2020 Childrens’ Film Festival Seattle
*Moock and his bandmates respectfully declined a 2020 Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Album due to historical underrepresentation of acts of color and women in the field. We are grateful that representation has improved dramatically in this category in the years that have followed.*
Guest Contributors
Eric Royer, Scott Kessel, Anand Nayak
Alastair Moock, Jamie Walker, Paul Kochanski
Producer
Anand Nayak
“Be a Pain” Animated Video
Learn About the “Be a Pain” Education Fund
“Planting Seeds” Lyric Video
“Go Pete Go (Grab Your Hammer)” Lyric Video
“I’m so pleased Alastair made this video.“
– Peggy Seeger
Press Resources
Download the press release here
Read a feature article in The Boston Globe here
Watch a live performance and interview with WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bown (Boston NPR) here
“Acclaimed folksinger/songwriter Alastair Moock follows up his thoughtful 2015 family album, ‘All Kinds of You
and Me,’ with this terrific, all-inclusive toe-tapper that celebrates leaders past and present –– and lets kids
know that their leadership is needed, too.”
– The Parents’ Choice Foundation
“With ‘Be a Pain,” Alastair puts himself firmly in the tradition of singers, songwriters and activists who know that
music can move people towards a better world. The songs are rock solid in melody, singability, and meaning.
This album should be played out loud, not on headphones, so everybody in the room hears it and sings along.”
– Bill Harley, multiple GRAMMY-winning children’s musician
“There’s nothing more important than spreading songs that get people singing together, and this collection from
Alastair Moock does just that. The themes stir the proverbial pot and each song has just the right amount of kick!”
– The Okee Dokee Brothers, GRAMMY-winning children’s artist
“Filled with infectious melodies, catchy rhythms, and brilliant musicality, ‘Be a Pain’ is sure to become a much
requested playlist at home or on the go.”
– Debbie Cavalier, GRAMMY-winning children’s artist
“If you’re looking for great music for all ages, and we mean all ages, try Alastair Moock’s latest on for size.
With a quality of music that is frankly missing from so much ‘kids music,’ this album will bring smiles all around.”
– Americana Highways