Chris Ballew

by Ivan Vukovic

Since 1993, Chris Ballew has been the frontman for the Seattle-derived alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America. More recently, he has made a splash in children’s music through the stage name Caspar Babypants.

1. What were the circumstances and inspiration that led to Caspar Babypants?

I had a voice in my head for years that told me that The Presidents were not my final destination. I tried to figure out what that meant and what to do that was different for years. In recent years I started playing quieter and quieter but had no idea what I wanted to sing about or who I wanted to sing for. Then I met my wife Kate and saw her art. I realized that I wanted to make music that sounded like her art looked. It was innocent and folksy and bright and intelligent and spanned between kids and adults by being sincere not ironic or by referring to pop culture. So I started with that style in mind and realized later that it was kids’ music. As time went on I started to actually listen to some of the same old American folk music and African American work songs and spiritual music that I had also used for inspiration for some of the Presidents music but I took it even further with Caspar.

2. How does writing songs for young children compare to the less family-friendly alternative rock that you’re better known for?

Basically Caspar is the same as The Presidents without the drums, loud guitar and sexual irony. I love the innocent simplicity of Caspar and look forward to years and years of fun with it. It is just more sustainable for me, basically. I can do this as an old man where the rock and roll is starting to feel a bit worn out to me. I still love to play with [The Presidents]….but the clock is ticking on that loud vibe…

3. What other areas or genres of music have you considered exploring professionally?

I also score video games and commercials and license music for commercials and TV shows. That is a fun way to mix it up and keep my musical brain sharp. The collaborative process on those projects is really good for me too.

4. The Presidents of the United States of America were formed nearly two decades ago. How would you assess the evolution of the music scene here in Seattle since that time?

Wow! I really, honestly have no idea…I am very disconnected from the scene and its current state. I really only go out to see touring acts and play kids music at libraries. I don’t keep track of the trends in grown-up music and I feel pretty disconnected from the trends in the scene beyond occasionally running into friends that play music who are grown-ups.

5. What has been your best/proudest moment as a performer for children?

My proudest moment is every time I get a parent coming up to me telling me how grateful they are for music that they can enjoy with their kids and even listen it without their kids. Some of them have tears in their eyes because it has brought them and their kids so close.