Kelli Welli
Creator Profiles
I've been called “The Pixar of Children’s songwriters” for my award-winning songwriting and commitment to keeping even the silliest of songs smart, with full respect for kids’ brains.
Cards from this Creator
- Let's Go, Pistachio!
"Many of the songs on this album are toolbox songs, meant for parents of littles looking for ways to inspire or remind without nagging and feeling exhausted"
Creator Q&A
Tell us about yourself
My secret identity is Kelli Caldwell and I live in Oregon in the United States. I started songwriting back in college and when I had my twins, I naturally started writing songs and lullabies for and about them. Most of the songs included on this album and others were inspired by the kids, animals, friends, and family in my life.
What inspired you to make this title(s)?
"Let's Go, Pistachio!" came from trying to get my kids out the door. Parents get it - if you know, you know. The struggle is real. So this started as a toolbox song with that phrase, and the story of our goofy little Pistachio flowed from there. We also made a fun animated video to go along with the title track.
Many of the songs on this album are toolbox songs, meant for parents of littles looking for ways to inspire or remind without nagging and feeling exhausted. "Tinkle Tinkle Toot" is a potty training song I wrote while my twins were at that stage; "We're Almost There" was written while my babies were crying in the car and I was trying to figure it out as a new mom; "The Waiting Song" was written to give them a tool while waiting to share or go on the slide; "Peanut, Pinenut" is a silly song about protein sources and the food groups; "I'm Proud of You" is for those times when you want to encourage and celebrate. And "Can't Find My Appendix" is for moms who are asked constantly where things are, the refrain "Let's retrace our steps!" instructing on how kids can search for themselves.
"I really hope kids have fun, are allowed to be silly and themselves, and ultimately to feel loved through the music"
Who do you imagine listening to your audio?
Most of our songs are meant for kids ages 0-8, but we also always keep in mind the parent listening (on repeat) and so often hear that teenagers like the songs too -- that's always a big check in the Win column. I really hope kids have fun, are allowed to be silly and themselves, and ultimately to feel loved through the music. And I hope grownups feel seen in their parenting experience through the songs that were written in the midst of me being a mom to twins. Parenting can be a lonely experience at times in some ways, so we need to be a village for each other, as well as for our kids.
Is there anything different about making audio for Yoto listeners?
I'm thrilled to be releasing songs on Yoto, because I know so well what it's like to have little kids in this digital age. When my twins were tiny, we played CDs and vinyl, because we wanted them to have the physical attachment that goes with the accompanying art and not to interact with phones. Yoto is a wonderful solution to make it simple for tiny kids to experience the rich offerings in today's world in a healthy way.
What’s next?
My next album is for Dogs and the people who love them, to be released in 2025. And after that -- an album about Friendship!
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Creator FAQs
Who are the Creators?
Our Creators are independent makers of music and spoken word content for children and families. Some have established audiences in other places, while others are beginning their audio publishing journey with Yoto. We put out a public call to join this initiative at the start of 2024.
Each of our creators have their own Creator Profiles where you can read more about them and their cards. Just click on their name on their card store page to find out more.
How can I become a Creator?
If you are just starting out, you might first choose to share your digital content for free in the Open Mic section of our community site Yoto Space, where you can start building an audience and get feedback from friendly enthusiasts.
Learn how to make a great Yoto Card by reading our Yoto Creator Guidelines. Learn about what makes the Yoto format unique, and how to create a really engaging and successful title that children will love.
If you're ready to start selling your content on Yoto, you can register your interest.
Can I learn more about Creator content before purchasing?
Yes, each card has an extended audio preview so you can listen to a representative sample before making a purchase. You can also read more about a card's creator by clicking on their name on the card page.
How is this different from the free audio on Yoto Space?
Open Mic on Yoto Space is where we nurture those creators who may be just starting out or wanting to experiment with a new title. It's a friendly community where they have space to share content for free, build an audience and get feedback. We are delighted to see several creators make the leap from there to become Creators on the Yoto Store, where they can now monetise their work.
What do I do if I don't like a card that I've purchased?
If it simply isn't to your taste, purchases are covered by our usual returns policy. If you believe a title breaks our Creators Content Guidelines, please report it.
Are more Creators cards being added to the collection?
Yes, more titles and more creators will be added over the coming months.