NickALive!: The Duo Behind the Iconic ‘PAW Patrol’ Theme Song Launch New Project, Pep and Perk

For anyone who somehow hasn’t heard it yet, how did the Paw Patrol theme song come together? Walk us through the origin story.

We’d known each other for a few years but hadn’t yet collaborated on anything. When the music brief came in for a show about lovable rescue pups, we thought we’d take a couple shots at it. One of those songs (with a number of rewrites) made it into the final round of theme options for the show. I had to sing a few final lyric changes into my laptop on vacation, but Smidi was able to make that rough recording sound amazing, and not long after, the song was selected as the theme for the show. Pretty crazy that it was the first song we’d ever written together!

The song has over 350 million streams on YouTube and Spotify alone. When you were writing it, did you have any sense it would take off the way it did?

We had no idea. We hoped the show would be a success, but what transpired went way beyond our imagination. Paw Patrol has become a part of the culture. It’s been crazy to hear the song get mentioned (and sung) by the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Ryan Reynolds, and Jimmy Kimmel and super fun to watch kids sing along at the Paw Patrol Live shows. Ultimately, we’re incredibly grateful to be along for the ride.

Michael “Smidi” Smith | Supplied photo

What’s the secret sauce? Is there an actual songwriting formula for making something this catchy for kids, or is it more of an art than a science?

If there is a secret sauce, we’d love to know! Honestly, the music business comes with far more rejections than celebrations. Sure, we’re trying to write something catchy, but you never know how people will respond. So if there is a secret, maybe it’s giving it your best, writing something that you love and get excited about, and then putting it out there. And doing it again and again. We don’t get to control the outcome, but we enjoy the process.

Between the two of you, you’ve got more than 25 #1s and have written for artists like Sia, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha. How different is the creative process when you’re writing for a pop superstar versus writing for a preschool audience?

For us, it’s always been about serving the artist or show. Listening to their vision and then doing our best to come alongside and support that vision. So the topics and word choices may change, but we’re always trying to create something memorable and great.

You’ve also contributed to shows like Blaze and the Monster Machines, Baby Shark, and Dora and Friends. What draws you to children’s music, and what do you think people underestimate about the craft of writing it?

(Scott) I love the opportunity to make kids smile. A few years ago, I realized the impact that Mr. Rogers had on me when I was a child, and that helped me fully embrace this season of working on music for kids. As for the craft, we approach children’s music the same way we do any genre we get to work in, by bringing our best every single time. I’m sure there are subtleties to the genre, and maybe we’ve learned some subconsciously, but we’re just trying to write and produce songs that we like.

Scott Krippayne | Supplied photo

Let’s talk about the new project. “It’s Cool To Be A Kid” drops June 12. What’s the vision behind the album, and how is it different from your previous work?

The vision behind this record is to celebrate the amazing things about being young. From splashing in puddles, to playing in the sandbox, to making fresh baked cookies, there’s a lot to enjoy. So often when we’re kids, we just want to be a little older. But if we’re able to simply enjoy where we’re at, life has so many fantastic gifts along the way. We’re also hoping this album might be a gentle nudge for grownups to let the kid inside of them play a little more too.

The biggest difference on this project is that we were able to collaborate with other incredible artists. Grammy nominee Mega Ran brought his brilliance to two tracks, and PEABOD and Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (Fresh Beat Band) joined us with their brilliance for a song each. It was wonderful to work with such talented friends on this new album!

Is there a song on the new project you’re especially excited for kids (and their parents) to hear?

(Scott) My personal favorite currently is “Gonna Make You Smile.” I just want to sing along, and it really does make me smile every time I hear it. That said, one of the cool things about music is that it connects with everyone differently. So I’m excited to hear about the different ways the songs connect with people…whether it’s to get pumped up, or be encouraged, or a reminder to be present in the moment, or eat popcorn.

What’s next for Pep and Perk after the album release?

Right now, we’re just going to celebrate this release and try to let as many people know about it as possible. There have been conversations about children’s books, a small theme park show, and other exciting opportunities, but who knows. One thing’s for sure… we have song titles and music ideas that will become new songs eventually. Stay tuned!!

It’s Cool To Be A Kid Tracklist:

1. “Waking Up” feat. Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer

2. “Gonna Make You Smile” feat. Mega Ran

3. “Rainy Days” feat. Peabod

4. “It’s Cool to Be A Kid”

5. “Getting Ready For The Game” feat. Mega Ran

6. “Making Cookies”

7. “Duck In the Lily Pads”

8. “In The Sandbox”

9. “Having A Good Time”

10. “Popcorn Night”