Children’s music all part of the family

Dunedin music duo Mr Roberelli (Jen and Rob Wigley) gather with their children Oscar (5, left)...
Dunedin music duo Mr Roberelli (Jen and Rob Wigley) gather with their children Oscar (5, left) and Jamie (3), at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens for a musical moment before the release of their new album. Photo: Simon Henderson
Stepping into nature is at the heart of the latest album from children’s music duo Mr Roberelli.

Catch a Breath – Nature Songs for Kids is their 10th studio album and is being released tomorrow on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

The pair behind the name are Jen and Rob Wigley.

Mr Wigley said the album was a celebration of being outdoors.

Songs including Tui, It’s all About YouWhere’s the Piwakawaka and Barn Owls celebrated New Zealand native birds, while I Love the WoodsBright Star and Slow Down encouraged children to take time to notice nature.

"Catch a Breath - Nature Songs for Kids" is the 10th studio album from children's music duo Mr...
"Catch a Breath - Nature Songs for Kids" is the 10th studio album from children's music duo Mr Roberelli .GRAPHIC: SOPHIE WOLFF-WIGLEY
Since moving to Dunedin from Auckland in early 2021, the couple had embraced opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

"We can go for hikes and walks, we are very happy here," Mrs Wigley said.

Mr Wigley said in a world in which screens and technology were increasingly perceived as a necessity, he hoped the songs offered a glimpse into an alternative view.

Mr Wigley said the musical group was a family affair. His daughter Sophie Wolff-Wigley was now 23 but had created the artwork for all their albums since she was 9 years old.

And with two young sons, Jamie and Oscar Wigley, it was rewarding to be creating music for children.

simon.henderson@thestar.co.nz