floating down the river - single release - Oct 8
floating down the river - book release - Dec 13

Sample Spreads

Produced by Simon Stanley

Mixed by Sean Sullivan at The Cowboy Arms in Nashville, TNMastered by Richard Dodd

Written by Simon Stanley

simon stanley: vocals, acoustic guitar
ethan ballinger: mandolin
philippe bronchtein: pedal steel guitar
vanessa mcgowan: bass
Nate barnes : drums

artwork by Emily boswell

photos by natia cinco

The second single from Nashville based, two-time New Zealand music award winner Simon Stanley is a dreamy trip down a lazy river; a family adventure through lush flora and fauna; and a hard day's splashing around - winding up with two tired kids, tummy-full and ready for bed. 

Building on the acclaim of his first single Marley Sitting on a Pumpkin Seed (winner of the 2019 NZ Music Award for Best Children’s Song), Simon’s vivid storytelling paints a very familiar scene for the intrepid little one. Born and raised in NZ but now based in Nashville, TN, Simon uses his experience as songwriter in Tattletale Saints to craft a song that is as much of a treat for young as it is for old.

What started as a hobby to connect with his niece who lives across the ocean (Marley - who lives in NZ) has now become a real passion: Simon says ‘I love how colourful you can be with kid’s music, it’s like you can use all the paints in your palette and not have to worry about looking silly!’.

The instrumentation reflects his professional life as a Nashville session musician, with sounds familiar to bluegrass and country music - mandolin and pedal steel guitar - two perhaps unfamiliar, but welcome treats for young ears.

Floating Down the River is accompanied by an illustrated story book and a playful video, detailing the river trip and sights along the way.

This fun, atypical tune for grownups and kids alike is a celebration of song, and of the outdoors - something very welcome after spending so much time stuck inside!