In the world of children's cartoons, sensory overload seems to be the best way to keep the attention of little ones — at least according to the majority of programs aimed at this demographic. Morgan Taylor, the creator of Gustafer Yellowgold, tends to disagree.
But Gustafer's character — a sun-dwelling cartoon creature stuck on earth whose outdoor adventures are accompanied by Taylor's quirky, AM radio-reminiscent pop songs — wasn't a response to his visually exhausting peers. It was something that came somewhat naturally to him, actually — a marriage of his loves of music and animation.
"It was the most honest thing I'd ever done," says Taylor, who'd performed in other bands before focusing on Gustafer full-time. "I've always been a cartoonist, and I've always been a musician. I'd just never thought to combine them."
The results are kind of amazing; his cartoon has the uncanny ability to please kids without getting on parents' nerves. Really: His music is actually enjoyable, even upon multiple listens. Each song is an earworm worth humming even when not in the company of your offspring.
"There's more to kids' music than just having the parents be able to tolerate it," Taylor says. "Somehow I found this niche where the parents can enjoy it just as much as the kids."
Now, with his fourth Gustafer Yellowgold DVD on record store shelves, Taylor has built quite a discography for his fans to enjoy — even as a good chunk of this crowd is still too young to properly speak his or his character's name.
