Lenny Pearce, an innovative force in the world of electronic music, has spent years cultivating his craft and sharing his creations on SoundCloud. However, it was a groundbreaking remix that transformed his career trajectory. His unique approach to remixing a beloved children’s song catapulted him into the spotlight, showcasing his ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary beats in a way that resonates with both children and parents alike.
“The first remix that truly gained traction was my techno version of ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes,’” recalls Pearce, the talented Australian music producer. This track became a pivotal moment in his career, demonstrating how a playful reinterpretation of familiar tunes could capture the attention and imagination of audiences.
Pearce refers to his fresh take on the classic children’s song, which traditionally encourages children to touch their head, shoulders, knees, and toes (as well as their eyes, ears, mouth, and nose). In a departure from the typical sing-along format, Pearce’s rendition is characterized by pulsating kickdrums and immersive dark synth waves, creating an energetic atmosphere that invites movement and dance.
He has crafted numerous dance remixes of iconic children’s songs, establishing a genre he dubs “toddler techno.” This innovative approach has allowed him to carve out a unique niche in the music industry and the touring scene, where he hosts engaging and interactive baby raves that families can enjoy together.
To date, Pearce has successfully organized events in various locations including Australia, Bahrain, Singapore, and the United States. He recently launched a ten-date tour that will span nine cities across the U.S. through the end of the month. Each of these lively events attracts between 700 to 1,500 enthusiastic children and their parents, with most shows selling out in mere minutes, leading to over 11,000 tickets sold. Following his U.S. tour, Pearce plans to perform in Malaysia, and he has received offers from as far away as Kenya.
“Nursery rhymes are universally recognized,” he explains, highlighting the global appeal of his music and the vibrant demand for his performances.
Initially, Pearce did not envision himself DJ-ing all-ages parties. His journey in the entertainment industry began 15 years ago as a member of a ten-person breakdancing crew that triumphed on Australia’s Got Talent in 2010. This group, known as Justice Crew, transitioned into a successful boy band that produced chart-topping hits like “Boom Boom,” which soared to No. 1 on the Australian ARIA Singles chart. Pearce contributed to Justice Crew as a DJ, which ignited his passion for music production, ultimately leading him to pursue a solo career.
After facing a period of stagnation in his career, Pearce dedicated himself to honing his skills as a producer. He explored various genres, including house and tech house, while sharing his creations on streaming platforms in hopes of attracting the attention of music labels. His determination and hard work paid off when his life took a new turn two years ago with the birth of his daughter. “She captured my heart,” Pearce reflects. “I wanted to do everything for her.” While he continued to produce music, he embraced the role of a stay-at-home dad, immersing himself in the world of children’s music.
“She enjoyed songs like ‘The Wheels On the Bus,’” Pearce shares. “With my creative instincts, I thought about remixing these familiar tunes to share on TikTok.” Amid the everyday routines of parenting, he diligently crafted these remixes in his home studio. “And then everything began to gain momentum from there,” he adds.
One of Pearce’s initial uploads, the techno remix of “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes,” swiftly accumulated 500,000 views. His follower count on TikTok skyrocketed from 30,000 to over one million as he released additional kid-friendly club remixes. Currently, he boasts 2.1 million followers on the platform. The success of this track enabled him to sign multiple remixes with the esteemed Dutch dance label Spinnin’ Records, a label he had long aspired to connect with. In 2024, Spinnin’ released his captivating club version of “Wheels On the Bus,” which has already garnered 2.3 million views on YouTube alone.
Pearce’s career has also been significantly supported by his identical twin brother, John Pearce, a current member of the beloved Australian children’s group The Wiggles. The familial connection allowed Lenny to remix an entire album by The Wiggles, resulting in The Wiggles Soundsystem: Rave of Innocence, which features 14 exciting edits of the group’s classic songs. This album achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Dance Albums Chart.
While Pearce’s work may not be entirely pioneering, as other artists like Snoop Dogg and Marshmello have also explored children’s music, his approach stands out. In 2020, Marshmello capitalized on his popularity among children by launching a dedicated content platform for kids. Although dance remixes of children’s songs have existed for years, they often appear as one-off projects, making them challenging for parents to discover collectively.
“There hasn’t been a consistent artist dedicated to this genre,” Pearce asserts. “You might find someone who creates a trap version of ‘Five Little Ducks’ or similar, but parents and toddlers lack a go-to artist for this specific sound.”
Pearce frequently receives heartfelt messages from parents worldwide, expressing their gratitude for his music. It offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional children’s songs that can quickly become monotonous with repetition. His work not only entertains children but also allows parents to reconnect with the vibrant club culture that characterized their pre-parenting years, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and family fun.
Recognizing the potential for growth, Pearce decided to launch Toddler Techno live events, signing with WME for representation late last year to expand his reach.
“A DJ performing for children and families sounded audacious enough to be groundbreaking, and that’s precisely what it has become,” states Pearce’s agent at WME, Peter Schwartz. “The family entertainment market has always been robust — parents are constantly seeking engaging activities. Lenny appeals to both kids and parents who fondly remember their raving days and still crave a fun experience.”
Pearce’s current U.S. tour has seen every show sell out within ten minutes, Schwartz notes, prompting additional shows to be added in most locations. This tour follows the release of Pearce’s debut album Toddler Techno (Vol. 1), which launched in March. He performs at traditional pop and rock venues such as Los Angeles’ Roxy Theater, The Brooklyn Bowl in New York, and Chicago’s Outset, with plans for a larger fall tour already in the works. Ticket prices range from $30 to $40, with several venues allowing very young children to enter for free.
“What Lenny is creating is entertaining, innovative, and slightly edgier than typical kids’ acts,” Schwartz emphasizes, “which we believe truly distinguishes him in the industry.”
Pearce, who exudes warmth with his bright smile and long, colorful braid that gives him a distinctly cartoonish charm, has a natural affinity with children. This makes him an ideal artist for family-oriented events. He has collaborated with major children’s entertainment entities such as Nickelodeon, Disney, and Hasbro, further solidifying his reputation. His performances welcome even the tiniest newborns (“Some of them are in carriages,” he observes), allowing families to freely enjoy the dance floor without the constraints of traditional seating arrangements, akin to adult club settings.
On tour, Pearce has witnessed entire families don matching mermaid costumes and others sporting vibrant tutus. His daughter, now two years old, particularly favors the latter, and he and his wife recently welcomed a baby boy in April. Events offer engaging activities such as face painting, hair braiding, and photo booths, with one recent show featuring a giant inflatable octopus positioned on the dance floor. These activities are designed for children, yet they mirror the lively atmosphere typically found at adult clubs and festivals. During a recent Philadelphia show, children waved glow sticks and donned sunglasses, with parents joining in on the fun.
Pearce has often heard playful jokes about attendees opting for apple juice shots instead of alcohol. He acknowledges that part of his widespread appeal lies in the juxtaposition of rave culture, which is often associated with adult partying, against the innocence of children. “It’s not about the party atmosphere; it’s about music, entertainment, unity, and inclusivity for the whole family,” he affirms.
Exciting new music is on the horizon to keep the little ones dancing. Pearce has a forthcoming album featuring remixed classic kids’ songs, made possible because many of these tunes are in the public domain and not subject to copyright restrictions. Once he exhausts the well of children’s classics, he plans to shift genres, reimagining these tunes in styles like drum & bass, deep house, or reggaetón. “By the time that happens, we’ll all be retired,” he jokes.
In the meantime, Pearce feels he has discovered his true calling as both an artist and a devoted dad.
“A lot of parents share that they enjoy playing my remixes in the car while driving their kids to school or daycare, and it’s not a buzzkill,” he notes. “The kids love it, and so do the parents.”
