I am proud to present the video world premiere for “Just Not Me” by Bay Area kindie rockers, The Hipwaders.

What you will love about it: Like their songs, The Hipwaders create stellar videos, with high-quality animation that is engaging and relatable. These guys make excellent music and have serious fun while doing it. The band’s ability to be humorous and totally real (which is what our family absolutely loves about them) is in full effect here. Animated by Will Guy of Goopymart (goopymart.com), “Just Not Me” *depicts one kid’s protest against parental behests – in the name of free will! – complete with all-too-familiar body language, i.e. a bewildered/disapproving look, unattractive facial expressions, and the classic folded-arm refusal accompanied by a series of firm “no, no, nos,” and a qualifying “That’s just not me.”

(*Warning: visual representations of a child’s inner thoughts ahead)

“Just Not Me,” is a song for all seasons, but can also certainly apply to the holidays. With the madness of travel plans, variety of uncommon foods, and influx of grown-ups vying for just one more smile for the camera (or smartphone), it can be hard to maintain order and sanity. I even find myself wanting to disobey my own rules.

Does this video resonate with you?

As the parent of a spirited 6-year-old, I really related to many of the situations in this video! Though I try not to, I sometimes make requests that threaten my daughter’s autonomy, i.e. wearing a jacket when it’s cold out (and by cold I mean your breath is billowing like smoke from a chimney), taking a bath, or using dinner as an excuse to interrupt playtime. If my daughter were to choose a motto, “just not me” would be it, followed by Sinatra’s famous declaration, “I did it my way.” With this in mind, I found myself laughing out loud while watching this video.

Want to learn more? Of course you do! “Just Not Me” can be found on The Hipwaders’ recently released album, Year Round Sounds. You can purchase the single and the album from Amazon, iTunes and CDBaby.

Also check out other songs from Year Round Sounds covered on Kids Can Groove here and here. And, since we are heading into the Christmas season, check out a brief review and some videos from The Hipwaders’ A Kindie Christmas.