An Interview with Doug Segree
Doug Segree is an Annapolis-based singer-songwriter who’s been at it for more than 30 years. About seven years ago, he began writing what he refers to as “Family Music,” NOT children’s music, he’s quick to add. “I write songs that are fun and relatable to all ages, not just kids – pop music with a wholesome theme.”
I chatted with Doug about the events that led up to the development of his latest project, SQRRL!
LP: What inspired you to come up with the concept of a SQRRL! Band?
DS: I’ve been writing and playing pop music for many years. The kid in me is always very much alive but the silly song ideas I’d come up with didn’t really fit my normal set when I’d play live shows. Then, my wife and I had kids, and I got so many more goofy, heartfelt, fun song ideas. The songs just kept coming! I learned to pay close attention to the funny, sweet things my kids and their friends would say and turn them into songs.
LP: How did you come up with the name SQRRL! for this project?
DS: I remembered a silly character in the movie UP, Dug the Talking Dog, and it made me laugh when he would get distracted by a squirrel and excitedly say “SQUIRREL!”. Kind of random, but it stuck!
LP: You have already released an astonishing 5 albums which is no small feat being the short time since you’ve begun writing and performing SQRRL! songs. What was your first album, and how did that come into fruition?
DS: SQRRL!’s first album (self-titled) was recorded in LA in 2016. I was introduced by a mutual friend to a music producer, Rich Jacques, who had experience recording the type of pop/family music I was writing. It was a big thrill for me to spend time in LA with him working on recording my music – he’d won a Grammy for his collaboration with Lisa Loeb on her Album ‘Feel What U Feel’ and he’d also worked with the likes of Colin Hay, Glen Phillips, Maya Rudolph, and Peter Katz. In fact, Lisa Loeb sang on one of the songs from my first album, “Zip It Lock It”!
LP: This is the 4th annual holiday show at Rams Head. What can we expect from your upcoming show at Rams Head On Stage on Saturday, December 23rd at 12pm, “A SQRRL! Holiday”?
DS: Daisy SQRRL! will be a big part of the show, along with Aunt Vicky, Eddie the Elf, and a whole slew of fun characters. And, rumor has it that Santa himself will make an appearance! We will be clearing out all of the center tables for our “Kiddie Mosh Pit” and the littles will be encouraged to move, dance, and sing along, hopefully followed by a nice long nap at home after the show!
To hear SQRRL!’s music on Spotify, CLICK HERE
To purchase tickets to A SQRRL! Holiday at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis CLICK HERE
Don’t Let Comparison Rob You Of Holiday Joy