Star Forest, a multiplatform project spanning musical albums, music videos, animated content, podcasts and a mobile video game, is set to roll out over the coming months.
From Emmy Award-winning producer Genevieve LeDoux and targeted to 5- to 9-year-olds, the Star Forest universe aims to bridge digital engagement and real-world wonder. September will see the new podcast and album debut, while the mobile video game is slated to drop later in 2024.
The full Star Forest project will also officially launch at Dragon Con, which is taking place from August 29 to September 2.
Great visions often spring from the most unexpected places. Sometimes, it takes nothing more than a car ride and the observation of a young boy to spark a new project. In the right hands, that project can transcend what has come before it and bring the world something familiar but in a new and refreshing way.
Like other mothers during the pandemic, Genevieve LeDoux sought ways to entertain her two young sons. They took car rides through the countryside, listening to music and enjoying the beauty that Georgia has to offer.
It was on one of these car rides that LeDoux’s six-year-old asked a simple but profound question: “Why isn’t there any music just for me?”
“My youngest was into toddler music, but my six-year-old wanted nothing to do with that. To him, it was already baby music,” LeDoux said.
She set out to find music that he would like, music that encompassed things that interested him such as video games, exploring the backyard, or outer space. There were very few examples of what she was looking for, and those she was able to find did not appeal to him.
Seeing a need, she contacted a composer and set to work. What emerged was a music album for children that spoke about topics that interested them in a way that was sophisticated and polished. Star Forest was born and like all newborns, it grew quickly.
LeDoux’s next step was to figure out how to deliver the music to kids. Again, her son was the impetus for her inspiration. He announced one day that he was attending a concert that evening. He and his friends were meeting for a virtual show in the game Roblox.
After joining them, LeDoux created a virtual band built of rich characters with preferences and backgrounds. Vocalist and keytarist Fawny Jean Velvette – Fawn to her friends – loves snacks, sneezes when she smells stardust (but loves it anyway) and has a first edition of The Gnome King of Oz, which is her favorite thing. Other band members include Sleuth Marbles and Rocktapus Blueblood VII, a percussionist who is missing a tentacle – which we’re not supposed to talk about.
At first glance, it may seem like just another entertainment outlet for children, but Star Forest transcends expectations and delivers something beautiful that speaks to the hearts of children and adults alike by tackling real issues with sensitivity and an inclusive spirit.
Sensing she was onto something good, LeDoux teamed up with illustrator Dusty Higgins, calling him “one of the beating hearts of Star Forest” who helped design the characters and the world.
She also brought on Austin Baur who was instrumental to shaping the vision of Star Forest and whose multi-focused background in the industry allowed him to help her build out the rest of their creative team.
Dead Hand Design was hired to create the company website and branding, but “their exceptional work led them to become producers and an integral part of the world-building team,” said LeDoux.
The project expanded to include illustrations and storytelling. LeDoux wanted to make sure that the stories told through Star Forest were authentic to the experiences kids have in today’s complex world.
“We want to address things they’re dealing with without oversimplifying it or sugar coating it,” she said.
She credits her team and their working style for their ability to create stories that are “self-healing. We all are telling stories that we experienced as kids.”
LeDoux and team take a playful, almost childlike approach to work. This was an attitude that she wanted to cultivate early on. She calls them “kids in a sandbox”, and they have the freedom not only to try new things, but to get them wrong – then try again in a new way.
“Our approach to building Star Forest has been anything but traditional. We adopted a holacratic system, where roles can be fluid and everyone can take leadership when they have a strong idea,” LeDoux said.
This fluidity has allowed them to discover talents they did not know they had and to create a wealth of never before seen content including content designed specifically for YouTube.
“I’m bringing it straight to where the kids are, and I think YouTube is the perfect place because kids are in control and if they discover it, it will feel like it’s their own thing,” LeDoux said.
The team plans an official launch for this year’s DragonCon which is held in Atlanta every Labor Day weekend. In addition to the YouTube content, they will launch fully produced, high-quality animated music videos, a podcast, and a game.
But music remains the core element of Star Forest. Composer Andrew Morgan Smith and LeDoux collaborated to create a second album, “drawing from the real-life experiences of our own kids and the creativity of our fully cast band. The lines between the actors, musicians and their characters are wonderfully blurred, adding a layer of authenticity that we hope resonates deeply,” LeDoux said.
It is a wealth of content, rich in stories and images designed to be relatable to children. For LeDoux, her goal for the project is simple and clear: to help children feel like they matter.
“Ultimately, my vision of success is profoundly personal and community-centric: if even one child finds themselves lost in Star Forest, seeing a reflection of themselves in its characters and considering it a second home—a safe, supportive, and song-filled haven—then we’ve achieved something truly magical.,” she said.
Fawks Talks w/Phineas Fawks is a talk show from the Treequalizer Network. Starring the eponymous, Phineas Fawks, the show promises to take a deep dive into what each guest is about to a level that they have never been known before. Phineas Fawks, a long time on air personality, recently cancelled his previous show of similar name and format to help launch the Treequalizer Network as, what he describes as, their flagship show. Launching September 3, 2024!
In a world where screens dominate and attention spans dwindle, a new force in children’s entertainment is emerging. Star Forest, the brainchild of Emmy Award-winning producer Genevieve LeDoux, is set to revolutionize how children engage with music, storytelling, and creativity. The expansive Star Forest project features a deep, intricately-crafted lore that spans multiple platforms, including music albums (new album being released on September 26), music videos (YouTube), animated character-driven content, podcasts (launching September 3) and a mobile video game (coming later this year).
The virtual band is: Fawn Velvette (vocalist/keytar) performed by Lynzee Fraye; Twig Leifort (vocalist/guitar) performed Pete Mitchell; Sluuth Marbles (bass/vocalist/rhymes) performed by Christopher “Caz” Downing; Rocktapus “Rocky” Blueblood VII (drums/tambourine) performed by Jake Griffitts. Podcast host Phineas Fawk is performed by Garrett Braun. Additional Star Forest team members include: Andrew Morgan Smith(Composer/Producer); Dusty Higgins (Head of Animation and Visual Development); Austin Baur (Visual Effects Supervisor); Kevin Handy and Anna Lesperance (Co-Producers); Tammy Hurt (Head of Music Strategy and Industry Relations); and Jonathan Weilbaecher (Digital Strategy).
In an era where children are increasingly disconnected from nature and overwhelmed by technology, Star Forest offers a bridge between digital engagement and real-world wonder. It’s designed to combat “nature deficit disorder” by inspiring kids to explore, create, and connect with the world around them. At its heart is a virtual band of lovable misfits whose music transcends mere entertainment, becoming a gateway to imagination and self-discovery targeted for children aged 5–9 (but may appeal to a range of music lovers).
“Star Forest isn’t just an album, a show, or a game — it’s an entire universe designed to captivate, educate, and inspire,” said Genevieve LeDoux, Star Forest Creator and Co-Founder. “We noticed a significant gap in content for children who have outgrown preschool programming but aren’t ready for teen-oriented material. Star Forest fills this void with rich, multi-layered content that grows with the child.”
In today’s world of constant stimulation and digital noise, children are increasingly struggling to find moments of focused creativity and calm. Star Forest addresses this by incorporating elements that promote the “flow state” — a psychological concept where individuals are fully immersed in an activity, experiencing heightened focus and enjoyment. Through its immersive storytelling and engaging music, Star Forest creates an environment where children can naturally enter this state of flow, enhancing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being.
“The band is virtual, and the music is real! Star Forest is The Gorillaz for kids and the story of a band trying to make it,” said Tammy Hurt, Head of Music Strategy and Industry Relations for Star Forest. “It is a world that mirrors the challenges and triumphs of real life, offering a metaphorical landscape where the band members learn invaluable lessons about friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of their dreams. Through their shared experiences, the band members discover the true power of music to connect hearts, inspire change, and create a sense of belonging.”
“We’re not just creating content, we’re crafting experiences that allow children to tune out the noise and tune into their own incredible potential,” LeDoux continued. “In Star Forest, kids don’t just listen to music — they become part of it, entering a world where imagination flows freely, and creativity knows no bounds. Our goal is to create content that not only entertains but also enriches, but inspires a new generation of thinkers, dreamers, and doers who understand the power of imagination and the importance of our connection to nature.”
DRAGON CON | AUG 29–SEP 2
Let Me Be Real is the newest installment in the Star Forest adventure, which is presented through music, music videos, and animated short form videos, and with a podcast coming on September 3. The full Star Forest project will officially launch at Dragon Con this weekend, the largest multi-media and pop culture event in the U.S. In addition to the release of the first song from the new Star Forest Album, “Let Me Be Real,” attendees can visit the Star Forest booth all weekend long on the Marquis level of the Marriott Marquis.
THUR, AUG 29
Visit the Star Forest booth at the Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level.
FRI, AUG 30
Kids Rock with Star Forest | 5:30pm | Hyatt Spring
Kids Track welcomes Star Forest, a brand new animated multimedia experience. Explore the cosmic wilds and meet a band of misfit musicians crafting melodies to reshape worlds. Kids learn the band’s lore, check out their tunes, and style their favorite band members with Star Forest coloring. Kids under 16 must be with a parent/guardian; children 7+ must have badges.
In addition:
Prize Giveaway: Star Forest prize boxes given to winners of Dragon Con Family Game Night.
Dragon Con will provide Star Forest coloring pages in all of its arts & crafts and coloring activities.
Visit the Star Forest booth at the Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level.
SAT, AUG 31
Visit the Star Forest booth at the Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level.
Dragon Con will provide Star Forest coloring pages in all of its arts & crafts and coloring activities.
SUN, SEP 1
Family Dance | 4pm | Hyatt Spring
The Kids Track family dance will include Star Forest songs in the playlist, plus special giveaways throughout the event.
In addition:
Prize Giveaway: Star Forest prize boxes given to winners of Dragon Con Family Game Night.
Dragon Con will provide Star Forest coloring pages in all of its arts & crafts and coloring activities.
Visit the Star Forest booth at the Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level.
MON, SEP 2
Visit the Star Forest booth at the Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level.
Dragon Con will provide Star Forest coloring pages in all of its arts & crafts and coloring activities.
NEW ALBUM: LET ME BE REAL | SEP 26 RELEASE
The new Star Forest album, Let Me Be Real, will be released on September 26, 2024. The album transports listeners into the enchanting world of Star Forest, a multimedia adventure that merges vibrant melodies with lyrics inspired by a deep connection to nature, encouraging kids to embrace their true selves and celebrate their individuality. Blending nostalgic synthwave vibes with contemporary pop elements, Let Me Be Real is designed to resonate with both kids and adults.
Label: Silver Comet Productions, LLC
Distribution: Magic Star, the Global Kids and Family Entertainment Division of The Orchard (part of SONY Music Entertainment)
Recommended ages: Kids age 5+
Running time: 45 minutes
Release Date: Will be available on all major platforms beginning September 26, 2024.
Star Forest, a multiplatform project spanning musical albums, music videos, animated content, podcasts and a mobile video game, is set to roll out over the coming months.
From Emmy Award-winning producer Genevieve LeDoux and targeted to 5- to 9-year-olds, the Star Forest universe aims to bridge digital engagement and real-world wonder. September will see the new podcast and album debut, while the mobile video game is slated to drop later in 2024.
The full Star Forest project will also officially launch at Dragon Con, which is taking place from August 29 to September 2.
Great visions often spring from the most unexpected places. Sometimes, it takes nothing more than a car ride and the observation of a young boy to spark a new project. In the right hands, that project can transcend what has come before it and bring the world something familiar but in a new and refreshing way.
Like other mothers during the pandemic, Genevieve LeDoux sought ways to entertain her two young sons. They took car rides through the countryside, listening to music and enjoying the beauty that Georgia has to offer.
It was on one of these car rides that LeDoux’s six-year-old asked a simple but profound question: “Why isn’t there any music just for me?”
“My youngest was into toddler music, but my six-year-old wanted nothing to do with that. To him, it was already baby music,” LeDoux said.
She set out to find music that he would like, music that encompassed things that interested him such as video games, exploring the backyard, or outer space. There were very few examples of what she was looking for, and those she was able to find did not appeal to him.
Seeing a need, she contacted a composer and set to work. What emerged was a music album for children that spoke about topics that interested them in a way that was sophisticated and polished. Star Forest was born and like all newborns, it grew quickly.
LeDoux’s next step was to figure out how to deliver the music to kids. Again, her son was the impetus for her inspiration. He announced one day that he was attending a concert that evening. He and his friends were meeting for a virtual show in the game Roblox.
After joining them, LeDoux created a virtual band built of rich characters with preferences and backgrounds. Vocalist and keytarist Fawny Jean Velvette – Fawn to her friends – loves snacks, sneezes when she smells stardust (but loves it anyway) and has a first edition of The Gnome King of Oz, which is her favorite thing. Other band members include Sleuth Marbles and Rocktapus Blueblood VII, a percussionist who is missing a tentacle – which we’re not supposed to talk about.
At first glance, it may seem like just another entertainment outlet for children, but Star Forest transcends expectations and delivers something beautiful that speaks to the hearts of children and adults alike by tackling real issues with sensitivity and an inclusive spirit.
Sensing she was onto something good, LeDoux teamed up with illustrator Dusty Higgins, calling him “one of the beating hearts of Star Forest” who helped design the characters and the world.
She also brought on Austin Baur who was instrumental to shaping the vision of Star Forest and whose multi-focused background in the industry allowed him to help her build out the rest of their creative team.
Dead Hand Design was hired to create the company website and branding, but “their exceptional work led them to become producers and an integral part of the world-building team,” said LeDoux.
The project expanded to include illustrations and storytelling. LeDoux wanted to make sure that the stories told through Star Forest were authentic to the experiences kids have in today’s complex world.
“We want to address things they’re dealing with without oversimplifying it or sugar coating it,” she said.
She credits her team and their working style for their ability to create stories that are “self-healing. We all are telling stories that we experienced as kids.”
LeDoux and team take a playful, almost childlike approach to work. This was an attitude that she wanted to cultivate early on. She calls them “kids in a sandbox”, and they have the freedom not only to try new things, but to get them wrong – then try again in a new way.
“Our approach to building Star Forest has been anything but traditional. We adopted a holacratic system, where roles can be fluid and everyone can take leadership when they have a strong idea,” LeDoux said.
This fluidity has allowed them to discover talents they did not know they had and to create a wealth of never before seen content including content designed specifically for YouTube.
“I’m bringing it straight to where the kids are, and I think YouTube is the perfect place because kids are in control and if they discover it, it will feel like it’s their own thing,” LeDoux said.
The team plans an official launch for this year’s DragonCon which is held in Atlanta every Labor Day weekend. In addition to the YouTube content, they will launch fully produced, high-quality animated music videos, a podcast, and a game.
But music remains the core element of Star Forest. Composer Andrew Morgan Smith and LeDoux collaborated to create a second album, “drawing from the real-life experiences of our own kids and the creativity of our fully cast band. The lines between the actors, musicians and their characters are wonderfully blurred, adding a layer of authenticity that we hope resonates deeply,” LeDoux said.
It is a wealth of content, rich in stories and images designed to be relatable to children. For LeDoux, her goal for the project is simple and clear: to help children feel like they matter.
“Ultimately, my vision of success is profoundly personal and community-centric: if even one child finds themselves lost in Star Forest, seeing a reflection of themselves in its characters and considering it a second home—a safe, supportive, and song-filled haven—then we’ve achieved something truly magical.,” she said.
Extra Extra! Georgia Hollywood Review interview Genevieve about Georgia and “staying curious.”
