Local singer/songwriter Brendan Parker has developed quite a following in the OKC metro—especially with the 6 and under crowd. The energetic musician is the front man of popular kindie (“indie” rock for kids) band Spaghetti Eddie, in which he sings, plays guitar and even rocks an electric kazoo. Along with drummer Todd Parsons, Parker can be seen at events and festivals across the metro, performing fun, educational music enjoyed by both children and parents.

Parker, age 31, released his first full-length album, Spaghetti Eddie! And Other Children’s Songs, in 2010, with songs designed to teach kids about colors, days of the week and more. Spaghetti Eddie! And Other Children’s Songs Volume 2 followed in 2011, which covers everything from the months of the year and vowels, to monsters and meatballs. Parker also released a DVD of music videos for children in December 2011. Here is more about what keeps this local musician and father (son James is 1) spreading fun and learning through music.

What are you passionate about?
Living up to my full potential and trying to make a difference in the world.

How has fatherhood changed you?
I think of myself less and more about the family as a whole. I try harder. I had no idea I could love these people so much.

How do you banish stress?
My wife helps me get rid of stress. She is a great person to talk to and can think of solutions faster than I can stress about problems.

What inspires you?
That feeling of getting goose bumps from hearing a song or watching something unfold.

Along with your jobs as a dad and musician, what do you do?
I help my old medical equipment company from time to time. I also help my wife’s synthetic grass company, Always Greener.

What do you like most about your job?
I love to see people smiling and having fun while I’m “working,” it’s probably the most fulfilling thing that I have ever been involved with. Also, all of the good people we meet along the way.

What is on your wish list?
72 degrees and sunny… every day.

What are you most proud of?
My wife and son.

What motivates you?
Leaving a legacy that my family and I can look back on and be proud of.

How do you find balance in your life?
Trying to stay organized and always having a trip or something fun to look forward to.

Advice for other dads?
Provide for them, be there for them, give them time. Be the person they want you to be and fill them with confidence along the way.

Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Oklahoma, but we lived in California for four years. We made our way back after getting married in hopes of starting a family.

What’s the biggest challenge in your life?
Enjoying the moment, which I do much more now than ever, but it’s still hard to not think ahead.

How do you help others?
I like making people laugh. Laughter can help in so many ways.

What is your parenting style?
I like to be both the “good cop” AND the “bad cop.”

Favorite advice about parenthood?
It’s a marathon, and they don’t hand out medals until the VERY end. Chris Rock taught me this.

Quick Facts About Brendan

• What are five words that describe you? Respectful, hopeful, thankful, helpful, fun.
• What is your favorite indulgence? Chocolate. Specifically cookies with some form of chocolate in them.
• What can’t you live without? Wife, son and immediate family excluded? My guitar.
• What’s your favorite meal to cook for dinner? I can do a nice “big salad” or some spaghetti, but I'm more of a Saturday morning breakfast cook. French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit smoothies. It’s the most important meal of the day.
• What’s your favorite movie? The Big Lebowski.
• What’s always in your handbag? I don’t carry a handbag. When I do carry a bag, it usually has my planner, Spaghetti Eddie merchandise, gum and my wallet.

Learn more about Brendan and Spaghetti Eddie at www.thespaghettieddie.com.

Brooke Barnett is the Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.