Staying True to Music, Family, and Advocacy

Andrew Barkan and Polly Hall, the dynamic duo behind the GRAMMY-nominated family music act Andrew & Polly, have been making waves in the world of children's music. Their latest album, Ahhhhh!, has earned them a nomination for Best Children’s Album, but their journey is about much more than music.

Andrew, diagnosed with Stargardt disease after a fall in third grade, has never let his disability define him. Growing up with a passion for music, he taught himself piano, participated in musical theater, and joined acapella groups in high school. His academic journey took him to The Thacher School in Ojai, Amherst College, and NYU for graduate school. Today, Andrew & Polly live in Santa Monica, California, where they continue to inspire through their music and advocacy. His siblings, Phoebe and Will, also have Stargardt disease, and their entire family has been actively involved in genetic testing and research to better understand the condition.

“As the oldest sibling, I would run into challenges and try to help my younger siblings through them,” Andrew recalls. This sense of responsibility and support has been a constant in his life, leading to the creation of the podcast Disability Happy Hour, where Andrew, Phoebe, and Will share their experiences and advocate for a more inclusive world.

Andrew & Polly are fierce advocates for high-quality, diverse media for children. As the parents of three young children, the married couple understands the importance of representation and inclusivity education.

“We think so hard about how to talk about disabilities now because we have children,” Polly explains. Their music, which spans genres from pop and folk to hip-hop, reflects their commitment to celebrating the complexities and joys of family life.

Their journey into children's music began almost 15 years ago, after working in a studio for film and television for many years. Their credits include music for Apple TV+, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Sony, Disney, Sesame Workshop, and brands such as Google, Facebook, Nike, GE, Levi’s, Ikea, Toyota and Sprint. They then found a new community and joy in making music for children, leading to the creation of their podcast Ear Snacks. This platform allows children to hear their own voices and learn from each other, fostering a sense of connection and growth.

“Kids are fun and smart, and families deserve music that reflects that,” says Andrew. “We want our music to honor the awesomeness and overwhelming chaos of being a family.” Polly adds, “Every song has so many layers. So many layers for the child today, next year, for when they’re in high school, they should be able to come back to it and say there’s still something there for me now. And layers for the parents, obviously.”

Andrew's advocacy extends beyond music. He is currently participating in a clinical trial at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute, where researchers are working to regrow retinal cells. This groundbreaking work offers hope and underscores Andrew's commitment to advancing research and treatment for blinding diseases.

“Blindness is not my disability; what makes me disabled is the world around me and society's design, which creates barriers to accessing the world,” Andrew says. This perspective drives his advocacy for a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Polly, too, has been a steadfast supporter and ally. “In supporting someone with a disability, I’m sure I have tried to do things that now I think, why did I do that?” she reflects. “So much of our identity work and open dialogue about disabilities isn’t something we had when we were growing up. We want to have anti-ableism as part of the work you can do as an individual and then spread that beyond to the community.”

To be even more connected with the disability community, Andrew has become a member of RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities). At the GRAMMYs last year, he received a glam white cane from Lachi, which he initially hesitated to use. However, embracing the white cane has been liberating, providing him with newfound independence and confidence.

“Using his white cane, Andrew was able to ask someone at a hotel what was on the buffet bar without them looking at him like he should know what’s there,” Polly recalls. This small act of independence highlights the importance of accessibility and the impact of supportive communities.

Their advice to others facing similar challenges is simple yet profound: connect with others, find resources, and share your stories. “We learn so much from shared stories, from hearing and sharing,” Andrew emphasizes. Their music, advocacy, and personal experiences offer hope and inspiration for families navigating the complexities of disabilities.

Andrew & Polly's story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, the importance of representation, and the transformative power of music. Their musical journey inspires and uplifts, bringing light to a more inclusive and compassionate world.