By Nicholas Jason Lopez
In addition to his band RAIN, Damian Carruthers has also been busy at work on a children’s adventure book set for release sometime in February 2021, but available for preorder now.
The action-packed book is aimed at children between ages 6-11 and focuses on climate change, with a message that the way we carelessly treat the planet cannot continue. He believes the key to saving the planet belongs to the next generation and that children should be educated on this idea.
He wanted to maintain a “fun vibe” throughout, hence the book’s theme and colorful illustrations, done by Jade Crundwell, all while she underwent multiple treatments at the hospital for health issues during the book’s creation, in addition to her severe visual impairment.
Musically connected as well, “The Cheese Miner On The Moon” also features an acted-out audiobook complete with sounds, music and an official theme song by one of Carruther’s other bands, Serenade The Stars.
The Music Bugle had the chance to catch up with Carruthers about the book and more.
Music Bugle – What inspired you to take on this new project?
Damian Carruthers – I was visiting friends and their kids asked me about the moon. I made up a story on the spot about how the moon is made of cheese and all the cheese on Earth comes from the moon. A lightbulb went off in my head and I decided that it would be a great idea for a children’s book. It all just snowballed from there.
Music Bugle – What made you choose children’s adventure as the particular genre for your book?
Damian Carruthers – I am huge fan of 80’s movies like “The Goonies” and also passionate about “Star Wars.” I drew on these influences and tried to recreate that magic of storytelling that I experienced as a child.
Music Bugle – How did you decide the name of the book?
Damian Carruthers – The book named itself. From the get-go, I knew that the title was “The Cheese Miner On The Moon.”
Music Bugle – What’s the overall message you hope the next generation will receive from this book?
Damian Carruthers – Whilst being a great space adventure, the book also carries a strong metaphor on climate change. I am hoping to educate the next generation on how important it is to look after our planet. On top of that, I want to install that belief in children that they can be anything they want to be.
Music Bugle – How did illustrator Jade Crundwell get involved with the project?
Damian Carruthers – I was friends with her mum, Penny, who has been a huge help putting the book together! When I came up with the idea, I told Penny and she mentioned that her daughter was an illustrator. Jade has done such an amazing job with it. It feels like it was meant to be.
Music Bugle – Did you have any ideas for other books already?
Damian Carruthers – I already have another book mapped out. The plan is to release it within the next 18 months. I’ll be so busy with the promo on this book, I have no idea how I will find the time to finish writing it, but i will get there.
Music Bugle – Were you inspired by any other forms of literature?
Damian Carruthers – To be honest, I do not read much. I wanted to go into the whole project without taking any influence from other books. This is the first thing I have ever written, so I really hope that pays off.
Music Bugle – There’s a musical connection to the book as well – was that an idea set from the beginning?
Damian Carruthers – Not right from the beginning, I think about a year into the book, it just felt natural to combine the book with music. I feel a lot more comfortable writing music than I did with the book. Hopefully, it may encourage kids to pick up an instrument and start playing.
Music Bugle – Did you have any ideas that didn’t make the book?
Damian Carruthers – The whole process has been a case of trial-and-error. I looked at the possibility of doing a video book at one point, but it quickly became apparent that it was not going to work, though. I would love to do an animated series or movie at some point, though.
Music Bugle – Was there anything outside of our questions that you wanted to mention that you feel is important for our readers to know?
Damian Carruthers – I think i’ts important to say a huge thanks to the team I have with this whole project. Jade, Penny, Matt, Coral and Jim. Without them, none of this would have been possible.
