How an Aussie dad became Salmonhead

SHELDON Lieberman hadn’t always planned to become a children’s entertainer known for wearing a salmon on his head. It was one of those things that evolved over time.

The Ocean Shores dad picked up the ukulele at age four but put music aside for other pursuits –until he bought a mini guitar from an op shop many years later when his partner was pregnant.

“I think subconsciously I was thinking, ‘what am I going to do with this child?! I better sing him some songs’,” he said.

By day, Lieberman runs a company called Bigfish Design, creating branding, websites and campaigns for arts organisations like Queensland Ballet and the Brisbane Festival. He’s also produced numerous award-winning short animated films and web series, including Spike & Dadda, which has screened at the London, New Zealand and Melbourne International Animation Festivals, and won Best Kids’ Film at Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival.

“When I started writing songs, I would get my animators to animate them,” he said. “It allowed me to hide in the cupboard and sing in a weird voice. I had a desire to perform but was scared to be in front of an audience.

“I also didn’t think I could play well enough. My friend and animator Sem Han suggested if we wear crazy costumes, we could get away with our lack of experience. I wrote a song called Grizzly Bear and at our next meeting, Sem turned up wearing a grizzly bear costume. I needed a costume and what better to go with a grizzly bear than a salmon head?”

That was the beginning of Monkey Monkey Shake Shake, a musical duo that went on to perform at major festivals like Splendour in the Grass and the Falls Festival.

“Then Sem got sick of it, so Salmonhead went forward on his own,” Lieberman said.

But Salmonhead doesn’t like performing solo. He thrives on audience interaction, inviting kids and adults to dance, sing and even join him on stage.

His songs are simple, silly, fun and catchy.

“They’re nothing like typical kids’ songs,” he said. “They don’t talk down to kids. Kids are smart. They get the humour and they love the irreverence.”

Han designed the original costumes, and his wife Myo made them – but while it is certainly eye catching Lieberman’s is far from perfect.

“The salmon head is heavy and uncomfortable and gets in the way constantly when putting on my harmonica holder,” Lieberman said. “I hate it. But I love it.

“I designed the drums in my shoes. It took me years to perfect them. People love the drum shoes.

“As soon as I put on the costume I can do anything. I can be loud. I can say the wrong thing. I can make mistakes. I can be crazy. And the audience, whether they’re three or 93, feel comfortable to do the same.”

For more information and upcoming gigs, visit salmonhead.co.