Inspired by their Alabama roots, adventures on tour, and the creative spirit of their base in Key West, Florida, the husband-and-wife team of Beth Hataway and Johnny Veres form the heart of the critically praised “American Space Folk” band Electric Blue Yonder. Electric Blue Yonder is thrilled to announce the April 25 release of its first album for kids and families, MicroPARTY.

“We consider ourselves space folk explorers, incorporating and blending psychedelic and roots music while making our own ‘Space Folk’ sound,” says Beth Hataway. “When we started playing music, people would tell us that we sounded familiar but that they did not quite ‘get’ our sound. We have always believed in making music our own way, rather than trying to conform to specific genres.”

“We’ve always aimed to share our music with the folks who want to listen and be a part of it, which, over time, has led to our growing fanbase,” adds Johnny Veres. “We believe in harmony, not homogeny, and that people are truly beautiful and perfect as they are. MicroPARTY is an expression of these beliefs, written and orchestrated to be experienced by kids and adults alike. We wanted the songs to capture children’s attention with a sense of wonderment and give them layers of learning opportunities. For adults, the album is a reminder that learning is lifelong, and we don’t have to take ourselves so seriously all the time! Creating MicroPARTY allowed us as artists to let go a little bit and take on that childlike sense of joy and wonderment, too.”

Beth and Johnny cite inspirations as diverse as Eric Carle, Mister Rogers, Jim Henson, and Pee-wee Herman. Musically, MicroPARTY pays homage to Neil Young, the B-52s, classic Doo-Wop artists, ‘60s folk musicians like Peter, Paul and Mary, and even the Baroque era.

A highlight is the album’s theme song, “MicroPARTY,” which welcomes everyone to Electric Blue Yonder’s party with music and fun for everyone – the young and young at heart. The adorable “Bebop Bo Bobot the Robot” (reminiscent of the 1962 hit “Telstar” by The Tornados) tells the story of Michael, who likes to recycle, finding a robot head that quickly transforms into a friend. “Sun and Shower,” a jaunty tune that incorporates aspects of Baroque style, uses violin, cello, and a staccato melody to express growing flowers’ need for sun, water, and love.

The songs on this album remind listeners of the beauty of small moments in life that are often overlooked, focusing on the importance of friendship, the wonders of nature, the need for both compassion and critical thinking, and the joy of imagination. The groovy “Lil’ C” was inspired by Eric Carle’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. “Roly Poly” tells the story of a little bug who’s trying to get across town with a little help from his friends. This tune gives “mutual aid” a fresh new twist with an infectious beat and a melody loaded with charm. Ed Yong’s book, I Contain Multitudes was the catalyst for “World of the Small.” The song explores the microscopic world around us, introducing kids to the important building blocks of life while imparting respect for the environment and emphasizing that even the smallest things can have a big impact on our lives.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Montgomery, Beth Hataway grew up immersed in the Beatles and was also influenced by Simon & Garfunkel’s harmonies and The Beach Boys’ orchestrations and sonic explorations. Beth played French horn throughout middle school and high school in both marching band and symphonic band. At the University of Alabama, she joined the indie pop band Squirrelhouse on French horn, but it wasn’t until later, when she became a member of Electric Blue Yonder, that Beth began playing guitar and singing (or even considering herself a singer). Beth has a Master’s in Business Administration, and in addition to touring and recording with EBY, she has pursued a career in healthcare for over a decade, spending the last nine years working with states on their Medicaid managed care and home and community based (HCBS) programs. When not working, Beth enjoys spending time with her dogs, Ashtanga yoga, and baking.

A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Johnny Veres formed a garage band in high school that evolved into a progressive instrumental band in college. After receiving his BA in Architecture from Auburn University, Johnny took a break to “get a real job” until the fateful day when a friend convinced him to perform at a local open mic. That appearance sparked the regrouping of Johnny’s progressive instrumental band, which ultimately became Electric Blue Yonder. Shortly after Johnny asked Beth Hataway to join the band on French horn, the two began dating and songwriting together, and the rest is history! Like his wife, Johnny grew up listening to the Beatles and credits them as a significant influence. Pink Floyd’s progressive soundscapes and melodic instrumentals have also greatly inspired his work. Beyond music, Johnny has over a decade of experience in historic preservation and restoration and started working in television set design in 2017. He is a member of IATSE 479.  When not on the road, Johnny and Beth make their home in Key West, Florida.

A traveling troupe of intrepid space folk explorers, Electric Blue Yonder examines the mysteries of the universe and reports their findings through song. Described as “Real American Space Folk,” the band draws its inspiration from the psychedelic folk, surf, and cosmic country rock of the ‘60s and the Space Age prog/art rock explorations of David Bowie and Pink Floyd, all while shifting time to the early roots and parlour style guitar of the 20th century. The result is a genre-bending mix that captures a nostalgic familiarity while simultaneously transporting listeners into uncharted territory. Electric Blue Yonder albums for adults include Loved & Lost (2024), Mourning Sounds (2021), Between Space and Time (2020), and Born of the Sky (2017).

MicroPARTY will be available digitally on all major platforms, with a limited vinyl and CD release available through the Electric Blue Yonder website HERE. EBY’s MicroPARTY Live variety show will premiere February 14, 2025 at the Studios of Key West in partnership with Bravo Theater and Southernmost Youth Orchestra, along with the release of the first single from the MicroPARTY album, “Sun and Shower.”

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Feb. 20 – Walk on White Street – Key West, FL

Feb. 22 – Sunset Pier – Key West, FL

March 1 – Spinster Abbott’s – St. Augustine, FL

March 7 – Oversoul Brewing – Helena, AL

March 12 – Druid City Brewing – Tuscaloosa, AL

March 20 – Museum of the Mississippi Delta – Greenwood, MS

March 21 – Sagebrush – Austin, TX

March 22 – Lonesome Rose – Austin, TX

March 26 – Turkey Hotel – Turkey, TX

March 27 – Goldenlight Café & Cantina – Amarillo, TX

April 27 – Salute! On the Beach – Key West, FL

June 13 – PlayThink – Edmonton, KY

June 14 – Still Folkin’ Music Series – Madison, IN

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