Ten-Year-Old Cerebral Palsy Girl’s Dream Album Brings Animals To Life

A new children’s musical project shines a spotlight on ability and inclusion with Sydney singer/songwriter Jane Walker collaborating with her music student 10-year-old Coco Espie, who lives with cerebral palsy, to produce a new children’s album – Wild Life.

Due for release at the end of November with a stage performance at Taronga Zoo’s Dreamnight (for sick and disadvantaged children) on December 5th, the first single with a video off the album is ‘Crystal the Unicorn’ released this week.

It is the first offering from their newly formed music group Coco and the Cockatoos which reflects Coco’s dream to make music despite her disability putting many hurdles on her journey.

Coco’s cerebral palsy and empathetic approach to life has given her a compassion for animals and children, which is how the ‘Wild Life’ album was born. And a unicorn as her favourite toy has become the first video offer.

Every track explores animals real and imagined with beautiful insights delivered by Jane’s detailed approach to researching and writing the songs inspired by Coco’s ideas and passion. Jane has worked with Coco for two years to create and deliver this exceptional project.

Coco’s enthusiasm and determination to have fun and enjoy life despite her struggles, set backs and operations gives ‘Wild Life’ an energy that Coco is keen to share. A CD and digital release of all ten songs on the album is set for the end of November.

Further songs are being released via Spotify and Apple Music ahead of the album launch.

Every song sale supports three very worthy causes – Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, Taronga Conservation Society and Ocean Recovery Alliance. 

 ‘Wild Life’ also features Coco’s sister Molly singing, along with Coco and Esme Power (Sydney Children’s Choir) and joining them on stage at the zoo will be some students from NSW Conservatorium High School.

‘Wild Life’ was produced by Jane Walker along with Jess Ciampa and Neal Sutherland. Sutherland also engineered and mixed the album that was recorded at Free Energy Device Studios in Camperdown, Sydney.