Robert Schneider, the mind behind one of indie-rock's seminal music groups, The Apples in stereo, will be releasing his debut children's music album under the character name Robbert Bobbert. The album, entitled Robbert Bobbert & The Bubble Machine will  include a humorous comic book designed by artist Todd Webb, introducing kids and parents to his inventor/scientist character, Robert Bobbert. "Kids' ears are very tuned in to unusual sounds, so I threw many of my regular instruments out the window in order to come up with a whole new palette of colorful noises,” Schneider explained. “It forces me to be extra creative because you are writing for an extra creative audience."  Schneider tests his tunes with live audiences and his son Max. Launch date: January 20, 2009.