NASHVILLE-BASED CHILDREN’S MUSIC DUO MAC N CHEEZE
NASHVILLE-BASED CHILDREN’S MUSIC DUO
MAC N CHEEZE
(RYAN O’REILLY OF NHL’s PREDATORS AND KELLY JAMES) SHARE NEW SINGLE
“COCONUT”
ANNOUNCE UPCOMING ALBUM PIZZA PARTY OUT APRIL 10, 2026
(Photo Credit: Genevieve de Leur)
Los Angeles, CA (February 13, 2026) – Mac N Cheeze is a playful, music-first kids’ project dreamed up by two longtime friends, Ryan O’Reilly and Kelly James, who traded hockey sticks for kid-friendly hooks. The pair met as teammates in Major Junior hockey with the Erie Otters and, years later, began making up silly songs to entertain Ryan’s kids. A Raffi concert crystallized the idea: kids’ music could be joyful, high-quality and theatrical. From those living-room singalongs grew a full universe of characters, videos and songs designed to make families laugh, dance and sing together.
O’Reilly and James’ creative approach is collaborative and character-driven. Songs come from riffs, silly lines and real moments with children, often inspired by things kids say and do. Melodies spark characters (“Mac” and “Cheeze” are essentially the duo’s alter egos), and the characters in turn shape the visuals and stories: “Mr. Poo” (a cheeky reminder to flush), “Greg and the Weasel” (an unlikely best-friend duo), “Coco the Coconut,” “Country Santa” and his elf, “Elvis” the chicken, a shy porcupine, and even an Irish Pirate with a wooden hockey-stick peg leg. The result is the Mac N Cheeze Universe, a world meant for imaginative play and goofy, feel-good songs.
Today, the group is excited to share “Coconut,” which follows on the heels of their debut single “Pizza Party,” and have announced the release of their forthcoming album, Pizza Party, out April 10, 2026, with more animated music videos, live mini-shows, behind-the-scenes content,
toys, merch, a TV show, musicals, and even boxed macaroni and cheese in the works. The project also features a strong philanthropic commitment, allocating a portion of its proceeds to foster care initiatives, music-focused charities, and youth sports programs.
Recording the debut material in Nashville, where Ryan currently plays for the NHL’s Predators, was a formative experience. Working with producer and drummer Chris Kimmerer and a roster of guest musicians elevated the sound and brought new textures to the songs. Collaborators include Dallas Green (City and Colour), Thumpasaurus, Alle Bernardi, and Jig Jam—friends and artists who helped make the album lively, musically diverse and genuinely fun.
Pizza Party Track Listing:
- Pizza Party
- Coconut
- Boc Like a Chicken
- The Robot Song
- Bye Bye Mr. Poo (feat. City and Colour) 6. Imma Baby
- I Love You Mom
- Irish Pirate (feat. Jig Jam)
- Greg and the Weasel
- L-U-N-C-H
- Good Morning Dad
- Shake Your Booty (feat. Alle Bernardi, Thumpasaurus)
- No Instruments
- Porcupine (feat. Jenna Rose)
- Soiree Pizza
About Mac N Cheeze:
“Recording in Nashville was an incredible experience for us,” says Ryan. “Getting to be in such an amazing music place and work with very talented and experienced people was a dream. This was our first time recording, so it took some time, but we had the right guidance and people around us to help accomplish our vision.” Mac and Cheeze’s inspiration often starts close to home. “Our families love Mac N Cheeze,” he adds. “They love hearing the music, and my kids love being on some of the songs. They’re excited to share the project with others and bring them into the Mac N Cheeze world.”
Kelly echoes that family energy: “Mac and I have always played music when we’re together just for fun and laughs between us and our friends. When Mac started having kids, we began making songs catered to them—and they really loved them. The kids would make requests for the songs we made up, and they would dance and sing along every time. We started sharing those songs with other family members (and their kids), and they also loved them. So we made more songs and eventually named ourselves Mac N Cheeze!”
The duo cites Raffi, classic family music and all genres of great songs as influences, but their guiding principle is simple: “When in doubt, silly it out.”
“We just want kids to have fun!” says Kelly James. “If kids are laughing, dancing, and singing, then that’s a great song. We also want parents to enjoy the music too. We’re big fans of children’s movies that sneak in some humour for the parents watching with their kids, so we like to write songs that get the whole family dancing and having a good time.”
Connect with Mac N Cheeze:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website | YouTube
For media availability and more information on Mac N Cheeze, please contact: Shane Greenberg | The Syndicate | shane@thesyn.com | 201.864.0900 ext. 322
Management for Mac N Cheeze:
Chris Taylor | Hall of Fame Artists | CT@HOF-Artists.com
