Music has been a huge part of my life since I picked up my first guitar at five. It wasn’t long before I fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll.
By junior high, I was writing lyrics, playing rhythm guitar and bass, and singing in a band called THE KIDS.
A bandmate’s dad owned a popular restaurant where bands played on weekends. And two other bandmates had older brothers in a hugely popular local band, so we got to tag along as their opening act.
Not a bad way for a bunch of kids to get started!
Whenever I write a story, there’s always music playing in my head. Sometimes it’s a melody that captures the feeling of a particular scene. Other times, a song pops into my head first, and before I know it, there’s a story springing up around it.
Music and storytelling go hand in hand. Both can make us laugh, bring a tear to our eye, or take us somewhere we’ve never been.
Here are a few tunes inspired by the characters, adventures, and worlds I’ve dreamed about along the way.
I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing them to life.
Enjoy!
Richard A. Oshen.
From Penny from Heaven
Music & Lyrics: Richard Oshen | Rioshima Music, BMI
Penny’s got a heart of gold, four paws and one last chance to earn her wings.
But being a guardian angel isn’t as easy as it sounds. Especially for a dog who has a knack for getting into trouble!
Penny’s Theme is a joyful, heartfelt song about second chances, friendship, and discovering that you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.
With a little of the playful spirit of You’ve Got a Friend in Me and the soaring emotion of Go the Distance, it’s a song about finding your purpose and realizing that sometimes, just being yourself is enough.
“All angels have wings, but the best ones have fur.
From the feature screenplay SPACE CAT
Music: Richard Oshen | Rioshima Music, BMI
Is Anybody out there?
While rewriting the SPACE CAT screenplay, a melody began to form in my head. It felt like the beginning of something—perhaps the film’s opening title song.
The music captured that timeless wonderment we feel when looking up at the stars, imagining who might be looking back.
At its heart, SPACE CAT is an intergalactic love story about friendship, courage, and the extraordinary events that bring two very different beings together.
From: SPACE CAT
Music and lyrics: Richard Oshen, Rioshima Music, BMI
“We Love you Space Cat” occurs at a very tender moment in the story. I sat down one morning and wrote the song quickly. It came from a place of pure love for the little furry space traveler. Just like my main character in the story, I never want Space Cat to leave.
From: KATLANDIA
Lyrics: Richard Oshen, Rioshima Music, BMI
A sweeping musical journey, like Katlandia itself.
From a pastoral opening to a majestic finale.
A thrilling saga told through one musical theme.
From: KATLANDIA
Music and lyrics: Richard Oshen, Rioshima Music, BMI
“Day and Night” is a song about two hearts drawn together by destiny across the stars. It speaks of love, longing, and the unwavering belief that no distance can keep them apart forever.
Lyrics: Richard Oshen, Rioshima Music BMI
Song: BugaBlue
Music by: The US Army Blues – Public Domain
Vocals: Jenna Getty
When I sat down to write my first children’s book, The Adventures of Pete the Squirrel, I knew exactly what kind of character Pete would be – optimistic, friendly, mischievous, and full of life. I wanted his musical theme song to embody the same spirit.
I imagined “Pete’s Theme” being playful and instantly recognizable. It had to be full of warmth and unbridled joy. Most importantly I wanted to covey to my young readers that life is for us, not against us.
A swinging Big Band groove seemed like the right ticket!
There’s also a personal story behind that choice, too. My dad loved Big Band music and Dixieland music, and I grew up sharing that love with him.
So, in a way, “Pete’s Theme” is more than a tune for an optimistic furry little squirrel. It’s also a tribute to my dad—and to the music he passed along to me.
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From The Plant Girl Adventures
Written by Richard Oshen | Illustrated by Nastya Varlamova
Music & Lyrics: Richard Oshen | Rioshima Music, BMI
Imagine a city where the flowers have vanished, the trees are bare, and even the people seem to have lost their smiles.
Then along comes an eleven-year-old girl named Flora Mora, who believes that every living thing deserves a little love.
With Marsik the cat and Speedy the snail by her side, Flora discovers that bringing a dying plant back to life can be the beginning of something wonderful.
Plant Girl’s Theme captures that spirit in a joyful, upbeat song that begins with a little hope and grows into a celebration of friendship, kindness, and the magic of nature.
Because sometimes, changing the world doesn’t begin with a grand gesture.
It begins with a little girl, a thirsty plant, and a helping hand.
“If you take care of the plants, the plants take care of you!”
Music and Lyrics: Richard Oshen, Rioshima Music, BMI
“Day and Night” is a sweeping, emotionally charged ballad that captures the ache of lovers apart and the haunting echo of simpler days.
With orchestral grandeur and timeless lyricism, the song imagines a life just out of reach—one filled with hope, longing, and the quiet whisper of destiny calling from across the stars. It’s a love letter in song form, bridging distances through melody, memory, and heart.
Whether you’re a fan of classic operettas or stepping into the world of Katlandia for the first time, this is one ballad that lingers… day and night.
