PT Walkley

Biography

PT Walkley, born on January 28, 1977, in New York City, New York, is a composer, songwriter, and performer known for his work in film, television, and music. He began his career scoring films for director Edward Burns, including Looking for Kitty (2004), Nice Guy Johnny, The Groomsmen (2006), and Purple Violets (2007), as well as commercials for brands like General Electric, Starbucks, Nike, and Pepsi. Walkley founded Bathing Suit Music, a company serving as a licensing platform and collective of composers, and has built a significant presence in children's television, composing music for shows like Team Umizoomi (primarily Seasons 1-3), Sesame Street, Wallykazam, Blue's Clues & You! (Emmy Award-winning), and Gabby's Dollhouse.

His musical style spans heartfelt ballads, rock, pop, playful cues, and lush orchestral scoring, honed through diverse experiences including commercial music production and band performances. Walkley released his solo debut album, Mr. Macy Wakes Alone, in 2009 on Frisbie Records, a concept album telling a tragicomedy story with recurring themes, featuring collaborators like Larry Campbell, Steven Bernstein, David Campbell, Trina Shoemaker, and Sean Lennon. He has also led bands like The Blue Jackets and PT Walkley and the Adventures of Track Rabbit, performing at major venues including Madison Square Garden (opening for Coldplay), Hammerstein Ballroom, Kennedy Center, and opening for Weezer and The Black Keys.

Walkley's legacy includes collaborations with artists such as Meghan Trainor, Leslie Odom Jr., H.E.R., Jordin Sparks, Chris Jackson, Cynthia Erivo, Bill Sherman, and Yolanda Adams, and scoring high-profile projects like Public Morals (produced by Steven Spielberg and Edward Burns), The Wilde Wedding (starring Glenn Close and others), and documentaries like Spring Broke by Alex Gibney. Married to Michel Walkley with whom he has a son, he continues to compose for award-winning kids' shows while maintaining a broad creative output across genres.

Fun Facts

• PT Walkley voiced characters in Team Umizoomi, including UmiCar (who says his name in multiple episodes) and The Shape Bandit (the main antagonist in Team Umizoomi VS. The Shape Bandit, whom he also sang for twice).
• His band opened for Coldplay at Madison Square Garden and Weezer, and he has performed with The Black Keys.
• He composed a song hook 'We’re havin' a Marty Party' within 10 seconds of hearing a new Gabby's Dollhouse character name, building it in a pop disco vibe.
• Walkley once described commercial music as a 'crash course' in every genre, serving as training for deadlines and expanding his musical chops without label constraints.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Edward Burns - Primary film director collaborator, go-to composer for multiple films (Looking for Kitty (2004), Nice Guy Johnny, The Groomsmen (2006), Purple Violets (2007), Public Morals) [2004-2010s]
• Sean Lennon - Musician and collaborator on solo album and other projects (Mr. Macy Wakes Alone (guitar and piano), other works) [2009-present]
• Meghan Trainor - Vocalist and collaborator (Various projects via Bathing Suit Music) [2010s-present]
• Leslie Odom Jr. - Vocalist and collaborator (Various projects) [2010s-present]
• David Campbell - String arranger and collaborator (Mr. Macy Wakes Alone)
• Larry Campbell - Guitarist (Mr. Macy Wakes Alone)
• Steven Bernstein - Trumpeter (Mr. Macy Wakes Alone)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz