Presidents of the U.S.A. Frontman on Side Project, Caspar Babypants

In 2009, after more than 15 years playing with Seattle alt-rock heroes the Presidents of the United States of America, Chris Ballew began performing as Caspar Babypants. What's with the name? Well, it's a perfect moniker for recording kids music. Plus, Ballew tells Fuse, it's an old nickname that's just "fun to say."

Backstage at Austin City Limits Festival Ballew opened up about the transition from chart-topping rock stardom to recording music for youngsters. Apparently, the two aren't all that different. "The core [of each band] is the same: The subject matter, it's my voice, it's my sensibilities... I've just stripped away all of the loud drums and guitars." 

Caspar Babypants recently released their seventh album, Baby Beatles, which yes, is an album of Beatles covers. Ballew chose tracks that "paint a picture," like "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," or "songs about universal love," like "Love Me Do."

For more on the Presidents and Caspar Babypants, watch the full interview above. And don't miss the rest of Fuse's Austin City Limits Festival coverage.