American Authors, the band behind the hit “Best Day of My Life,” are expanding into children’s entertainment with a new family-focused project called Bogoo’s Best Day. The project, led by band members Zac Barnett and Matt Sanchez, combines original music, puppet characters and storytelling designed to bring children and parents together through music.
The project introduces a colorful cast of characters, including Bogoo, an energetic personality; his mischievous best friend, Bestie; and Papa Piña, an older figure who helps keep the group grounded. Through the characters, American Authors are creating a world built around friendship, confidence, individuality and everyday adventures.
Several songs from the project have already been released, including “Celebrate,” “Sing With Friends” and “Luckiest Kid Alive.” On Oct. 1, 2026, the group added “Zombie Walk,” a Halloween-themed track with a dance-oriented sound that introduces another seasonal adventure to the Bogoo universe.
For Barnett, the project draws on childhood experiences with puppetry and magic. He grew up around his father’s work as a puppeteer and magician and spent part of the summer assisting him at puppet shows across Southern California. Those experiences helped shape the concept behind Bogoo’s Best Day and its combination of music and puppet-led storytelling.
Sanchez also brought personal experiences into the project, particularly when developing Papa Piña. The character was inspired by his grandfather and his Mexican heritage, giving the fictional world a connection to his family background. Sanchez’s daughter, Emma, also helped inform his perspective on creating a project that families could enjoy together.
The new venture builds on the musical approach American Authors established with “Best Day of My Life.” Released in 2013, the upbeat song became the band’s signature hit and peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its prominent use in celebrations, videos and other major life moments has helped introduce the group’s music to listeners beyond its original audience.
Barnett said the response to “Best Day of My Life” and the band’s other songs helped inspire the family project. He explained that the group wanted to build a world and a collection of music that families could experience together, with opportunities to learn and have fun through the songs and characters.
With Bogoo’s Best Day, American Authors are bringing their melodic pop-rock approach into children’s music while introducing a separate cast of characters and stories. The project’s released songs, including “Zombie Walk,” form part of the group’s expansion into family-oriented entertainment.
