REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY RELEASES ORIGINAL MUSIC FROM NICKELODEON’S WELL VERSED
Announced at National Civics Day Event, Well Versed Explores U.S. Bill of Rights and Democracy Through Original Pop Songs Infused with Curriculum Guided by iCivics
Republic Records Kids & Family announce today the release of the soundtrack of WELL VERSED, a musical companion to the short-form animated series that aims to help teach kids about democracy and the U.S. Bill of Rights in fun and imaginative ways through original pop songs.
With a curriculum guided by iCivics, the nation’s premiere non-profit civic education provider for students, parents and teachers, the series of 12 music videos launched across Nickelodeon platforms, Paramount+ and Noggin, Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Bree Bowles, Vice President: Marketing & Strategy of Republic Records: Kids & Family shared her excitement: “We are both honored and thrilled to be working on such an important project. The music and characters deliver the perfect balance of “edutainment” that is insightful, informative and fun. It is important for children to know that their voices may be small, but they are mighty!”
Told from a kid point of view, Well Versed centers on an animated group of diverse friends who introduce and musically explain a range of civics topics and concepts. With topics spanning the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, to government structure and laws, the 12 music videos feature eight sing-along videos designed for kids 6-11 and four specially created for preschoolers 2-5.
The voice cast for Well Versed features: Tickwanya Jones (LOL Surprise: The Movie) as Jade, a funny 14-year-old who is passionate about community engagement; Mykal-Michelle Harris(Raven’s Home, Disney Junior’s Ariel) as Ava, Jade’s optimistic seven-year-old sister; Michael Johnston (Teen Wolf) as Max, Jade’s easy-going pal who is often uninformed about civics; Jamila Velazquez (West Side Story, Empire) as Carla, a popular and studious 12-year-old; and Jacob Pham (A Christmas Story at Ahmanson Theatre, Sesame Street) as Johnny, Ava’s high energy and chatty friend who is curious about everything.
The music videos and civic topics covered in Well Versed include:
● “Functions of Government” – Jade explains the functions of government, such as keeping citizens safe and protecting their rights, to Max.
● “Rules and Laws” – Carla dives into the world of laws, explaining the history and purpose of laws in the U.S.
● “Our Rights” – Through a medieval metaphor, Jade explains to Ada that the rights of citizens are like the armor that protects them against unreasonable rulers and governments.
● “Branches of Government” – While cheering on their school basketball team, Carla explains the three branches of government to Max, using the players, referees and coaches to illustrate the checks and balances.
● “It’s All Local” – Jade outlines the importance of local government and how the people in the community are the best local decision makers.
● “A Part of Something” – At the park, Jade gets recognized frequently for her community activism, inspiring Ava and Johnny to learn about different ways kids can get involved.
● “Our Voices” – Carla compares voting for a school class party to voting in the larger world, explaining the importance of making one’s voice heard and having a say.
● “Differences, Disagreements, and Democracy” – When Jade and Carla argue about the school mascot, Max explains that disagreements should always be civil and based on evidence with a goal of compromise.
● “Rules” (Kids 2-5) – On their way to school, Ava explains to Johnny that rules exist so everyone can stay safe and well.
● “Differences” (Kids 2-5) – While eating at a diner, Johnny explains to Ava and Jade that everyone has different tastes, traditions and identities that make them special.
● “Disagreements” (Kids 2-5) – When Ava and Johnny have a disagreement about what game to play next, she learns to take a breath and calm down.
● “Do Your Part” (Kids 2-5) – Johnny explains to Ava why it’s important for kids to be a good friend and neighbor, and how all contributions are valuable, whether big or small.