The Blankies

Songwriting method

After interviewing preschool and kindergarten teachers in the Summer of 2006, the company determined that music was used for three distinctive functions in most classrooms. The first was to use songs that aid children with exercise and coordination skills. “Head, shoulder, knees and toes” is a classic example. The second was to put on a lullaby or classical music CD for task-oriented work or quite time. The last way music was commonly used was to help teach or memorize different subjects just like the ABC song has always done.

Chris Bihuniak and Bryan Mace, the producers of The Blankies, began writing songs that would fulfill those needs. By using sophisticated chord progressions, an eclectic mix of musical styles and different character voices, they hoped that adults would enjoy the songs too. In fact, both musicians pride themselves on trying to create a unique choice in children’s music that is void of the traditional “babyish” stereotype.

From August 2006 to February 2007, the duo wrote, recorded and mixed 36 songs and art directed the whole concept of The Blankies. To help with the singing, they also hired Cori Holbert, Shelby Langry and Cori Ryan (Not About Me Records). Bryan Mace also sang with a computer effect to make his voice lower.

Meaning of the name

The name of the band has a double-meaning. The first is in reference to a blanket often called a “blankie” or “blanky.” The other meaning refers to the fill-in-the-blank song writing style used in several songs on the “Learn” album.

Characters

The Blankies have four characters that were illustrated by Kansas City artist Lee Leslie. The group all wear red sneakers, jeans and white T-shirts with symbols that represent their names.

Awards and reviews

In April 2007, a series of three albums were released just in time to make their debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. Their biggest distributors are Allegro Music Group, CD Baby and iTunes. They were given the Dr. Toy’s Best Product in the Spring of 2007 by Stevanne Auerbach. Album reviews can be found from the Toy Directory, Family Review Center, School Library Journal and several online blogs.

Album descriptions

The LEARN album addresses the need for solid educational content. What's different here is the use of fill-in-the-blank style lyrics that help build listening and recall skills by giving listeners a chance to figure out answers on their own. Songs about days, months, seasons, senses, insects and rhymes use this technique and it's also include two remix songs.

The ACTION album promotes physical activity. With tunes like "Robot," "Head, Nose, Belly Button, Toes," "Pick It Up," "Jump, Walk, Spin," "Pretend You're In the Game," and more, kids can sharpen their coordination and listening skills while exercising and it's also include two remix songs too.

The PEACE album offers slower tempo songs that encourage calm and relaxation. Lyrics to songs like "Courtesy," "You Can Do It," "Be Nice," "Best Friends," "Thank You," and more songs promote kindness, positive self-esteem, friendship and global citizenship and it's also include two instrumental songs.

Music videos

In the summer of 2007, Chris Bihuniak produced four music videos for The Blankies website using his son, Avery Jet, as the star. The videos were shot using a Sony Digital Handycam and edited using iMovie. In the song “Pretend You’re In the Game,” Avery was filmed playing baseball, basketball, tennis and soccer. In the song “Be Nice,” Avery goes around hugging friends, trees, dogs and family members.

In 2008, videos for the song "Learning My ABC's" were made and uploaded to YouTube. These videos demonstrate how to write upper and lower-case letters.

Puppet show

In 2008, Power Arts Company, in collaboration with Stone Lion Puppet (4) Theatre of Kansas City, finished a script for a puppet show featuring The Blankies. Three-foot-tall puppets of each Blankies character have been built, and funding for the set and other props is being pursued.