
The infectious
pop music of Jump5 has attracted a young and enthusiastic audience from
far and wide. On their new studio recording, All the Time in the World,
Libby, Lesley, Brittany, Brandon, and Chris continue to keep music fans
jumping with their exciting and energetic sound.
How high can you
jump? Guaranteed, the talented teens of Jump5 have got you beat. Singers,
dancers, and role models, the members of Jump5 exemplify the very best
of their generation. The music of the Nashville-based group is thoroughly
modern pop, high-spirited and 100% fun. Their peers across the country
already got the message with Jump5's 2001 Sparrow Records album debut.
Now, with their latest single "All I Can Do" and upcoming
second album ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD, Jump5 is poised to step into
an even brighter spotlight for all the world to see.
Working with producer
Mark Hammond, Jump5 has taken a quantum leap forward with the new album.
"It's more mature than the last one," says Brittany with her
customary enthusiasm, "but still has tons of energy." Luckily,
these kids have energy to spare. They'll need it for their extensive
U.S. summer 2002 tour. This time, Jump5 shares the bill with the likes
of Aaron Carter, A*Teens and Baha Men in their highest-profile itinerary
to date. Add to that the new single being included on a CD given away
with 3 million McDonald's Mighty Kids Meals this summer, and Jump5 is
just inches away from household-name status.
While all this acclaim
may seem overwhelming for five people barely old enough to drive, these
are not your typical teenagers. All began dancing and singing early
on (try pre-kindergarten!), and with the loving support of their families,
nothing has stood in the way of their success. The Jump5 story begins
when then-two-year-old Brittany Hargest and four-year-old brother Brandon
met four-year-old Lesley Moore at dance class. In time, they were joined
by Libby Hodges and Chris Fedun on the talent show and recital circuit.
Having formed fast friendships, it was only natural that the talented
teens of Jump5 would create a group of their own. Only this would be
one teen group with a twist.
"All along,"
recalls Brandon, "we wanted to do more than just entertain people;
we wanted to help them too." That commitment to positive values
has separated Jump5 from other teen groups, too many of whom mimic the
inappropriate sexuality of older artists. "Kids are exposed to
so much that's bad," says Libby. "Many artists dress too provocatively,
exposing themselves just to get attention. Too few out there have a
positive message like ours. But kids and parents appreciate what we
do."
So much so, the
group quickly expanded, taking their upbeat message to schools, malls,
concert halls, and amphitheaters. Earlier this year, they were welcomed
into the White House when President and Mrs. Bush hosted a night of
music. "We never get nervous normally, but we did that time,"
laughs Chris. "After our performance, we got to talk with the President
and have our pictures taken with him."
The demands of constant
rehearsal, recording, and performing means the kids receive home schooling
together. But that's just fine with the five student body members at
Jump5 High. Says Libby, "Our teacher is awesome, but she is hard."
Adds Lesley," I went to public school for most of my life, so this
is a major change. But I'm having so much fun, and so is everyone else
in the group."
Of course, Jump5
wouldn't have made it this far if the members didn't feel a genuine
mutual affection. "We love each other to death," says Brittany.
"We really are best friends." Being on the road so much has
only brought them closer, as they rely on their friendship to carry
them through. However, Brandon admits there are some things to get used
to as they travel the country. "Chris and I are pretty neat, but
on the bus it's the girls that make a mess."
That's probably
the deepest dish you'll get out of Jump5. This group is simply about
making people happy, which these days counts for a lot. "We love
what we do," says Libby, "but we don't let it go to our heads
and we don't take it too seriously." Someday they hope to expand
their artistic horizons. Writing and producing records, appearing in
film and television, nothing seems beyond their eventual reach. Yet
if you ask them, the members of Jump5 are less concerned about their
own glory, and more focused on the audiences they touch. Says Brandon,
"We're kids trying to help other kids."
The months ahead
will likely prove the busiest of their lives. They not only have the
new album, single and tour, but they will also be featured prominently
on Disney's release this fall on the DVD of the animated classic "Beauty
and the Beast." The group has newly re-recorded the title track,
made famous in the early 90's by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. The song,
along with a stunning video version, are both included on the Disney
DVD package, introducing the masterpiece to a new generation of viewers.
But Jump5 is ready
for anything. As Libby says, "Whatever you want to be in life,
you can do it if you live your dreams. There are always new opportunities
coming." That's a life lesson the members of Jump5 have already
learned well. Who's next?