Post by Todd B on Dec 3, 2006 23:33:14 GMT -5
Jump 5 livens up
Ida lights festival
www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/NEWS01/112030016
By: Michelle Swartz story updated December 02. 2006 11:10PM
Jump 5 has jumped ship from the typical pop groups.
The group's music is anything but the sex-driven pop music usually heard over the radio airwaves.
"Our music doesn't expose ourselves in the wrong way," said member Chris Fedun, 20. "We stay positive in our music."
Fellow member, Brittany Hargest, 18, agrees.
"We just want kids to be themselves. That's how we are. We are the same people on and off the stage," she said. "We don't try to pretend to be someone we're not."
Eight years and nine albums later, the group has become a successful pop group sending out positive messages to their fans, who are normally pre-teen and teenager age groups.
Jump 5, also made up of Lesley Moore, 20, and Brandon Hargest, 19, performed Saturday at the Christmas in Ida festival. They headlined a concert that included local entertainers who performed throughout the day. While they admit it is difficult to go up against mainstream music from other bands that promote sex in their lyrics, the group remains positive in their songs.
The Christian-based members sing about self-esteem, confidence and other inspirational messages. "We don't focus on what we're not so we focus on what we are doing for others," Mr. Fedun said. "We get a lot of letters. One person wrote a letter saying our songs helped her from committing suicide. So if we only help one person, then that's all that matters."
The group, based in Nashville, Tenn., originally began with five members, thus naming themselves Jump 5. However, one member left the group.
"When Libby left the group, we did have auditions to replace her," Mr. Hargest said.
"But we decided not to add a fifth member. We all have a good relationship and are comfortable with each other. We didn't want to add another person because we all mesh really well together."
Since forming eight years ago, the group has performed all over the country.
They also have appeared on the national stage, including performances on Nickelodeon, Regis and Kelly Show, and the CBS Early Show.
"We performed for President Bush at the White House," Ms. Moore said. "That was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. It was a great opportunity."
In addition to their albums, some of their songs have landed in movies, including "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" and "Sleepover."
Their newest CD, "Rock This Christmas," includes original Christmas tunes written by the members as well as traditional holiday favorites.
The group's success may have a lot to do with their close relationships. Brandon and Brittany are siblings, and have known the other members since a very young age.
"We met when we were 4 years old at dance class," said Ms. Hargest about Ms. Moore.
"We've all known each for a long time so that's makes everything easier."
The group officially formed when they successfully auditioned for Jump 5.
Since then, they have toured the entire country at both large and small venues. They enjoyed their time in Ida.
"It's a nice community. I love how everyone is involved," said Ms. Hargest about the weekend festival and parade.
As the members get older, and are now taking college courses, it is inevitable to contemplate future plans.
"We've been together for so long, it's hard to think about it," Mr. Hargest said about the end of the group.
"Now that we're all starting to take college classes, it's something we have to think about. It's been a great run but it is on our radar that it will have to come to an end at some point."
When their run is over as Jump 5, Ms. Moore plans to go into business, while Mr. Fedun plans to become an actor.
Mr. Hargest and his sister, however, plan to stay in the music industry. They hope to continue producing and writing music.
"It's all I've ever known," Ms. Hargest said.
But for now, the members enjoy touring and entertaining their fans.
"We love it," Ms. Moore said.
For more information on Jump 5, visit www.jump5.com.
Ida lights festival
www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/NEWS01/112030016
By: Michelle Swartz story updated December 02. 2006 11:10PM
Jump 5 has jumped ship from the typical pop groups.
The group's music is anything but the sex-driven pop music usually heard over the radio airwaves.
"Our music doesn't expose ourselves in the wrong way," said member Chris Fedun, 20. "We stay positive in our music."
Fellow member, Brittany Hargest, 18, agrees.
"We just want kids to be themselves. That's how we are. We are the same people on and off the stage," she said. "We don't try to pretend to be someone we're not."
Eight years and nine albums later, the group has become a successful pop group sending out positive messages to their fans, who are normally pre-teen and teenager age groups.
Jump 5, also made up of Lesley Moore, 20, and Brandon Hargest, 19, performed Saturday at the Christmas in Ida festival. They headlined a concert that included local entertainers who performed throughout the day. While they admit it is difficult to go up against mainstream music from other bands that promote sex in their lyrics, the group remains positive in their songs.
The Christian-based members sing about self-esteem, confidence and other inspirational messages. "We don't focus on what we're not so we focus on what we are doing for others," Mr. Fedun said. "We get a lot of letters. One person wrote a letter saying our songs helped her from committing suicide. So if we only help one person, then that's all that matters."
The group, based in Nashville, Tenn., originally began with five members, thus naming themselves Jump 5. However, one member left the group.
"When Libby left the group, we did have auditions to replace her," Mr. Hargest said.
"But we decided not to add a fifth member. We all have a good relationship and are comfortable with each other. We didn't want to add another person because we all mesh really well together."
Since forming eight years ago, the group has performed all over the country.
They also have appeared on the national stage, including performances on Nickelodeon, Regis and Kelly Show, and the CBS Early Show.
"We performed for President Bush at the White House," Ms. Moore said. "That was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. It was a great opportunity."
In addition to their albums, some of their songs have landed in movies, including "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" and "Sleepover."
Their newest CD, "Rock This Christmas," includes original Christmas tunes written by the members as well as traditional holiday favorites.
The group's success may have a lot to do with their close relationships. Brandon and Brittany are siblings, and have known the other members since a very young age.
"We met when we were 4 years old at dance class," said Ms. Hargest about Ms. Moore.
"We've all known each for a long time so that's makes everything easier."
The group officially formed when they successfully auditioned for Jump 5.
Since then, they have toured the entire country at both large and small venues. They enjoyed their time in Ida.
"It's a nice community. I love how everyone is involved," said Ms. Hargest about the weekend festival and parade.
As the members get older, and are now taking college courses, it is inevitable to contemplate future plans.
"We've been together for so long, it's hard to think about it," Mr. Hargest said about the end of the group.
"Now that we're all starting to take college classes, it's something we have to think about. It's been a great run but it is on our radar that it will have to come to an end at some point."
When their run is over as Jump 5, Ms. Moore plans to go into business, while Mr. Fedun plans to become an actor.
Mr. Hargest and his sister, however, plan to stay in the music industry. They hope to continue producing and writing music.
"It's all I've ever known," Ms. Hargest said.
But for now, the members enjoy touring and entertaining their fans.
"We love it," Ms. Moore said.
For more information on Jump 5, visit www.jump5.com.