I feel the need, the need for speed." -naval pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, in Top Gun (1986) Long before the industrial revolution made planes, trains and automobiles commonplace, the desire for momentum-for the fast lane-has pounded within the human heart. From our first wobbly steps 'til the golden years force us to slow the pace, we spend our lives pushing ahead, moving toward whatever comes next. And some people just can't get there fast enough. Enter the energetic quintet Jump5 and their aptly-titled new disc, Accelerate.
In the four years since their official formation as teen power-pop sensations, Jump5-Brandon, Brittany, Chris, Libby and Lesley-has been building considerable momentum. They've released three albums, and toured with Radio Disney Live!, Aaron Carter, A*Teens, and the Baha Men. They've made the national television circuit on CBS, ABC, PAX and The Disney Channel. They've graced the soundtracks of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Kim Possible, and the DVDs of Lilo & Stitch and Beauty & the Beast. They've even performed at the White House.
It's been one wild ride so far, but there's no doubt, along the way, Jump5 has raised the bar for entertainment aimed at pre-teens and teens, creating a 'just for us' genre kids can't get enough of. And they all agree, "We wouldn't have missed this for anything." They've relished every opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of their peers and even younger fans.
But now that four out of five are of official driving age, JUMP5 is feeling "the need, the need for speed." Accelerate, which releases October 7th, certainly lives up to its name. A zero-60, "dare you to sit still" blast of energetic fun, Accelerate signifies a definitive shift into high gear, propelling five normal teenagers toward even greater musical and personal heights.
Producer Mark Hammond (A*Teens, Avalon, Nichole Nordeman) didn't have to push the group to excel on this new album. He just had to jump in and hang on. "There's a magic that happens when these kids get together, whether on the microphone, in the studio or live on stage," he says of the experience. "They have an energy, a sound, that's unique, totally infectious, and incredibly fun."
"We're more excited about this album than anything we've done before," Libby Hodges, 16, says. "We're accelerating to a new level-with our music, with our performances, and in our own individual lives. It may sound a bit clichéd to say, but we're growing up, and our music has never been more real or more relevant than now."
Beyond the cool, danceable pop that pre-teens love, the lyrics on Accelerate promote positive self-esteem and faith-based values that inspire and empower kids. Songs like "Pressure," which encourages kids not to cave in to people who would drag them down, and "Do Ya," which underscores the fact that real love, real friendship, is unconditional meld message and music seamlessly.
"Being real and not apologizing for who you are is a huge message on Accelerate," Chris Fedun, 17, says. "Real friends don't pressure you to be someone you're not. They like you and accept you because of who you are." It's a message kids have never been more in need of.
Accelerate also includes three classic "feel good" hits-"We Are Family," "Shining Star," and "Walking on Sunshine"-that have been given a modern spin. "We Are Family" is the official theme song of Radio Disney's Family Pledge Initiative, a pledge drive asking 1 million families to pledge they'll spend one hour a week of unique, quality family time together. JUMP5 serves as the official spokesgroup of this family-friendly campaign.
It's a natural fit for Brittany, Brandon, Chris, Lesley and Libby, each one grounded by family and faith. They are real kids who hang out with friends, love videogames, talk on the phone, do homework and chores. What makes them unique as teenagers is the character and purpose they bring with them.
"The thing about family is that they're always going to be there for you," Brittany says, "They're your back-up. It means everything to know that we're all in this together." Jump5 is blessed to have strong relationships with their families and hopes the Disney Family Pledge Initiative will help busy families make time for what matters most.
And believe it or not, these ordinary teenagers really get what matters most.
"It's been awesome to watch them grow as singers, musicians, and performers through the years," producer Hammond continues. "But much more profound has been watching them grow personally. Now more than ever I see a tremendous desire within each one of them not just to make great music, but to use the gifts and opportunities they've been given to make a positive difference in the lives of the kids that look up to them."
Only time will tell just how far JUMP5 will go, but for now, it's full speed ahead.
Old Bio
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. Its 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. Theyll 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 McDonalds 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 thats 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 thats 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 Im having so much fun, and so is everyone else in the group.
Of course, Jump5 wouldnt have made it this far if the members didnt 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 its the girls that make a mess.
Thats probably the deepest dish youll 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 dont let it go to our heads and we dont 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, Were 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 Disneys 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. Thats a life lesson the members of Jump5 have already learned well. Whos next?
Jump5's Crazy Facts They are 5 emebers in Jump5(duh?). 2 boys 3 girls. Brandon and Brittany are brother and sister. The group was formed in Nashville. They are signed with Sparrow Records. First album came out August 12, 2001. Second album is coming out August 13, 2001. Their 1st single was "Spinnin' Around". They re-recorded "Beauty and The Beast". They also re-recorded "God Bless the USA". The girl had braces then got them off. But know Brittany got them back on. They say the word Jump in many of their songs. They all can dance and do gymnastics very well. They started singing and dancing at a young age. Shower, hair, makeup takes about an hour and a half to get ready for a show. The group wears regular tennis shoes when dancing on stage like Sketchers, Nikes, Candies, etc.. Brandon and Brittany have blue eyes, Chris has hazel eyes, lelsey has brown eyes, and libby has green eyes. Brittany is 14, Brandon and Libby are 15, Lelsey is 16, and Chris is 17. Three of the Jump5 members can drive. Chris has a regular drivers license, lesley has a hardship license, and brandon has a learner's permit. All the Jump5 members have pets except for lelsey she's allergic. Salte Cinco is how you say Jump Five in Spanish. lol
Jump5 and the Bible
Brandon's favorite thing about the Bible: I like how the Bible is split up in two parts. In the Old Testiment, it talks about Jesus coming to the world and in the New Testiment, Jesus came to this world and it talks about his journeys.
Brandon's favorite theme or story: When it seems that all is lost and then you fully trust in God, everything turns around.
Brandon's favorite verse: John 3:16. It talks about how Jesus died for our sins and it stuck with me after I read it.
Brittany's favorite thing about the Bible: I love how there are some stories that you think mean one thing but are talking about something more...(if that makes sense) If you really study some of the stories and scriptures, you'll see that there's something more besides what you read.
Brittany's favorite theme or story: The story about the parting of the Red Sea. I love how the poeple of Israel were complaining to God about how much better off they would have been if they would've stayed in Egypt, and then God amazes them by parting the Red Sea in half for them to walk through!
Brittany's favorite verse: Matthew 5:43-48 It talks about always loving your enemies even if they are rude and mean!
Chris's favorite thing about the Bible: I like the book of Psalms. I can always find and interpret something new and differently. It is the songbook of the Bible an I find that really cool.
Chris's favorite theme or story: The stories about hanging out with the wrong people. It is easy to do and think you are having fun. Then you find out you're with in the wrong crowd and in a bad situation.
Chris's favorite verse: 1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perserveres. Love never fails. But where there are no prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Lesley's favorite thing about the Bible: I love how there are always more lessons to learn about life.
Lesley's favorite theme or story: 1 Timothy where it talks about being young.
Lesley's favorite verse: 1 Timothy 4:12-It says not to let anyone look down on you because you are young. Even though we are young God can still use us to do his amazing work.
What's in a NameI found these on this baby name site. They don't really mean anything, but there fun to read!
Brandon Brandon- Little Raven (Celtic/Gaelic) The name of Brandon has given you sensitivity and appreciation for the finer and deeper things in life. You can enjoy reading, study, and contemplation about many different subjects. When your interests or curiosity are aroused, you work intensely at new undertakings, but your interests often wane when you encounter drudgery and monotony, with the result that you leave many things unfinished. Your name has taken you into many bitter experiences. The greatest lack in your life is stability and peace of mind. A peaceful and quiet environment, especially out in nature, is one of your greatest desires, but you are constantly taken into chaotic conditions. Because you have high ideals and are a principled person, you have been disillusioned and disappointed in people on many occasions and have experienced much aloneness. You are fond of outdoor sports, where you can find an outlet for your nervous energy. Impulsiveness could bring frequent accidents and unfortunate happenings into your life. You do not like to be restricted or to have your freedom curtailed in any way. You find it difficult to control your thoughts and could swing in moods from one extreme to the other. Your speech can become very critical and sarcastic when you are frustrated or crossed. This name creates a weakness in the heart, lungs, and bronchial organs, and could cause heart trouble, pneumonia, asthma, or tuberculosis. It also creates tension in the nervous system, particularly the solar plexus and stomach, causing nervous indigestion and relative conditions.
Brittany Brittany- From Britain (English) Your name Brittany has given you tenacity of purpose and has made you extremely independent. Whatever you undertake, you approach from your own point of view, and others either have to conform to your ideas or go their own way and leave you to work things out for yourself. You are so narrowly focused in your pursuits that you frequently overlook the little personal considerations and attentions that create a bond of understanding and sense of companionship. Thus it is difficult for you to merge your efforts harmoniously with others. In the home, you can inadvertently be offhand and abrupt when you would really like to show your affection. In circumstances that require a little finesse, you find that you are inclined to be too direct and straight to the point and suffer frustration in your personal relationships as a result. Tension could affect the eyes, ears, teeth, or sinuses. Frequent head colds or severe headaches are potential problems.
Chris Christopher- Christ-bearer (Greek) Your name of Chris gives you a very happy-go-lucky, spontaneous nature. You see the humorous side of many situations and can laugh at yourself as well as at others. This name gives you a musical, artistic nature and you would do well in any occupation in the entertainment field. You have many friends because of your generous, happy nature, but if crossed you have a quick temper, although your annoyance does not last too long. You do enjoy an argument and will at times say things just to get others going and then you sit back and enjoy the debate. You lack system and order and find it very difficult to budget and save money. This name creates a nature that can be the life of the party, but many times you can become involved in emotional situations against your better judgment. Your compassionate nature causes you to be too generous and you often give more than you can afford to. You are too fond of sugars and starches, thus you could have a weakness in your liver, kidneys, or skin, creating pimples or eczema. While this name gives you a wonderful personality, and attracts much love and friendship, it is far too emotional and scattering an influence and will not allow the material accumulation nor personal happiness you should have.
Lesley Lesley- Grey Fortress (Celtic/Gaelic) The first name of Lesley leads you to assume considerable responsibility and to prefer to work independently, without direction or interference from others because you have very definite ideas of your own. Your mind is quick to comprehend and you can be depended upon to do any job well. Because you tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist, you might insist on doing too many things yourself instead of delegating jobs to others who might do less satisfactory work. This name does make you quite direct and straight-to-the-point. Your verbal expression does not reflect your inner thoughts and feelings, and you often wonder why people react to what you say. The influence of this name does not promote the friendship that you desire or the relaxation and naturalness you should enjoy with people. It is a name that makes you far too practical and serious-minded, and makes it difficult for you to act with spontaneity. You could suffer physically through head tension, with eye, teeth, or sinus problems, headaches, or mentally through worry.
Libby Elizabeth- Consecrated to God (Hebrew) The first name of Libby gives you a dynamic and highly strung nature. You have a humanitarian and principled side to your character and will go out of your way to help someone if you feel there is injustice or unfairness. You often become involved in situations without any thought of the consequences. You are basically seeking truth in life and have a very analytical and questioning mind. Being perceptive and intuitive, you often respond to your hunches, which can lead you into bitter experiences. You love change, travel, and new opportunities and dislike monotonous detail. Though you show enthusiasm over a new-found interest, you seldom finish the things you start. If you are repressed or restricted in any way, you become frustrated, moody, and depressed. You often speak directly and can be cutting and sarcastic. You experience many disappointments with people, for you trust others and take them at their word, only to be let down. In time, you could become cynical and extremely critical towards people. Your driving, seeking nature and intensity of feelings could cause you to experience nervous breakdowns, nervous problems, fits, goitre, or a weak and sensitive solar plexus. An impulsiveness could cause you to be accident prone.
Song By SongI was looking here at the really high quality Jump5 pictures, and I started click the other links like quotes, facts, and stuff. I came upon this, and thought it was pretty cool!
Do Ya This song asks the question that everyone wants to know the answer to...Do you still love me even with all of my little quirks?? I may have crooked teeth, or I don't clean my room but this person still loves me for who I really am! - Brittany
We are Family We Are Family describes how close we are as a group. The song is basically saying we are family and there is nothing that will ever change that. It also expresses the way we want to show others that family matters. - Chris
Wonderful When we try to find love for anything but God, it's just not fulfilling and doesn't bring us true happiness. Until we receive the unconditional love this wonderful God offers us, there is no greater peace to be loved by Him who knows and sees everything is simply amazing. I am amazed by how wonderful that kind of love is. - Libby
Pressure To me this song is one of the most important songs on our record because it can highly relate to all kids and teens. This is a very big thing at this age. Kids and teens get pressured all the time about small things like what kind of clothes and shoes to wear, to stuff like drugs and sex. This song is saying I have a mind and I am going to make my own decisions, so don't even try to make me do stuff like that. - Lesley
Why Do I Do Sometimes I do really stupid things that I can't explain. We all get caught up in all the "stuff" of life and there's God...all-knowing, all-powerful and we don't put Him first. I mean, if He's really in charge, and He is, why do I do what I do? This song is a continual reminder and re-evaluation of keeping our priorities straight...keeping God first. - Libby
Way of the World This song is about not caring about what's going on in the world around you. All you know is that you're excited but scared at the same time because you're with this person/friend and you don't want that feeling to go away. - Brittany
Walking on Sunshine This song is a fun remake of the Katrina and the Waves song. It's about being so happy because you finally found that certain someone or something that you feel like you are "walking on sunshine." - Brittany
Every Part of Me To me this song is so strong. I think this song can be meant for God or it can be meant for a friend. It's talking about how this person is always there for you and will always be looking out for you. It talks about how you can see the promise of forever through this person, no matter what happens. Additionally, it talks about how your relationship grows with this someone all the time. - Lesley
All Because of You To me this song means that you could be living your life one way, and someone you love or who loves you can come into your life and completely change the way you think, feel and live. - Brandon
Shining Star This song is about every person having a star quality within them. Everyone is capable of being a shining star. - Brandon
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They are 5 emebers in Jump5(duh?).