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Jack & Jack

Jack & Jack

Jack & Jack are an American pop-rap duo from Omaha, Nebraska, consisting of Jack Johnson and Jack Gilinsky, who are now based in Los Angeles, California. After success via the social media app Vine, the duo turned to a career as musicians.[1] Their 2014 single "Wild Life" peaked at number 87 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[2] They also featured on Jonas Blue's 2018 hit single "Rise", which has so far peaked at number three in the UK Singles Chart in addition to charting within the top 20 of various other European countries and Australia. Both attended Omaha Westside High School.[3]

Jack & Jack
Background information
BornJack Edward Johnson
(1996-03-24)March 24, 1996
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Jack Finnegan Gilinsky
(1996-09-10)September 10, 1996
Omaha, Nebraska, United States
OriginOmaha, Nebraska͵ United States
GenresPop-rap
Occupation(s)Musicians
Years active2013–present
LabelsIsland
Associated acts
Members
  • Jack Johnson
  • Jack Gilinsky
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Early lives and career

Jack Edward Johnson[4] and Jack Finnegan[5] Gilinsky were born in Omaha, Nebraska. The pair met on the first day of kindergarten, both wearing the same shirt, both named Jack;[6] and remained friends throughout their elementary and high school years. But previously had met in preschool.

Jack & Jack's comedy career began in 2007 with the creation of their first collaboration YouTube channel MotherFalconQuagmire. The short satires included lip syncing music videos, short parodies of popular songs, and British-speaking lads.[6] Although only made as a side hobby during free time, their videos were received by a considerable audience of hundreds, but faded abruptly not long after the pair started high school.[7]

Career

2013–15: Breakout with Vine

Jack & Jack began posting six second clips as a comedy duo on Vine during the summer of 2013. Johnson had posted the first vines under his name in July 2013 including the I Never Miss series, Gilinsky later making appearances on their now growing joint account, rebranded as Jack and Jack.[8] Their breakout came with their Nerd Vandals clip going viral, praised by the Huffington Post as the perfect vine,[9] amassing the pair 25,000 followers in a short period of time.[10] Their vines consisted of 6 second covers of pre-existing songs, also including When This Song Comes On clips made exclusively in the car, short comedy clips featuring the couple as overconcerned parents, nerd alter-egos Eric and Winston, girls in wigs, and more.[11] Shortly thereafter, they joined the Magcon tour, and continued to amass a following on the road touring with other Vine artists.[12] As of February 2015, they have accumulated over 5 million followers on their shared account, and are currently ranked 18th most popular Viner as of April 2015.[13]

Jack & Jack have also currently released two mobile app games through their partnership with Omaha-based mobile games company SkyVu Entertainment. Their first game, Let It Goat, garnered over a million downloads within the first month."[14] The success of this game further encouraged Jack & Jack to develop their second game, Jack & Jack Vines Puzzle Game, in December 2014.[15]

2014–present: Music as the main focus

Jack & Jack's musical pursuits began when the duo met sophomores Turner and Travis Eakins (also known as Barrington Park) in 2013. Through this partnership, Jack & Jack recorded their earliest co-written songs (including "Indoor Recess", their first unofficially released single) in a makeshift studio, with a backing instrumental made by the Eakins brothers. This enabled their music to be mixed and released on the iTunes Store via third party distributor TuneCore.[3][16]

Their first original song "Distance" was released in January 2014.[17][18] As of February 2015, Jack & Jack have self-released 11 singles with intentions of a full-length debut album, including collaborations with the likes of Emblem3 (Cheat Codes, Bucket List), Shawn Mendes and Steve Aoki.[19] Although repeatedly approached, the music duo are not anticipating signing with a record label company.[10] They are currently working with producers and songwriters Max Martin and Savan Kotecha.[16]

Both Jacks play instruments and write their own music, sharing interests across genres including reggae, R&B, pop and hip hop which have influences on their own songs. As of February 2015, they have sold 1 million singles on iTunes.[20] They have also made the Billboard Top Digital Songs List with "Doing It Right", "Tides", "Cold Hearted", "Like That" featuring Skate, "Right Where You Are" and "Wild Life".[21] Their single "Like That" topped the Billboard charts shortly after the release of their official music video, in which Jack & Jack paid homage to The Beatles's iconic album Abbey Road.[22] They have released 5 music videos as of May 2015, and currently reside in Los Angeles writing and producing new music.[23]

On July 24, 2015, Jack & Jack independently released a debut extended play (EP) Calibraska to the digital market via distributor DistroKid, founded by Philip J. Kaplan. The EP reached number one on the US iTunes album charts within hours of its release.[24]

In January 2018, Jack & Jack were picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month.

Tours and performances

Digitour (2014)

In June 2014, after graduating from Omaha Westside High School, the duo recognised the ability to monetize their situation and headed to Los Angeles to work on their headlining tour, DigiTour Jack and Jack coordinated by DigiTour Media. The 18 city tour sold out in all but four cities across the United States,[6] and consisted of choreographed on stage music performances, fan interaction and comedy skits.[25] During this tour, Jack & Jack also made a headlining performance at the Teen Choice Awards, where they were nominated for the award Choice Viner.[26] Alongside this, they also appeared as featured performers at the 2014 INTOUR, an interactive social festival as part of their partnership with FullScreen.[27]

Upon its conclusion in mid-September 2014, a full-length movie documenting Jack & Jack's headlining tour was released for online sale by DigiTour Media in December 2014, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their roadshow.[19]

Prior to their headline tour, Jack & Jack toured alongside artists and social media sensations including Nash Grier, Cameron Dallas, Shawn Mendes and more in 2013.[28]

A Good Friends is Nice Tour (2019)

The pair went on tour from February to April 2019. They headlined 14 European shows and 24 shows across North America. Casey Lowry was support act for all 14 European and Spencer Sutherland and Alec Bailey were both support acts for the North America tour. The European tour started in Amsterdam on February 21 and ended in Dublin on March 11th. The North America tour started in Englewood on April 2 and finished in their hometown of Omaha on May 5. The set list consisted of around 30 songs that were a selection from their debut album ‘A Good Friend is Nice’, past singles, and from their EP’s ‘Calibraska’ and ‘Gone’. They also performed a cover of the well known song from Billie Eilish, ‘When The Party’s Over’.

First headlines

On December 20, 2014, Jack & Jack headlined their own one-night only music oriented performance at the Ralston Arena in their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, with fellow performers Emblem3 and special guest Hot Boy.[29][30]

Guest performances

As part of their partnership with Communications Service Verizon, Jack & Jack have performed at the Verizon Michigan Avenue Destination Store Grand Opening (November 2014) and at the Bayou Music Center to a crowd of 1,500 as part of the Verizon Houston Destination Store Grand Opening (January 2015).[23]

On February 27, 2015, Jack and Jack made their debut television appearance on ABC's The View as part of a Vine On The View segment upon the request of Ryan Seacrest to discuss fame, bullying and their comedy career. They also performed their single Tides to a live audience.[20][23]

On March 21, 2015, Jack & Jack made their international performance debut at the Wembley Arena, London, England as featured opening act for The Janoskians at the soldout one-off live event JanoFest.[31][32]

As part of their brand partnership, Jack & Jack gave an exclusive performance at Fullscreen's NewFronts presentation in New York City on May 4, 2015.[33] On May 9, 2015, Jack & Jack performed at the VITY Concert Experience in Hollywood California, with other special guests Tyga and Kid Ink. During this event they also officially confirmed their Summer tour of 2015.[34]

Summer Tour 2015

Jack & Jack's Summer tour of 2015 consists of multiple independent performances in different locations, which began in May in Chicago with two concerts on consecutive days.[35][36]

They continued their touring contract with DigiTour from June, headlining eight events across the United States, alongside other acts including Demi Lovato and Trevor Moran.[37]

Personal life

Jack Gilinsky has two older sisters named Molly and Laura. His parents' names are Katherine and David. Jack Johnson has an older brother named Jeff and was born to parents John and Jennifer.

Jack & Jack have partnered with multiple brands to promote skin-cancer awareness and anti-bullying content. They participated in Ryan Seacrest's 2015 Super Bowl #MakeItHappy campaign, which encourages kindness on the internet and in social media.[38] They have also worked in association with Michelin to promote safe driving.[39]

Jack & Jack have previously made appearances at multiple charity events including Miles for Music and at the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times fundraiser. They have also shown support to The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, in Omaha, Nebraska.[40] They gave a supporting performance at T.J. Martell Foundation's annual New York Family Day event in December 2015.[41]

Filmography

Film
YearTitleRoleNotes
2014Jack and Jack: The MovieThemselvesA DigiTour Media Production

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryResult
2014
Teen Choice Awards
Viner
Nominated
2015
MTV Woodie Awards
Social Climber
Won
Teen Choice AwardsWeb Star: MusicNominated
Streamy AwardsEntertainer of the YearNominated
2019Brit AwardsBritish Video of the YearEliminated

Discography

  • A Good Friend Is Nice (2019)

  • Gone EP (2017)

References

[1]
Citation Linkwww.omaha.comLogan, Casey (March 9, 2014). "Westside High seniors build Internet empire, 6 seconds at a time". Omaha. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
Sep 24, 2019, 11:02 PM
[2]
Citation Linkmusic-mix.ew.comRaymer, Miles (August 14, 2014). "'Billboard' Hot 100 recap: Vine stars and a new European import". Retrieved October 4, 2014.
Sep 24, 2019, 11:02 PM
[3]
Citation Linkwww.westsidewired.orgJohanningsmeier, Emma (March 12, 2014). "Jack and Jack: For senior Viners, Westside's a place to be 'normal'". Westside Wired. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
Sep 24, 2019, 11:02 PM
[4]
Citation Linktwitter.com"JackJackJohnson via Twitter". July 20, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
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[5]
Citation Linkwww.youtube.comJACK & JACK speaks 9 different accents! / P3 Star Hänger (video). Stockholm: Sveriges Radio P3. November 15, 2018. Event occurs at 8:52. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
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[6]
Citation Linkvzwmidwestarea.com"Jack and Jack Bio" (PDF). Verizon Wireless. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
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[7]
Citation Linkstudio.omaha.com"Jack and Jack interview on The Bottom Line radio program". Omaha World-Herald. August 14, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
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[8]
Citation Linkheavy.com"Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, 'Jack And Jack': 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy. August 10, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
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[9]
Citation Linkwww.huffingtonpost.com"Nerd Vandals: Eric And Winston Terrorize Neighborhood With Math (VINE)". Huffington Post. August 23, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
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[10]
Citation Linkgigaom.comDeAmicis, Carmel (September 6, 2014). "Meet Jack and Jack, the Vine stars who are quietly topping the iTunes charts". GigaOm. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
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[11]
Citation Linkwww.vine.co"Jack & Jack on Vine".
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[12]
Citation Linkgawker.comEvans, Dayna. "The Instant Rise and Nearly Instant Fall of the Vine Idol Roadshow". Gawker. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
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[13]
Citation Linkgigaom.comDeAmicis, Carmel (November 5, 2014). "Why Twitter needs to court its Vine stars, or risk losing them to Hollywood (and Facebook)". GigaOm. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
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[14]
Citation Linkabcnews.go.comNewcomb, Alyssa (July 7, 2014). "'Let It Goat' Could Be the Next 'Flappy Bird'". ABC News. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
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[15]
Citation Linkwww.skyvu.net"Jack and Jack- SkyVu". SkyVu Entertainment. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
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[16]
Citation Linkwww.omaha.comCoffey, Kevin (December 21, 2014). "Next Up For Omaha's Jack & Jack? Pop Stardom". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
Sep 24, 2019, 11:02 PM
[17]
Citation Linkdaystune.com"Vine's Jack & Jack Talk Music & New Single "Paradise" (Song Of The Weekend)". DaysTune. May 9, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
Sep 24, 2019, 11:02 PM
[18]
Citation Linkwww.wowt.comKnicely, John (February 17, 2014). "Jack And Jack Now At 2.1 Million Followers And Growing". WOWT. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
Sep 24, 2019, 11:02 PM
[19]
Citation Linkwww.ryanseacrest.comInocencio, Marc (December 5, 2014). "Jack & Jack Dish on Upcoming Docu-Movie, Special Guests for Debut Album". Ryan Seacrest. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
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[20]
Citation Linkwww.omaha.comMertes, Micah (February 27, 2015). "Omaha's teen sensations Jack and Jack were just on 'The View'". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
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