Left to right: Libby Hodges, Brandon Hargest, Lesley Moore, Chris Fedun, Brittany Hargest

The popular teen pop group talks about their seemingly instant success, their responsibility as Christian role models, and their new Christmas album.

It's a beautiful summer day in Chicago as the Radio Disney tour buses pull into the loading docks of the Rosemont Theatre. In just a few short hours, the crew will set up shop for a venue packed full of screaming youngsters, excited to hear groups such as the A-Teens, the Baha Men, and Jump5, who upon taking the stage, will unleash several hours of exuberance, spunk, and just plain old fun. Jump5 eventually takes the stage prior to a bunch of pop and hip-hop warm-up acts spinning all around and up and down with their acrobatic trickery, which accompany their sugary sweet dance jams. Girl group members Brittany Hargest, Libby Hodges, and Lesley Moore take turns singing with boundless energy while the guys, Chris Fedun and Brandon Hargest, chime in vocally amidst their series of handstands, back flips, and athletic twirls.

Like the Jamaican-based jammers The Baha Men and the ABBA-esque A-Teens after them, Jump5 has what it takes to keep 2,000 young people on their feet. But unlike the two headlining groups, they've got much more to offer than just a good time. Wholesome is one word to describe this young group, as the members avoid swearing, provocative outfits, and distasteful subject matter in their songs. And even after a full day of travel and an exhausting stage show, the quintet shows further evidence of their upbeat spirit and faith by meeting fans both in the venue's lobby after their set as well as gathered outside their bus at the evening's conclusion. "Sorry I'm late," says Brandon, the last to arrive for this interview on the group's bus/traveling home. "A lot of people wanted to chat and take pictures, and we always make sure to take the time and do that."

Even at a young age (all are under 17), group members realize the importance of taking time for their fans and living out their beliefs not only on stage, but also during every interaction off that platform. "We get a lot of comments from parents thanking us for being role models for their kids," says Chris. "Whether they know we are Christians or not, what we're singing about is clean and there's no cussing, so they like that."

And thankfully, parents from all faith backgrounds have had no problem turning their kids on to what Jump5's all about, as the group has made countless mainstream appearances since their debut just over a year ago. Besides significant airplay on Radio Disney and a slot on the subsequent tour, the group also has toured with teen pop sensation Aaron Carter, brother of famous Backstreet Boy Nick Carter. In addition, they've appeared on Disney's Lizzy McGuire soundtrack, ABC Family's TV show "Go For It," "The CBS Morning Show," and most recently, on Disney's DVD re-issue of the classic movie Beauty and the Beast, on which they sing the title track. "It was so exciting being a part of that project," notes Britney in relation to Jump5's soundtrack contribution. "It's such an amazing movie that means so much to so many people. What an honor to sing the theme song!"

Even more impressive than participating in such a historic recording, Jump5 also was recently invited to the White House to perform for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush during a musical gala. "It was the most unbelievable experience," adds Libby. "We got to perform for them and then meet with them. Everyone was so nice to us."

With such prominent appearances, it's no wonder their sophomore studio album, All the Time in the World, hasn't had any trouble out of the starting blocks in terms of sales. Fans of the group's self-titled debut (which featured the hits "Spinnin' Around" and "God Bless the U.S.A.") were quick to fall in love with Jump5's updated sound on this record, while parents rested easy knowing the group's moral fiber throughout such high-spirited soundscapes remained. "We really like All the Time in the World and are proud of how it turned out," says Brandon, who credits the group's unity and producer Mark Hammond's creative vision as reasons for the disc's success. "It doesn't sound so kiddish and our voices have matured."

And so have some of topics on the disc, which range from staying obedient to God's will on "Forever My Heart" to witnessing to those around you on "Joyride" to the touching look at one's personal relationship with God called "Angel in My Heart." However, it's the message of self-esteem throughout the bouncy thump of "Diamond" that's been the favorite among group members. "Not everyone can be as perfect looking as the supermodels we see on TV and in magazines," says Libby, whose thought is quickly finished by Britney. "The song goes out to everyone who feels the pressure of the world to try to look like that," she continues. "We've all been created by God and shouldn't care what other people think."

In addition to the recent release of All the Time in the World, Jump5 also recently spent time in the recording studio to lay tracks for a second 2002 release, this time focusing on Christmas music (appropriately titled All the Joy in the World). The classic carol "Joy to the World," the upbeat and carefree "Sleigh Ride," the celebratory "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," and the always entertaining "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree/The Jingle Bell Rock" are included on the disc. There's also a fun cover of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," which Brandon calls "one of our favorites because we used to hear it all the time on the radio growing up." They also included the Dave Clark, Mark Harris, and Dan Koch-penned "A Strange Way to Save the World." "For awhile this year, it seemed like we were in the studio so much, but we were really happy with the outcomes of both CDs," says Lesley. "It was worth spending time in the studio twice because now we have music to go along with our favorite time of the year!"

Indeed, any of Jump5's projects (particularly All the Joy in the World) make for ideal gifts to the tweens and teenagers on your holiday shopping list. What's great is that their projects not only provide something they'll enjoy musically, but also a starting point from which they can potentially grow spiritually. "We really hope people will see the love of God through our music," concludes Chris. "Life is full of so many blessings when you get to know him. We hope our music helps people our age realize that."

Click here to learn more about Jars of Clay at our music channel artist page for the band. Also check out our reviews of All the Time in the World and All the Joy in the World. Visit Musicforce.com to purchase your own copies of Jump5's music today!

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