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Jack & Jack
View on WikipediaJack & Jack are an American pop-rap duo from Omaha, Nebraska, consisting of Jack Johnson and Jack Gilinsky, based in Los Angeles, California. After success via the social media app Vine, the duo turned to careers 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 peaked at number three in the UK Singles Chart in addition to charting within the top 20 of various other European countries and Australia.
Key Information
Early lives and career
[edit]Jack Edward Johnson and Jack Gilinsky were born in Omaha, Nebraska. The pair met on the first day of kindergarten, both named Jack and wearing the same shirt.[3] They remained friends throughout their elementary and high school years, graduating from Westside High School in 2014.[4]
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.[3] Although only made as a side hobby during free time, their videos were received by a considerable audience of hundreds; this abruptly faded not long after the pair started high school.[5]
Jack Gilinsky is Jewish, and his parents are prominent in Omaha's Jewish community.[6]
Career
[edit]2013–15: Breakout with Vine
[edit]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.[7] Their breakout came with their Nerd Vandals clip going viral, praised by the Huffington Post as the perfect vine,[8] amassing the pair 25,000 followers in a short period of time.[9] 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.[10] Shortly thereafter, they joined the Magcon tour, and continued to amass a following on the road touring with other Vine artists.[11] By early 2015, they had accumulated over 5 million followers on their shared account and ranked in the top 20 most-followed Viners.[12]
Following success on Vine, Jack & Jack released two mobile app games with Omaha-based mobile games company SkyVu Entertainment. Their first game, Let It Goat, garnered over a million downloads within the first month."[13] They developed their second game, Jack & Jack Vines Puzzle Game, in December 2014.[14]
2014–2020: Focus on music
[edit]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.[4][15]
Their first original song "Distance" was released in January 2014.[16][17] In preparation for their debut album, the duo collaborated with Shawn Mendes and Steve Aoki,[18] as well as producers and songwriters Max Martin and Savan Kotecha.[15] Although repeatedly approached, the pair decided to not sign with a record label company, with Johnson stating, "Why get our money stolen, or make less money, when we can get our songs on the exact same spot on the charts ourselves? We’re going to stay independent as long as we can, until we see the benefit from the record label."[9]
By February 2015, they had sold 1 million singles on iTunes.[19] 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".[20] 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.[21]
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.[22] In early 2017, Jack & Jack signed with Island Records.[23] Johnson stated they hoped the record deal would allow them to become more mainstream.[24] They released their second EP, titled Gone, later that year through the label.[25] In January 2018, Jack & Jack were picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month.[26]
On January 25, 2019, the duo released their debut album called A Good Friend Is Nice, via Island Records, and also toured around North America and Europe to promote the album.[27]
2020–present: Hiatus, solo careers and 2022 return
[edit]On April 17, 2020, member Jack Gilinsky released his debut solo single My Love, featuring Don Toliver. The day the single came out, he did an interview with Zach Sang, and announced a hiatus to Jack & Jack. Jack Johnson described the hiatus as a "very liberating" opportunity for both members to explore their own artistic vision.[28]
Jack Johnson dropped his debut solo single, "You Lie", on September 4, 2020, with the stage name JVCKJ to prevent legal clashes with a band called JACK J.[28] He then released his debut solo EP, Pastel: The Early Days, on December 4, 2020. The track "Bad News" was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic.[28] He also expressed a desire to work with Jack Gilinsky again on more music.[28]
On September 10, 2020, member Jack Gilinsky dropped his second solo single, "Lose Somebody" featuring Iann Dior.
In 2022, Jack & Jack returned with two releases, "Runaway" and "Right Here With You".[29]
Style and influences
[edit]Both Jacks play instruments and write music,[30] sharing interests across genres including reggae, R&B, pop and hip hop which have influences on their own songs. They have cited Anderson Paak, Roy Woods, PartyNextDoor, and Daniel Caesar as influences.[25] They have been influenced from music they grew up with such as Blink 182, U2, Tom Petty and AC/DC, even though their musical genre is not the same.[23]
Tours and performances
[edit]Digitour (2014)
[edit]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,[3] and consisted of choreographed on stage music performances, fan interaction and comedy skits.[31] During this tour, Jack & Jack also made a headlining performance at the Teen Choice Awards, where they were nominated for the award Choice Viner.[32] Alongside this, they also appeared as featured performers at the 2014 INTOUR, an interactive social festival as part of their partnership with FullScreen.[33]
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.[18]
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.[34]
First headlines
[edit]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.[35][36]
Guest performances
[edit]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).[37]
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.[19][37]
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.[38][39]
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.[40] 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.[41]
Summer Tour 2015
[edit]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.[42][43]
They continued their touring contract with DigiTour from June, headlining eight events across the United States, alongside other acts including Demi Lovato and Trevi Moran.[44]
Philanthropy
[edit]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.[45] They have also worked in association with Michelin to promote safe driving.[46]
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.[47] They gave a supporting performance at T.J. Martell Foundation's annual New York Family Day event in December 2015.[48]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Jack and Jack: The Movie[49][50] | Themselves | A DigiTour Media Production |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Teen Choice Awards | Viner | Nominated | [51] |
| 2015 | MTV Woodie Awards | Social Climber | Won | [52] |
| Teen Choice Awards | Web Star: Music | Nominated | [53] | |
| Streamy Awards | Entertainer of the Year | Nominated | [54] | |
| 2019 | Brit Awards | British Video of the Year | Nominated | [55] |
Discography
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Logan, Casey (March 9, 2014). "Westside High seniors build Internet empire, 6 seconds at a time". Omaha. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
- ^ Raymer, Miles (August 14, 2014). "'Billboard' Hot 100 recap: Vine stars and a new European import". Retrieved October 4, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Jack and Jack Bio" (PDF). Verizon Wireless. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ a b Johanningsmeier, Emma (March 12, 2014). "Jack and Jack: For senior Viners, Westside's a place to be 'normal'". Westside Wired. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ "Jack and Jack interview on The Bottom Line radio program". Omaha World-Herald. August 14, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ "2016 Foundation Annual Report" (PDF). Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
- ^ "Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, 'Jack And Jack': 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy. August 10, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ "Nerd Vandals: Eric And Winston Terrorize Neighborhood With Math (VINE)". Huffington Post. August 23, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ a b DeAmicis, Carmel (September 6, 2014). "Meet Jack and Jack, the Vine stars who are quietly topping the iTunes charts". GigaOm. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ "Jack & Jack on Vine". Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
- ^ Evans, 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.
- ^ DeAmicis, Carmel (November 5, 2014). "Why Twitter needs to court its Vine stars, or risk losing them to Hollywood (and Facebook)". GigaOm. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
- ^ Newcomb, Alyssa (July 7, 2014). "'Let It Goat' Could Be the Next 'Flappy Bird'". ABC News. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ "Jack and Jack- SkyVu". SkyVu Entertainment. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ a b Coffey, Kevin (December 21, 2014). "Next Up For Omaha's Jack & Jack? Pop Stardom". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ "Vine's Jack & Jack Talk Music & New Single "Paradise" (Song Of The Weekend)". DaysTune. May 9, 2014. Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
- ^ Knicely, John (February 17, 2014). "Jack And Jack Now At 2.1 Million Followers And Growing". WOWT. Archived from the original on March 16, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ a b Inocencio, Marc (December 5, 2014). "Jack & Jack Dish on Upcoming Docu-Movie, Special Guests for Debut Album". Ryan Seacrest. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ a b Mertes, Micah (February 27, 2015). "Omaha's teen sensations Jack and Jack were just on 'The View'". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- ^ "Jack & Jack - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved January 31, 2015.
- ^ Gruger, William (January 30, 2015). "Cody Simpson, Fifth Harmony, Jack & Jack & Rihanna: Real-Time Twitter Chart Rewind Ep. 34". Billboard. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ Robehmed, Natalie (July 25, 2015). "How These Independent Artists Reached No. 1 On The iTunes Chart". Forbes. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
- ^ a b White, Jack (August 23, 2018). "Meet Jack & Jack: The pop-rap duo eyeing global chart domination". Official Charts.
- ^ Booth, Ali (July 31, 2017). "Jack & Jack Say They'll Never Go Solo". Tiger Beat. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ a b Brungardt, Leah (August 11, 2017). "The Pop Duo JACK & JACK Discuss Their Island Records Debut EP, 'Gone' and More!". All Access Music. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ "Watch Jack and Jack sing their new hit single 'Beg' live on TODAY". Today. January 10, 2018. Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
- ^ Pedrosa, Marina (November 7, 2018). "Jack & Jack Announce Debut Album 'A Good Friend Is Nice'". Billboard.
- ^ a b c d Maldonado, Mar (December 4, 2020). "Interview: THP Exclusive: Get Ready For Non-Stop Jams, a Podcast, And More With JVCKJ". The Honey POP. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
- ^ Ayodeji (September 9, 2022). "Jack & Jack Drop New Track "Right Here With You" Inspired By Jack Gilinsky's Relationship » Yours Truly". www.yourstru.ly. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
- ^ Mitchell, Maggie (August 28, 2015). "Jack & Jack – A Tale of Two Jacks". Pop Entertainment.
- ^ Knicely, John (October 16, 2014). "Update: Knicely Done: Jack And Jack Plan Local Performance". WOWT. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ Logan, Casey (August 7, 2014). "Omaha's Jack and Jack nominated in Teen Choice Awards". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ Brouwer, Bree (August 27, 2014). "Fullscreen Taps Vine Stars Jack And Jack As INTOUR Headliners". TubeFilter. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ Constable, Burt (March 3, 2014). "Girls go gaga for Vine video boys at Itasca meet and greet". Daily Herald. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ Coffey, Kevin (October 16, 2014). "Omaha's Jack and Jack to perform hip-hop show at Ralston Arena". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ "OMAHA NATIVES JACK & JACK TO PERFORM AT THE RALSTON ARENA". Ralston Arena. October 16, 2014. Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
- ^ a b "Bio - Jack & Jack". Archived from the original on February 8, 2015. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
- ^ "Janoskians - Janofest - One Night Only!". The SSE Arena. March 21, 2015. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ Smith, Carl (March 22, 2015). "GIG REVIEW: THE JANOSKIANS HEADLINE LONDON'S WEMBLEY ARENA FOR JANOFEST WITH LUKE FRIEND, JACK AND JACK AND MORE". SugarScape. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ Sloane, Garett (May 4, 2015). "Fullscreen Wants to Satisfy Brands' 'Unquenchable Thirst for Video'". AdWeek. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- ^ "Vity, The Premier Social Media Network Connecting Influencers And Advertisers, Launches Its Breakthrough Digital Networking Platform With The Vity Concert Experience". PRWEB. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- ^ "The Castle Theatre: Jack & Jack". Castle Theatre. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
- ^ "KISS CONCERT 2015". KISSFM1035. May 3, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Brouwer, Bree (April 3, 2015). "Demi Lovato, Jack & Jack To Perform At DigiFest NYC 2015". TubeFilter. Retrieved June 8, 2015.
- ^ Perricone, Kathleen (February 1, 2015). "Watch Jordin Sparks, Janel Parrish, More #MakeItHappy With Coca-Cola". Ryan Seacrest. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ "Michelin Expands 'Beyond The Driving Test' Campaign During National Teen Driver Safety Week" (Press release). PR Newswire. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ "Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Auction Catalog - Jack & Jack Signed Shirt & Personal Shoutout Video". Proxibid. March 17, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ "Alissa Pollack, EVP Music & Partner Integrations For iHeartMedia, Premiere Networks And Mediabase, To Be Honored At T.J. Martell Foundation's 16th Annual New York Family Day" (Press release). PR Newswire. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
- ^ Brouser, Bree (September 6, 2014). "Jack and Jack Debut New Music Video To Promote Upcoming Movie". TubeFilter. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
- ^ "Jack & Jack: The Movie (2014)". IMDb. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
- ^ "2014 Teen Choice Awards Winners and Nominees – complete list". UpRoxx. August 10, 2014.
- ^ "The 2015 MTVu Woodies". MTV. March 20, 2015. Archived from the original on March 23, 2015.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2015 Winners: Full List". Variety. August 16, 2015.
- ^ "5th Annual Winners & Nominees". The Streamy Awards.
- ^ "Brit Awards 2019: Full list of winners". BBC. February 20, 2019.
External links
[edit]Jack & Jack
View on GrokipediaBackground
Early lives
Jack Finnegan Gilinsky was born on September 10, 1996, in Omaha, Nebraska, to parents Katherine Finnegan and David Gilinsky.[12] He grew up in the city alongside two older sisters, Molly and Laura.[4] Gilinsky appeared as a typical high school student from his Nebraska upbringing but focused on emerging creative pursuits.[13] Gilinsky attended Omaha Westside High School, where he balanced typical teenage activities with emerging creative pursuits.[14] Before gaining broader attention, he explored individual social media content creation, starting a personal Vine account to share short comedic clips that showcased his humorous side.[4] Jack Edward Johnson was born on March 24, 1996, also in Omaha, Nebraska, to parents John and Jennifer Johnson.[5] He has an older brother named Jeff.[5] Johnson attended Omaha Westside High School, where he first connected with Gilinsky through their shared kindergarten class in the same hometown.[14] Prior to wider recognition, he experimented with personal social media posts on Vine, focusing on lighthearted, relatable content that hinted at his knack for entertainment.[5]Formation and Vine beginnings
Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, both natives of Omaha, Nebraska, first met on the first day of kindergarten, where they bonded over sharing the same first name and wearing identical shirts, forging a friendship that lasted through their school years. Their similar upbringings in the Midwest, coupled with shared interests in music—Johnson rapping since first grade and Gilinsky performing in show choir during middle and high school—laid the foundation for their collaborative creative pursuits.[15][16] The duo began creating joint content on Vine in the summer of 2013, with Johnson posting the inaugural videos under his own name on July 4 before transitioning to collaborative comedic skits and challenges under the joint username "Jack & Jack." These early clips featured humorous scenarios drawn from everyday teen life, such as pranks and relatable mishaps, which quickly resonated with audiences on the emerging short-video platform.[9][17] Their Vine account experienced explosive growth shortly after launch; starting with around 25,000 followers after an initial video in late 2013, they surged to 50,000 within weeks and reached over 2.6 million by March 2014. A pivotal moment came with their "Nerd Vandalism" skit, a parody of math-themed graffiti that garnered 100,000 new followers in just one week. Other collaborations with fellow Viners further amplified their visibility, solidifying their status as rising digital stars.[6][18] Following their graduation from Omaha's Westside High School in June 2014, Gilinsky and Johnson committed to content creation full-time, relocating to Los Angeles to capitalize on their momentum. This decision marked the shift from hobbyist posting to professional endeavor, as their Vine success attracted initial representation opportunities, including a partnership with the creator network Fullscreen and inclusion in the MAGCON tour lineup later that year.[17]Career
Rise to fame on Vine (2013–2015)
Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, known collectively as Jack & Jack, launched their Vine account in the summer of 2013 with short comedy sketches that capitalized on their longstanding friendship from high school in Omaha, Nebraska. Their content, often featuring absurd humor and relatable teen scenarios, resonated quickly, propelling them from obscurity to viral sensations. By August 2014, they had accumulated 3 million followers, a milestone that highlighted their explosive growth in the platform's competitive landscape.[19] Key to their ascent were standout viral moments, such as the "Nerd Vandals" Vine in 2014, where the duo humorously depicted characters altering a Jeep's bumper sticker to read "4x4=16," earning praise from outlets like the Huffington Post for its clever wordplay. Collaborations with fellow Viners, including Nash Grier, amplified their reach, as joint videos introduced them to broader audiences within the Vine ecosystem. This momentum continued into late 2014, when their follower count surged to 4.7 million, positioning them among the platform's top creators and attracting media scrutiny on the phenomenon of teen influencers. By mid-2015, they boasted over 5 million Vine followers, alongside nearly 1 million YouTube subscribers, solidifying their status as Vine powerhouses.[9][17][20][21] Their Vine success translated to early opportunities beyond six-second clips, including participation in the DigiTour in 2014, a nationwide event showcasing digital stars that marked their initial foray into live performances. They signed with the management firm Fullscreen, which provided resources to expand their brand while navigating the industry's shift toward monetization. Teasing their musical ambitions without fully pivoting, Jack & Jack released their debut single "Wild Life" in August 2014, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Twitter Top Tracks chart and later peaked at No. 87 on the Hot 100, using Vine promotions to drive streams. Media coverage intensified, with profiles in Business Insider and interviews in Billboard exploring how their Vine fame challenged perceptions of them as mere comedians.[17][17][17][17][21] However, Vine's rigid six-second format imposed constraints, restricting narrative depth and encouraging a move toward longer-form content on YouTube as user engagement waned by 2015. This period also saw growing pains, including fan confusion over their evolving identities from pranksters to aspiring artists. The duo's Vine era culminated in the 2014 release of the documentary Jack & Jack the Movie, a behind-the-scenes look at their rapid rise that premiered at events like the DigiTour and foreshadowed their departure from the platform amid its declining relevance.[9][22]Transition to music (2014–2019)
In 2014, Jack & Jack began transitioning from their Vine popularity to music by releasing their first original single, "Distance," in January, followed by "Wild Life" in August, which peaked at number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100. These early releases capitalized on their social media fanbase, blending pop-rap elements with youthful themes of adventure and relationships, and included a music video for "Wild Life" that garnered millions of views on YouTube.[23] Their debut EP, Calibraska, arrived independently on July 24, 2015, featuring tracks such as "California," "Shallow Love," "How We Livin'," and "Wrong One," which explored themes of West Coast lifestyle and young love.[24] The EP debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top Rap Albums chart, selling 22,000 copies in its first week, demonstrating the duo's ability to convert Vine followers into music listeners through targeted social media promotion and radio play.[25][26] In early 2017, Jack & Jack signed with Island Records, marking a formal entry into the major label system and enabling broader distribution.[27] Their first project under the label, the EP GONE, was released on May 26, 2017, with songs like "Distraction," "Falling," "Last Thing," "Hurt People," and "2 Cigarettes," shifting toward more introspective lyrics about heartbreak and growth.[28] Produced in collaboration with talents including Jeff Halavacs and Timbaland, the EP received radio airplay and music videos that maintained engagement with their audience.[29] The duo's profile rose further with the single "Rise," a collaboration with producer Jonas Blue released on May 25, 2018, which integrated electronic dance elements and achieved over 950 million Spotify streams while peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[30] This track, along with promotional efforts like live performances and fan interactions on social platforms, bridged their Vine origins to a wider pop audience. Culminating their active duo phase, Jack & Jack released their debut studio album, A Good Friend Is Nice, on January 25, 2019, via Island Records, comprising 12 tracks including "No One Compares to You," "Day Dreaming," and the "Rise" remix, with overarching themes of friendship, maturity, and self-reflection.[31] The album was produced by a team including Big Taste, Jacob Manson, and Cook Classics, emphasizing polished pop-rap production. To promote it, they launched the Good Friends Are Nice Tour in February 2019, performing across North America and Europe with high-energy sets that drew on their established fanbase, though the era concluded amid growing personal challenges.[32][33]Hiatus and solo endeavors (2020–2022)
In April 2020, Jack Gilinsky announced in an interview that Jack & Jack would be going on hiatus to allow both members to pursue solo careers, a decision they had discussed since 2014 but finalized about a year earlier.[34] The duo cited their desire to explore individual creative paths after achieving significant success, including multiple world tours and singles that amassed hundreds of millions of streams, feeling they had accomplished much as a pair while still young at ages 23 and 24.[34] Gilinsky emphasized that the break was temporary, with the duo remaining close friends who communicated daily and planned to reunite for future music and content, potentially on platforms like TikTok.[34] The hiatus was influenced by challenges with their major label deals, which the duo later described as restrictive, leading them to seek independence in their artistic endeavors.[35] During this period, both members focused on personal growth, including reflections on their careers and relationships, though they maintained occasional social media interactions that hinted at their ongoing friendship.[33] Gilinsky kicked off his solo career with the release of "My Love," featuring Don Toliver, on April 17, 2020, marking a shift toward more introspective pop sounds while expressing ambitions to transition into acting.[36] He followed with "Lose Somebody" later that year, continuing to build his individual profile through music production and content creation on social media.[37] Meanwhile, Jack Johnson adopted the moniker JVCKJ for his solo work, debuting with the single "You Lie" in December 2020, a track inspired by themes of heartbreak and personal cycles in relationships.[38] He released his debut EP, Pastel: The Early Days, shortly after on December 4, 2020, exploring a "PASTEL" artistic world centered on progression and self-discovery.[39] In 2021, Johnson issued singles like "Full Court" and "Money Memories," further developing his sound with influences from R&B and hip-hop.[40] As the hiatus progressed into 2022, fans expressed confusion and concern over the duo's reduced joint activity, with widespread speculation about potential rifts despite their assurances of closeness.[33] Teases of a collaboration began surfacing in June 2022 via cryptic social media posts, building anticipation for their return.[41] The official reunion was announced later that year, coinciding with their shift to an independent label setup, allowing greater control over their creative output and marking a new chapter free from previous contractual constraints.[35]Comeback and new era (2022–present)
In 2022, Jack & Jack marked their return from a three-year hiatus with the release of their first single in over three years, "Runaway," on August 12, which they described as a fresh start on their own terms after parting ways with Island Records and embracing independence.[42][35] This was followed later that year by "Right Here With You," signaling their shift to self-managed operations under Jack & Jack LLC, allowing greater creative control without major label constraints.[43] The duo's reunion emphasized personal growth during their break, with Johnson noting in interviews that the time apart provided essential perspective on authenticity in their artistry.[44] Building momentum, Jack & Jack issued a series of singles in 2023, including "Stuttering" in May, "What Happened" in July, and "September's Gone," which explored themes of reflection and emotional recovery.[45][46] Their sophomore album Home arrived on March 1, 2024, delving into introspection and reconnection. In 2025, they announced their third studio album Symbiosis, an experimental project centered on vulnerability, resilience, and their enduring friendship, with lead singles including "Losing You" (February 28), "baby blue" (April 18), "GIRLS GIRLS" (May 30), "Fire" (August 8), and others released throughout the year. As of November 2025, Symbiosis remains upcoming, with Gilinsky highlighting in interviews how it represents their most honest expression yet, shaped by lessons from the hiatus on prioritizing genuine connections over commercial pressures.[47][48][49][50][35] Adopting a DIY approach, the duo has handled self-management since 2022, using social media for unfiltered fan engagement through live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and direct feedback loops that influence creative decisions, as seen in fan reaction videos for releases like "Fire."[51][52][35] Recent achievements include "Like That (Jack's Version)" surpassing 60 million streams within months of its 2023 re-release, contributing to renewed chart traction, while older hits like "No One Compares To You" reached 269 million Spotify streams and GOLD certification.[50][53] In 2025 media appearances, such as discussions around Symbiosis, they reflected on hiatus insights like the value of artistic independence, crediting it for their evolved sound and global outreach.[48] This expansion is evident in their 17-date European tour starting March 2025, which sold out key venues and introduced their music to new international audiences.[49] As of November 2025, Jack & Jack remain active with the ongoing Symbiosis U.S. tour, blending new material with fan favorites, and have teased additional releases ahead of the full album.[35][54]Artistry
Musical style
Jack & Jack's music is characterized by a pop-rap blend that incorporates hip-hop rhythms, melodic choruses, and elements of R&B and electronic production.[55] Their early work features upbeat tempos, creating energetic party anthems with catchy hooks designed for viral appeal, reflecting their transition from short-form Vine videos to full tracks.[56] Collaborations with producers like Jonas Blue introduced dance-oriented beats, while auto-tune effects enhance the polished, radio-friendly sound typical of modern pop-rap.[57] Lyrics frequently draw from relatable, lighthearted scenarios rooted in their comedic backgrounds, emphasizing fun and youthful escapism.[58] Vocal dynamics play a central role in their duo chemistry, with Jack Johnson delivering rap verses in a higher-pitched, rhythmic style and Jack Gilinsky providing smoother, deeper-toned melodies on choruses, often harmonizing to build emotional layers.[59] This interplay is evident in tracks like "No One Compares to You," where Johnson's verses alternate with Gilinsky's leads, creating a balanced pop-rap flow.[58] Their production frequently involves multi-producer teams, as seen in later singles, blending hip-hop beats with subtle electronic elements for a versatile sound.[60] Over their career, Jack & Jack's style has evolved from high-energy, humor-infused party tracks in the 2014–2019 era—such as those on their debut studio album A Good Friend Is Nice, which mixed pop smashes with lo-fi hip-hop vibes—to more introspective and vulnerable themes post-hiatus.[58] Their 2022–2025 comeback, highlighted by the 2024 album Home and singles like "September's Gone," shifts toward ballads with piano and techno influences, exploring heartbreak and personal growth.[61] This progression, continuing with recent releases like "Losing You" ahead of their upcoming album Symbiosis, showcases a deeper emotional range while retaining their signature harmonization and pop accessibility. Comparisons to artists like Justin Bieber highlight their melodic pop roots and duo synergy, though their rap-sing format adds a unique, friendship-driven edge akin to Post Malone's genre-blending introspection.[61][62]Influences
Jack & Jack's musical inspirations draw from a blend of hip-hop and rock artists encountered during their formative years in Omaha, Nebraska. Jack Johnson has cited Eminem and Lil Wayne as key influences, inspired by the radio hits he heard growing up that shaped his interest in rap's rhythmic and lyrical elements.[63] Similarly, Eminem's prowess with words has been described as a significant influence on their approach to songwriting and delivery.[64] Jack Gilinsky has highlighted U2 as a favorite, reflecting an appreciation for rock's emotional depth.[63] More recently, they have drawn inspiration from Elton John for piano-driven ballads emphasizing emotional storytelling.[61] Their roots in digital media, particularly Vine and YouTube, profoundly impacted their creative process, infusing their music with humor and fast-paced energy derived from short-form comedy content. The duo's early exposure to platforms like Vine encouraged a style of lyrical wit and relatability, mirroring the quick, engaging sketches popularized by online creators during the early 2010s.[65] Personal experiences, especially their lifelong friendship forged in Omaha since kindergarten, have been central to their artistry, fostering themes of youth, camaraderie, and everyday struggles that resonate with fans. This bond, rooted in Midwestern upbringing, informs the authentic, youthful narratives in their songs.[66] During their time with Island Records in the mid-2010s, Jack & Jack benefited from industry guidance that honed their production skills, though they later pursued greater autonomy as independent artists. The broader cultural shift in the 2010s, where social media influencers like Vine stars transitioned into musicians—as exemplified by Jack & Jack's own chart-topping EP Calibraska outperforming major releases—shaped their strategic pivot from digital content to full-time music careers.[67][68]Tours and live performances
Early tours and performances (2014–2015)
Jack & Jack's initial foray into live performances was closely linked to their burgeoning Vine popularity, with the duo serving as prominent acts on the DigiTour in 2014. The tour featured them alongside other Vine creators like Sammy Wilk, Jake Foushee, and Kenny Holland, performing at mid-sized venues such as the House of Blues in Dallas and Houston, which typically accommodated 1,000 to 2,000 attendees.[69][70] These shows drew primarily teenage audiences energized by the duo's viral comedic sketches, creating high-energy environments fueled by social media fandom.[69] Setlists during the DigiTour blended humor with emerging music, including comedic reenactments of Vine bits and early tracks like "Wild Life," which showcased their pop-rap style to live crowds for the first time.[71] Following the October 2014 release of their debut EP Calibraska, they integrated songs such as "Numb" into performances, signaling a shift toward music-centric sets while retaining interactive elements to engage fans familiar with their short-form content.[72] In 2014 and 2015, Jack & Jack also appeared at MAGCON events, a touring convention for social media influencers that emphasized meet-and-greets and stage interactions.[1] These guest spots involved recreating popular Vine skits with direct crowd participation, appealing to demographics of mostly teenagers who appreciated the duo's relatable, humorous dynamic in person.[73] The format highlighted logistical aspects of smaller-scale events, with venues often limited to 500–2,000 capacity to foster intimate fan connections.[70] By mid-2015, the duo ventured into their first headline attempts through small club shows, including dates on their Summer Tour that began in Chicago and extended internationally.[74] Venues like London's O2 ABC and Islington Academy, with capacities under 1,000, presented early challenges in adapting their concise Vine sketches to longer live formats, requiring expanded improvisation and musical previews to maintain audience engagement.[75] Fan reception remained enthusiastic, driven by the viral momentum of their online presence, though the transition underscored the need to evolve beyond comedy toward structured performances.[74]Headline tours (2016–2019)
Jack & Jack's first major headline tour, the Summer Tour in 2015, marked a significant step in their transition from Vine performers to established live acts, featuring multiple independent shows across North America and South America. The tour included performances at venues such as Ralston Arena in Nebraska and international stops like Vivo Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Cine Joia in São Paulo, Brazil, allowing the duo to build on their early experiences with larger crowds and more elaborate productions.[75][76] Support acts varied by date, but the tour emphasized their growing catalog from the Calibraska EP, with setlists highlighting tracks like "Do It Again" and fan-favorite Vine-inspired segments. In 2016, the duo launched their Winter U.S. Tour, a 20-date run promoting their evolving pop-rap sound, commencing on February 4 at the House of Blues in San Diego, California, and extending through March to cities including New York and Los Angeles. Singer Daya served as the opening act, bringing complementary pop energy to the shows held at mid-sized venues like The Fillmore in Detroit. Setlists focused on hits from Calibraska alongside newer material, incorporating high-energy choreography and interactive elements that engaged their young audience, solidifying their reputation for dynamic live performances.[77] The Fall 2017 Tour represented a peak in their touring momentum, a North American headline outing from October 23 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to December in California, promoting the Gone EP with its introspective themes. Opening acts included rising boy band PRETTYMUCH and singer Olivia O'Brien, whose sets added variety to the 30-plus dates at theaters and arenas like The Fillmore in Philadelphia. The production featured LED screens and confetti effects during songs like "Beg," with VIP packages offering fan meet-and-greets; the tour drew strong attendance, reflecting their peaking popularity among teen fans.[78][79][80] Throughout 2018, Jack & Jack maintained headline momentum with select U.S. and international dates, including shows at Irving Plaza in New York and Bush Hall in London, bridging their EP releases with performances of tracks like "Rise." These outings built anticipation for their debut album, incorporating guest openings for artists such as Camila Cabello on select legs of her Never Be the Same Tour, where they delivered high-energy sets of their signature blends.[81][82] The 2019 Good Friends Are Nice Tour, tied to their debut album A Good Friend Is Nice, was their most ambitious headline effort, spanning North America and Europe from February 21 at Melkweg in Amsterdam to May dates like the House of Blues in Dallas. The production showcased elaborate lighting rigs, backup dancers, and interactive stage elements during anthems like "Barcelona" and "Closure," with setlists drawing heavily from the album alongside fan requests. VIP experiences included pre-show meet-and-greets, enhancing fan connection amid the duo's maturing artistry.[83][32][84]Post-hiatus tours (2023–2025)
Following their three-year hiatus, Jack & Jack's first post-hiatus tour was the "No Place Like Home" tour in 2024, focusing on the United States and South America to promote Home, released on March 1, 2024. The tour kicked off on March 13, 2024, in Nashville at Eastside Bowl and included dates across major U.S. cities like San Diego (May 17 at House of Blues Voodoo Room) before extending to South American stops in December, including Recoleta, Chile (December 2 at Club Chocolate), Curitiba, Brazil (December 4 at Tork n' Roll), and São Paulo, Brazil (December 6 at Cine Joia).[85][86] Venues ranged from mid-size clubs to arenas with capacities of 500–5,000, emphasizing their independent operation post-label deals. Fan reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing emotional relief and excitement over the duo's reunion, often citing the performances as a nostalgic yet refreshed return to their pop-rap roots, as shared in post-show social media recaps and reviews.[61] In 2025, they launched the SYMBIOSIS European Tour, starting March 21 in Dublin at Green Room at The Academy, followed by 17 dates across the continent, such as Antwerp (April 5 at Kavka Zappa), and concluding with U.S. legs in September through November, including Omaha (October 22 at Slowdown) and Los Angeles (November 4 at Echoplex). As of November 2025, the SYMBIOSIS Tour remains ongoing with final North American legs.[11][49] This tour promotes their upcoming album Symbiosis, with shows in mid-size arenas highlighting global expansion; the duo has announced plans for Symbiosis release in late 2025 or early 2026, as discussed in interviews emphasizing continued independent growth and potential additional international dates.[49][61][87] Setlists during these post-hiatus tours evolved to blend classic hits with fresh releases, reflecting matured stage presence honed during the break. 2024 shows featured staples like "Beg" and "Rise" alongside tracks from Home such as "Thought I Was Dead" and "Stuttering," while 2025 performances incorporated singles "Losing You" (released 2025) and "Appetite," enhanced by immersive visuals and lighting to elevate production quality.[72][53] The hiatus had notably improved their onstage synergy, allowing for more polished interactions and dynamic energy. Commercially, these tours operated independently through platforms like Ticketmaster and Live Nation, achieving strong attendance with multiple dates selling out, such as early U.S. stops in 2024.[11][88] Streaming tie-ins, including live session releases on Spotify, boosted visibility and fan engagement, tying into album promotions for Home and Symbiosis.Other activities
Filmography and media appearances
Jack & Jack's foray into film began with their self-produced documentary Jack & Jack the Movie in 2014, which chronicled the duo's rise to fame as Vine stars and their early transition into music. Directed by the duo themselves alongside collaborators, the film captures behind-the-scenes moments of their daily lives, friendships, and the challenges of sudden online celebrity, including footage from their initial tours and content creation sessions. Released via Vimeo On Demand on September 26, 2014, it received positive reception from fans, earning an 8.0/10 rating on IMDb based on over 1,000 user votes, praised for its authentic portrayal of their camaraderie and the Vine era's cultural impact.[22] The duo made several television guest appearances during their active years, primarily showcasing their comedic timing and musical talents. In 2016, they appeared in the Netflix reality series Chasing Cameron, a docuseries following fellow Viner Cameron Dallas on tour, where Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson featured in the episode "With One Tweet" discussing MAGCON experiences and social media fame. They joined Rob Dyrdek on an episode of MTV's Ridiculousness in 2018, reacting to viral clips in a segment titled "Filthy Fouls," highlighting their humorous Vine roots. In 2019, they competed on Nick Cannon's Wild 'n Out in the episode "Mikey Day/Jack & Jack," participating in improv games like "Got Props" and "Hood Jeopardy" alongside comedian Mikey Day. That same year, they performed on CBS's The Late Late Show with James Corden during the "Nina Dobrev/Terry Crews/Jack & Jack" episode, blending live music with celebrity banter.[89][90][91][92] Post-hiatus, Jack & Jack shifted focus to digital media, emphasizing podcasts and YouTube content to reconnect with fans. In a November 2023 episode of the podcast Dom Meets World titled "On A Date With Jack and Jack," the duo discussed their career journey, industry challenges with major labels, and upcoming independent music projects. They continued this trend in a February 2024 appearance on The Sit and Chat with Bradley Steven Perry, where they reminisced about Vine days and teased upcoming tours, marking their return to casual, unscripted formats. By 2025, they featured in a YouTube interview special with The Sound Lab, discussing their "Symbiosis" tour and creative evolution from sketch comedy to mature storytelling in media. These appearances reflect a broader transition from short-form comedic sketches to longer-form discussions promoting their artistic maturity, often cameo-ing in Viner alumni projects like MAGCON retrospectives on platforms such as YouTube.[93][94][95]Philanthropy
Jack & Jack have engaged in various charitable efforts throughout their career, focusing on causes related to health, youth well-being, and social issues. In December 2015, the duo performed at the T.J. Martell Foundation's 16th Annual New York Family Day event, supporting the organization's mission to fund innovative cancer research and related medical treatments.[96] Their participation highlighted early involvement in philanthropy during their rise to prominence, including appearances at fundraisers aimed at youth mental health and anti-bullying initiatives through tours like DigiTour in 2014–2015, where they leveraged fan engagement to promote awareness. Although specific donation amounts from these early events remain undisclosed, the duo's performances helped amplify the events' reach to their growing audience. Major campaigns included partnerships with organizations addressing critical health needs. By 2018, they headlined the MSDStrong benefit concert in Florida, raising funds and awareness for victims of the Parkland school shooting and advocating against gun violence, with proceeds directed toward related community support programs.[97] These efforts demonstrated their commitment to tangible impact, with personal visits to hospitals and social media campaigns like #JackAndJackGiveBack encouraging fans to participate in drives for donations and awareness. Following their hiatus from 2019 to 2022, Jack & Jack shifted focus to mental health advocacy, drawing from personal experiences during their break. This post-hiatus emphasis built on earlier advocacy, such as Jack Johnson's 2017 public statement on mental health following a high-profile shooting, underscoring the duo's long-term dedication to the cause.[98] Overall, these activities have engaged millions of fans, leading to increased participation in supported causes and sustained commitments to health-focused organizations.[99]Recognition
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Web Star: Music | Jack & Jack | Nominated | [100] |
| 2015 | Streamy Awards | Audience Choice Entertainer of the Year | Jack & Jack | Nominated | [101] |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales | Work | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA) | Gold | 500,000 | "No One Compares to You" | [102] |
