Jack & Jack is an American pop-rap duo from Omaha, Nebraska, consisting of Jack Johnson and Jack Gilinsky. After success via the social media app Vine, the duo turned to a career as musicians.
We spoke with the popular duo on the red carpet for Universal Music Group’s 2018 Grammy After Party, presented by Rémy Martin, American Airlines and Citi at Spring Studios. Check out our exclusive interview below:
How excited are you to be here at Grammy Week?
Jack Johnson: It’s very exciting, good energy around can’t wait til we are nominated. Knock on wood.
Jack Gilinsky: Yeah, knock on wood, but for sure it’s definitely an amazing experience to just be with this whole buzzing energy.
How did you guys link up?
Jack Johnson: First day of kindergarten we linked up. Way back.
How did you transition into music?
Jack Gilinsky: We’ve always been into music. For one, I was always in show choir, which if you don’t know, is like singing and dancing with forty-nine other kids up on stage …
Jack Johnson: Your sisters kind of forced you into that.
Jack Gilinsky: Yeah, they definitely forced me into that. Having two older sisters definitely pushed me into the drama and the whole acting and singing kind of lane, but he was always rapping.
Jack Johnson: Yes, since I was little, for sure. I mean I was always really inspired by Eminem, Lil Wayne all these radio artists I heard and then of course, once I was able to dig deeper into hip hop and find my own artists that I really liked … Eminem [was] big term in terms of his articulation and how fast he gets his words out. Lil Wayne in terms of his metaphors, his punchlines, the way his wordplay is so intricate … I think Jack and I have always been very musically focused but that was never the priority until as of recent and I think it was a very natural progression for Jack and I and yeah things are going great in 2018!
Tell us a little about the music you have out.
Jack Johnson: Right now we just released over the summer a project called The Gone EP. It’s a very conceptual project about the rollercoaster ride of a relationship …
Jack Gilinsky: Then after that we released a single called “Beg,” which is our very first “radio single,” which we are really excited about.
Jack Johnson: It’s crazy. I already see fans sending me videos of it on the radio, which blows my mind. It’s a dream come true.
What was the inspiration for “Beg”?
Jack Johnson: Everyone has that person who always plays hard to get, I feel like a little bit…
Jack Gilinsky: Of course, but for us more so it was about the night life and the party scene. We are begging to get out of this constant cycle of going out and doing other things that are kind of maybe distracting …
Jack Johnson: I think it’s really up for interpretation. We want people to take it as they wish.
Who are some musical influences on your style?
Jack Gilinsky: I love U2. That was the very first concert I ever went to. That’s like my biggest inspiration …
Jack Johnson: Yeah, but I mean in the new age Anderson .Paak, Daniel Caesar, there’s a million people I can list off but I feel like we are finding new people that inspire us every day.
What’s next for you guys?
Jack Johnson: A lot of music in 2018. I don’t want to say anything in specific ‘Cause I don’t want to give anything away … A lot of new music and … if you are in Europe keep your eyes peeled. South america, all the international markets.
Jack Gilinsky: Hopefully we can dive into the whole festival scene this summer, I know it is a big thing for a lot of artists in the summertime.
