Jack the Radio

Two guys with acoustic guitars huddled around an obsolete computer and a couple of microphones hardly ever pans out well, but in 2005, that was the arrangement A.C. Hill and George Hage. Hill and Hage, who knew each other from their days at N.C. State, had become temporary roommates that summer. That happenstance seemed as good an excuse as any "to write, record and self-release an EP," says Hage. Settling on the moniker Jack the Radio, the guys spent the next year playing a few shows, selling out of EPs and "[having] a blast," assures Hage.

But that didn't keep the band together. "[We] got caught up with other projects and other things going on at the time," he explains. It wasn't dramatic; it just also wasn't a priority.

Fast forward five years: Hage and Hill decided to revisit the project. This time, ramping up their ambition, the guys added band members and adopted a more aggressive writing and touring schedule. "I never thought when George and I got together five years ago that we'd be at this point today," says Hill, who describes the additions of Brent Francese (drums) and Danny Johnson (lap steel/keys) as the initial blast out of their acoustic past. Adding Larry Dempsey (bass), Bill Corbin (bass), and Kendal Quinn (cello) pushed that evolution even further, coaxing the guys toward a more rock-band sound. These days, think Southern indie rock, and you're close.

"When A.C. and I decided to start writing again, the songs came pretty quickly. We were adding members every few months, which allowed things to build naturally," says Hage. That ease inspired the newfound Jack the Radio to begin recording their debut full length, Pretty Money. The recording process—five sessions spread over 355 days—was a true test of their patience. But it allowed the group to develop their dynamic.

"I couldn't ask for a better group of guys to play music with," says Hill, "our chemistry as a band on and off stage is something I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of." —Ashley Melzer