Two acoustic guitars, three band members and a group of music appreciating students set the scene for indie rock band Jack the Radio’s live performance and conversation Thursday night in D.H. Hill’s auditorium. The performance was the first in the new “Alumni Making Music” series, which features NC State alumni who have successfully pursued a career in music.
When George Hage came to NC State as a freshman from Charlotte, he had already been playing music throughout high school in various bands. This passion for music was further developed as Hage and close friend A.C. Hill would play music outside their residence hall; students would bring food and drinks and listen to the two jam out. This sparked the beginning of indie rock band, “Jack the Radio.”
Hage, who formed the band alongside Hill nearly six years ago, fully embraced the music scene in Raleigh during his time at NC State.
“Once I got to State it seemed like every 10 rooms, somebody played guitar,” Hage said. “Most people would display their music taste on their walls, with music posters from bands like Radiohead. I was able to meet people at State that way, and that was when I was more on my own and would go to venues by myself or with friends.”
Although Hill has played guitar since age 13, he received a more formal music education at NC State, where he ended up minoring in music. Hill notes that a music minor helped his songwriting, as he learned more about song structure.
Since Jack the Radio’s official start in 2005, the group has released four albums, their latest being “Badlands.”Although Hill recognizes that any art form can induce doubt, he is nevertheless confident in and grateful for Jack the Radio’s success.
“The big motivator is when we’ll do a show or put something out and there’s negative feedback, but we are fortunate to have a lot of positive feedback and that really motivates me,” Hage said. “When you put something out there and people like it, it’s a good feeling. Being able to create something and actually have people see it and enjoy it is very gratifying.”
Bandmate Hill was studying engineering as an undergraduate, but did not let his studies stop him from making time for his music. As Hill started out as a singer-songwriter, Hill learned to transition from being an individual artist to a playing in a band.
The two first hit it off after Hill stayed with Hage for a spring break since his residence was closed, and the two passed time playing music together. Having grown up in a small town, Hill credits Raleigh’s music scene as one that provided many opportunities for both music lovers and musicians.
“I was around music a lot,” Hill said. “We saw shows two or three times a week.”
Hage also found Raleigh to be beneficial to his music career, as the city itself has helped his songwriting.
“What’s awesome about Raleigh is there’s new restaurants opening, new breweries, cool architecture and that stuff can be really inspiring,” Hage said.
As undergrads, Hage and Hill played many gigs at the Brewery, a music venue within walking distance to NC State that has since gone out of business. The band made 100 copies of its first EP, which helped it gain confidence in its ability to produce its own music.
“For us it was more about whether or not we could make it and put it out there,” Hage said. It was for us. We weren’t thinking that far ahead, which made it way easier when you take that pressure off and don’t focus so much on what you’re going to get back out of it.”
After college, the band took a five-year break due to work and personal obligations. Since getting back together, Jack the Radio has performed at the New Year’s Eve First Night in Raleigh, the Red Hat Amphitheater alongside the Cold War Kids, along with other mainly local performances.
According to Hage, his best advice for musicians is to keep putting out music even if it’s not perfect, and to push oneself musically.
When the band played songs off their latest album, the audience silenced and listened to the country roots seep through the performance.
The last song the band performed Thursday was “Moonlight,” which wrapped up the night with more of a soft, whimsical vibe. Jack the Radio’s success can be seen as an example that students hoping to go into any creative career can make their dreams a reality.
Jack the Radio founders, NC State alumni and North Carolina natives, A.C Hill and George Hage practice prior to Alumni Making Music in D.H. Hill auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 26th 2017. They began writing songs in their dorm room in 2005. Their new album "Badlands" is available on Jacktheradio.bandcamp.com.
