J. Walkers: Brotherly band hits the right notes

by Katherine Grivna of of North Texas Daily

The J. Walkers

Alabama once proclaimed, "If you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band." The J. Walkers are living up to those standards. The band began in 2004 as a worship band for their church. Now, they play what vocalist and guitarist Jordan Burchill described as "pop-rock with a fiddle."

The band members include Burchill, drummer Jordan O'Leary, fiddler and guitarist Klint Stallons, and bassist Derek Allen.

"There is no other feeling than when a crowd is singing along to your band's songs and enjoying the music as much as you are," Stallons said.

Standing Out

Burchill said their band's high-energy performances have something special to offer. The fiddle brings a different look to the band, he said, because of the way Stallons plays it "like a guitar." Stallons said he grew up on a farm when he was younger and started playing the fiddle 11 years ago. He said he enjoys turning country music into rock with his fiddle, which adds "versatility to the music scene." Of the four, only Burchill, a jazz studies freshman, and O'Leary, a music sophomore, attend UNT.

Stallons, a student at Tarrant County College, said UNT is the most nerve-racking college he has ever played.

"This is a world-renowned school known for their music, and I hope we made a good enough impression that we can keep the support from UNT students," he said.

Allen is a junior at Burleson High School and is graduating a year early because of the band's successes. Allen said for him, age isn't a restriction.

"I like creating music," he said. "I think everyone can follow their dreams. I've taken a step into mine."

Burchill said he considers all of the members of the band to be best friends, and they're lucky enough to be able to make music together.

Stallons said they are accountable for each other and the best thing is having other guys to share it with.

"Building a relationship with these guys, we kind of become brothers, and since we get close, there are no other guys I would rather share this experience with," he said.

Allen said "meeting these three incredible musicians and all the times we've shared together" has been his best experience in the band.

'Show'-ing Off

In Feb. 2008, The J. Walkers won first place in the North Texas Battle of the Bands, presented by the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. Their success earned the band a professional recording session and music video of their song "Losing Me."

The J. Walkers won the University Program Council's Battle of the Bands in March, earning a place at the NX35 Music Conferette and a check of $10,000, according to a previous Daily article.

The J. Walkers' gig at NX35 was rained out but the band was promised a "prime" spot next year, O'Leary said.

The band also played in Austin at the SXSW music festival.

"That was such an amazing event," O'Leary said. "I have never been to a single event where there were so many people wanting to hear new music. Being in the heart of the infamous 6th street is rewarding enough, much less packing out the bar you're playing at."

Stallons said when they get off stage they have to get back to reality because "we've got things to take care of," which includes continuing to work hard at school.

"We're people too," he said. "We're humble guys who love playing music."

Plans for the future

This summer, The J. Walkers will be touring with the eXtreme Tour and have high hopes for their next step into the music business.

"For me, I want to play every night and make being a musician a career," O'Leary said.

The J. Walkers Upcoming Shows

The Hydrant Café, Denton - April 9 at 8 p.m.

Central Market of Plano - April 11 at 5 p.m.

Bruce Jam! at Bruce Hall, Denton - April 30 at 9 p.m.

Rocketown-GMA Showcase Nashville, TN - April 21 at 7 p.m.

Mayfest, Fort Worth - May 2 at 8 p.m.

Live at Mokah, Dallas - May 22 at 8 p.m.