Union Jack and the Megatones
Encyclopedia
Union Jack and the Megatones were an US
band which gained popularity during the third wave of ska in the late 1990s in the Austin
, Texas
area. They hailed from Cedar Park
and Leander, Texas
and were known regionally as the "first ska band from Cedar Park". The band's lyrical content addressed the anxieties of teenage relationships, the difficulties of being musicians, and general silliness. The music was an eclectic mix of third-wave ska, alternative, pop and marching band sounds.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
band which gained popularity during the third wave of ska in the late 1990s in the Austin
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
area. They hailed from Cedar Park
Cedar Park
Cedar Park may refer to:*Cedar Park, Texas, a city located in Williamson County, Texas**Cedar Park Center, a concert venue and sports arena, in Cedar Park, Texas*Cedar Park , listed on the NRHP in Anne Arundel County, Maryland...
and Leander, Texas
Leander, Texas
Leander is a city in Williamson and Travis counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 7,596 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimates the population is now 25,424...
and were known regionally as the "first ska band from Cedar Park". The band's lyrical content addressed the anxieties of teenage relationships, the difficulties of being musicians, and general silliness. The music was an eclectic mix of third-wave ska, alternative, pop and marching band sounds.
History
The band was formed initially in 1997 in the wake of the "summer of ska". First performing at a Leander High School talent show as a joke, the group grew more serious and gained recognition in the Austin area, especially in their hometowns. Though musicians came and went throughout the band's history, by the time of their most successful EP, 1999's Kamikaze, the membership had solidified to its final state. The group disbanded in 2000, at the height of their popularity, when B.J. Golding left the band.Membership
- B.J. Golding - Guitar and vocals
- Robert Harpold - Trumpet
- Matt Kay - Tenor Saxophone
- Dale Morris - Bass and vocals
- Ethan Morris - Drums
- Noel Burns - Trombone