Jacob Hemphill grew up in Arlington, Va., and attended Yorktown High School.  He worked part time in the Heidelberg pastry shop on Lee Highway, played Mario Kart and went on to graduate from George Mason University.

By Monica Cardenas

He may be fairly inconspicuous while walking the streets of Clarendon, but add in fellow lead singer Bob Jefferson, the rest of the band, Ken Brownell, Ryan Berty and Patrick O’Shea, and the group is easily recognized as the globe-trotting band SOJA.

SOJA is one of a growing list of celebrities to come out of Arlington, including Patch Adams, Sandra Bullock and Katie Couric.  And just days past the age of 27, Jacob doesn’t seem fazed a bit. 

“I don’t know if we had our big break yet, or if it happened I wasn’t paying attention,” said Jacob with a laugh.  “It’s a long process.  It doesn’t happen overnight.”

 Jacob thanks his father for interest in music, whose guitar skills piqued his interest at a young age. At age thirteen Jacob took lessons from the local musician Eric Waters.  His older brother, Andy, meanwhile, is working as an artist in Ohio.

Mr. Hemphill teaches economics at Georgetown University and is retired, as is Mrs. Hemphill.“He’s a big geek,” said Jacob.  “Both my parents are retired, so they’re just chilling.” 

And what do they think of Jacob’s career choice?“They think it’s totally awesome.  They’re so proud of me,” said Jacob.  “They think I’m famous, and I don’t have the heart to tell them I’m not,” he laughed. 

Somehow Jacob remains close to his family while playing nearly 150 shows a year.  In fact, the band is now touring Europe, and will return in time to play at The State Theatre in Falls Church on June 30. 

Single and grounded, Jacob clearly loves his work.  In fact, in his free time he prefers to work more.“There’s not much free time left after a day of rocking,” said Jacob.  “Go rock more, I guess.  You won’t find me following the trends though.  That’s not my style.”

 Clearly, continuing the untrendy trend is the goal of the group.  No one can really define the style, except that it’s unique.  The music is a blend of reggae, but the band was influenced by both hip hop and rock. 

When there is some down time, it’s safe to say Jacob loves coming home.  However, there is no one place he likes to be over all others. “There are way too many cool things about Arlington to have a favorite.  I like to be all over the place.”

Other FACES articles:

• Jake McGuire, Photographer - September 2006
  
• Maj. Rick Nealis, Race Director, Marine Corps Marathon - October 2006
  
• Morrill Worcester, President, Worcester Wreath Company - November 2006
  
• Sona Virdi, Founder and CEO of Radio Clarendon - December 2006
• Paul Ferguson, Arlington County Board Chairman - January 2007
• Megan Shoup, Arlington Athletic & Social League - February 2007
• Bobby & Tiffany Lee, Mr Days - March 2007
• Chris Farley, Pacers Running Stores - April 2007