Jacob Hallman (b. 1985) was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents who are both nurses. He grew up in Larned, Kansas. In 2008, Hallman released his debut album In the Hall with the Birdcatchers. For ten years, he studied music formally, moving to Europe in 2010 after completing his Master's of Music at the University of Missouri. Hallman is co-founder of StudyGate, a web-based app built to help students connect with tutors and get help on their homework questions.