Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers were inspired to form in 2015 after watching the School of Rock movie at a sleepover.
Now the Canberra band is the owner of a shiny and pointy 2024 Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist ARIA Award for their debut album I Love You.
Previously known as the ARIA Award for Best Breakthrough Artist, the award name was changed in 2021 in honour of the leading Australian music figure who died that same year.
The award was presented to the band – vocalist Anna Ryan, guitarist Scarlett McKahey, drummer Neve van Boxsel and bass player Jaida Stephenson – in Sydney on Wednesday, 20 November.
The first few words to come out of the band members’ mouths when accepting the award on stage was “Oh my god”. A swear word was also thrown in.
“This is really heavy guys. This is such an honour. We started the band when we were 15 after watching (the Jack Black movie) School of Rock at a sleepover, so this is actually incredible,” van Boxsel said in the acceptance speech.
“Also, thanks to our parents, and Jack Black, of course, we wouldn’t be here without you Jack Black.”
Van Boxsel and McKahey also thanked their team at UNIFIED Music Group.
“We’re so lucky to be here, this whole night, we’ve just been like ‘This is so surreal’…” McKahey said.
The band also performed on the night, in their first performance on television.
It’s been a busy time for the band who are the opening act on the Pearl Jam Dark Matter World Tour 2024 Australian tour. American rock band The Pixies are also on the bill.
Teen Jesus had previously performed at a festival in the United States of America that is run by Pearl Jam’s frontman Eddie Vedder.
More recently, at the Dark Matter show in Melbourne, Vedder introduced the band on stage.
Teen Jesus’ Triple J Unearthed profile says: “Channelling Riot Grrrl-era energy with a 2021 spin, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are the most natural, unapologetic and damn likeable punk-rockers you’ll meet”.
The profile further stated the band burst onto the music scene in 2019, and “quickly snapped attention for their teenage ragamuffin image and searingly good garage punk sound.”
They have performed at major music festivals including BIGSOUND, Groovin’ The Moo, Laneway, Falls, Lost Paradise and Spilt Milk, and have supported many Australian bands including Polish Club, Alex Lahey, Press Club and WAAX.
Their music is described as a “loud, badass and completely cool punk sound”.
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