By Bri Ng Schwartz
Photographs // Brianna DaSilvia
Glory, the most recent EP from Australian indie-rock band Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers, is a loud and proud eruption that’s equal components coronary heart and rage. The uncooked lyricism is the type that may solely be achieved by an intimate collaboration, which Anna Ryan, guitarist Scarlett McKahey, drummer Neve van Boxsel, and bassist Jaida Stephenson have achieved not solely by realizing one another since their teenage years, however in creating this album whereas residing in the identical home.
The group has spent the final decade constructing a loyal fanbase, all whereas gaining new audiences opening for rock legends Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters. We had the possibility to fulfill Neve and be taught extra concerning the group’s historical past and all that makes this new album and period so particular.
Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers shaped in 2015. You’ve been a band for a decade now! What are you most pleased with within the final 10 years? Have there been any surprises alongside the best way that you simply hadn’t anticipated when first beginning out?
The most important shock is that we’re nonetheless going. We shaped the band at a sleepover watching Faculty of Rock for enjoyable, so the truth that we’re nonetheless going a decade in is superb. Each time we get a brand new present provide, just like the Pearl Jam tour in America or our first stadium present with Foo Fighters, all of these huge milestones, the primary factor is that we’re nonetheless having fun with it.
Did you be taught something about your personal stage presence or artistry watching legends like Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters in motion?
Watching Matt Cameron on the drums, the best way Eddie connects with the group, we took quite a bit away from that. They actually put in a lot effort at every present. In addition they put in a lot effort with us. It makes such a distinction once we’re on tour and we’ve bought help acts. We at all times attempt to make it tremendous inclusive, and the actual fact he’s nonetheless doing that and he’s in one of many largest bands on the earth is loopy.
Your new LP, Glory, is out November seventh. What are you able to share concerning the course of of making that album and the inception of all of it?
Within the writing course of, we collaborated quite a bit with different artists and we had 50 songs to shortlist from. We had simply a lot materials. With our final undertaking, a few of the songs we’d written once we have been 16, however all the pieces on Glory is from the previous yr, previous two years. So it’s actually related to the place we’re at in our lives. In order that was a totally completely different course of as effectively.
Once we recorded, we stayed at a studio for 5 weeks and we have been residing there and recording the album. We’d by no means performed that earlier than and that was actually intense, however I believe it made everybody so locked in and it made the undertaking actually cohesive. I believe that simply comes with rising up as effectively. We’re not youngsters anymore.
Do you will have a private favourite tune off this album?
I actually love “WONDERFUL” which is the closing tune. It makes me cry. After which “MOTHER” which is the exact opposite to that tune.
I noticed that you simply just lately performed “MOTHER” dwell at one among your latest exhibits. What was the response to that?
It was superb as a result of the primary time we performed it dwell, it wasn’t out but. So folks have been actually simply experiencing it for the primary time. It goes on such a journey, and on the finish of the tune it’s dashing up and it was so humorous. It was like folks didn’t know what to do. I reckon that’s my favourite to play dwell.
How would you say that this file compares to I Love You Too?
It’s much more mature and it’s much more intentional. For lots of the songs on I Love You we have been like 16, 17, it’s like a variety of angsty craving form of stuff. There’s nonetheless components of that on this one, however the themes are extra mature, we’re extra mature.
Might you share somewhat bit extra concerning the themes on this album?
There’s themes of the inner battle between being actually terrified of doing one thing, however then doing it anyway. That’s what “Great” is about. Then there’s a variety of themes of empowerment. Being extra assured as younger non-males and never being afraid to take up area, experiences that we’ve had with males within the trade.
What can followers anticipate out of your upcoming tour dates?
Excessive vitality exhibits. Clearly enjoying many of the album, I need to play all of it. I don’t know the way the hell we’re going to jot down a set record. It’ll be our longest set as effectively that we’ve performed. Additionally enjoying some unimaginable venues which have been on our bucket record for ages.
And also you’re enjoying Laneway subsequent yr! Are you excited for anybody on that lineup?
Clearly Chappell Roan. I simply love her set design. I do know she’s going to go all out. Alex G. I’m excited to see who Position Rodel brings out as Sally. I need to be Sally.
Don’t all of us? Now we have to begin campaigning for you now!
Yeah. I’m truthfully so excited for that entire pageant run. I’m excited to achieve an entire new fan base by that too.
10 years is a very long time to develop up with folks and study who you’re as artists and professionals. What do you worth most about the way you collaborate with each other?
We’ve identified one another for longer. I’ve identified Anna for 20 years, finest pals for thus lengthy. We simply communicate a language that not everybody can perceive, and so we perceive one another so effectively. Having the ability to get so far the place we will share concepts or recommend modifications to issues and it not be private is a extremely highly effective factor. I’m pleased with the collaboration.
Glory can now be streamed on Spotify and Apple Music. Join with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers on Instagram @teenjesusandthejeanteasers.
CONNECT WITH TEEN JESUS AND THE JEAN TEASERS
