Teskey Brothers: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About The Teskey Brothers
The Teskey Brothers have quickly become one of the most celebrated blues and soul acts to emerge from Australia, captivating audiences worldwide with their raw, authentic sound. With their old-school soul vibes and emotional depth, they’ve carved out a niche in modern music, blending classic influences with their own distinctive style. While their music is gaining widespread recognition, there are plenty of fun facts and untold stories about the band that even hardcore fans might not know. Let’s dive into some lesser-known aspects of The Teskey Brothers!
1. They Started as a Backyard Band
Before selling out venues around the world, the Teskey Brothers—comprised of brothers Josh and Sam Teskey, along with Brendon Love and Liam Gough—began their musical journey as a backyard jam band. Growing up in Warrandyte, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, the brothers would play for friends and family, honing their bluesy sound in informal settings. These humble beginnings helped them develop the raw, soulful energy that later became the hallmark of their music.
2. Their First Album Was Self-Recorded
Their debut album, "Half Mile Harvest" (2017), wasn’t recorded in a fancy studio with big-name producers. In true DIY fashion, the Teskey Brothers recorded the album themselves in their own home studio. This gave the record its distinctively warm, analog sound, with little production gloss. The decision to self-record was not just practical but intentional—they wanted to capture the authenticity of their live performances, and it worked. The album was a huge success, launching them onto the global stage.
3. They Were Almost a Reggae Band
Before finding their signature blues and soul sound, the Teskey Brothers experimented with a variety of musical styles, including reggae. In fact, during their early years, they flirted with the idea of becoming a reggae band, influenced by their love for artists like Bob Marley. While they eventually settled into a blues and soul groove, elements of reggae can still occasionally be heard in the rhythms and laid-back vibes of their music.
4. Josh Teskey’s Voice Was a Revelation
It’s hard to believe now, but Josh Teskey—whose gravelly, soul-drenched voice has drawn comparisons to legends like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke—was once shy about singing. In the band’s early days, Josh mostly played guitar, unsure of whether his voice would suit the band’s sound. It was only after encouragement from his brother Sam and the other band members that he took on the role of lead vocalist. His voice soon became one of the defining features of the Teskey Brothers’ music, earning him praise as one of the best soul voices of the modern era.
5. The Band Is Extremely Family-Oriented
The Teskey Brothers’ close bond as siblings extends beyond the music. Family plays a huge role in their lives, and the band often includes family members in their creative process. Josh and Sam’s parents were supportive of their music from the start, even allowing them to set up a studio in their house. Today, the brothers remain connected to their hometown of Warrandyte, often speaking fondly of their family and the strong sense of community they feel there.
6. Their Albums Are Recorded Live
To preserve the raw energy and emotion of their music, the Teskey Brothers record their albums live in the studio, often in single takes. This method allows them to capture the spontaneity and imperfections that make their sound so authentic. In a world of overproduced music, the Teskey Brothers’ decision to record live—mistakes and all—sets them apart and brings listeners closer to the heart of their songs.
7. They Performed on a Tram for a Good Cause
In 2019, the Teskey Brothers took part in one of the most unusual and heartwarming concerts of their career. They performed a live set on a Melbourne tram to raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, supporting communities affected by the devastating bushfires that swept through Australia. The intimate performance saw them serenading passengers while the tram traveled through the city, and it was live-streamed to fans worldwide. It was a perfect reflection of the band’s dedication to their local community and their willingness to use music for good.
8. Josh Teskey Collaborated with Australian Blues Legend Ash Grunwald
In 2020, Josh Teskey teamed up with Australian blues musician Ash Grunwald for a collaborative album titled "Push the Blues Away." The album saw Josh diving even deeper into his blues roots, with stripped-back acoustic tracks that put his soulful vocals front and center. The collaboration was a dream for Australian blues fans, merging two powerful voices in the country’s music scene. The album’s raw, organic sound was a continuation of the Teskey Brothers’ mission to keep blues music alive for new generations.
9. They’re Known for Tear-Jerking Live Shows
If you’ve ever been to a Teskey Brothers concert, you know that their live performances are more than just a musical experience—they’re emotional journeys. Fans often talk about being moved to tears during songs like "Pain and Misery" and "So Caught Up." The band’s ability to tap into deep emotions, combined with Josh Teskey’s raw vocal delivery, creates an atmosphere of intimacy that few modern bands can match. The Teskey Brothers have said that connecting with the audience on an emotional level is one of the most important aspects of their performances.
10. Their Music Video for “So Caught Up” Was Filmed in One Shot
The Teskey Brothers’ music video for “So Caught Up” is a perfect example of their appreciation for simplicity and authenticity. Filmed in one continuous take, the video features the band performing in a rustic, old warehouse as the camera moves around them. The decision to shoot the video in a single take was made to capture the live energy of the song and avoid the polished, overly produced look that many music videos have. It’s just another example of how the Teskey Brothers value realness over perfection.
The Teskey Brothers have built their career on authenticity, emotion, and a deep respect for the roots of blues and soul. From their humble beginnings in backyard jam sessions to performing on trams and headlining festivals, they’ve stayed true to their love of live, raw music. With their old-school sensibilities and dedication to keeping the soul of blues alive, the Teskey Brothers have become modern torchbearers of timeless music, and their story is only just beginning.
One of the most meaningful lyrics from The Teskey Brothers comes from their song "Pain and Misery":
"Why did you have to go and leave me lonely, didn't you know I'd be so sad and blue?"
This lyric encapsulates the raw emotion and heartbreak that runs through much of The Teskey Brothers' music. The simplicity of the line, combined with the soulful delivery, speaks to the universal feeling of loss and longing. It's a powerful reflection of human vulnerability, making it one of the most resonant lines in their catalog. This connection to deep emotions is what has endeared the band to fans worldwide, allowing their music to transcend time and place.