Teenage Joans

Australian indie rock duo

Teenage Joans

Background information
Origin| Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Genres|

* Indie rock
* pop
* punk rock
* rock

Years active| 2018–present
Labels|

* Domestic La La
* Juicebox Records (independent)
* Teenage Joans

Members|

* Tahlia Borg
* Cahli Blakers

Website| www.teenagejoans.com.au

Teenage Joans are an Australian indie rock and punk rock duo from Adelaide, South Australia, who formed in 2018. The duo consists of vocalist and drummer Tahlia Borg and vocalist and guitarist Cahli Blakers.

The duo rose to prominence with their debut single "By the Way". Their second single, "Three Leaf Clover", was released in March 2020 and became the winning song of Triple J's 2020 Unearthed High competition. Their debut extended play, Taste of Me, was released on 28 May 2021. They released their debut studio album, The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest, in October 2023, and an accompanying short film in 2024.

The duo have been the recipients of multiple awards, winning South Australian Live Act of the Year at the 2019 National Live Music Awards, and six awards at the 2021 South Australian Music Awards, including Best Group, Best New Artist, Best Punk Artist, Best Release (for Taste of Me), Best Cover Art and Best Song (for "Something About Being Sixteen").

## Career

[edit]

### 2018–2020: Formation and "By the Way"

[edit]

The pair met in 2018 when introduced by a mutual friend at Northern Sound Systems when Blakers was searching for a band-mate. At the time of their music releasing, Borg attended Gleeson College, making the band eligible for the Unearthed High competition, which they went on to win. They performed at Laneway Festival and A Day of Clarity in 2019.[1]

### 2021–2022: Taste of Me

[edit]

On 14 January 2021, Teenage Joans released "Something About Being Sixteen", the lead single from their debut extended play.[2] On 26 March, the duo released the single "Ice Cream", and announced their forthcoming debut EP, Taste of Me.[3] On 27 May, they released the single "Wine".[4] Taste of Me was released on 28 May 2021.[3] Taste of Me received positive reviews, and was included in Australian music publication The Music's mid-year list of their top 25 albums of the year to date.[5] On 19 November, the duo were announced as the recipients of seven awards at the 2021 South Australian Music Awards.[6] On 6 March 2022, the duo were announced to support Foo Fighters alongside the Chats on the Australian leg of their upcoming tour,[7] before all tour dates were cancelled following the death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.[8] On 29 April, they release the single "Terrible" and announced that they had signed to record label Domestic La La, run by James Tidswell of Violent Soho.[9]

### 2023–present: The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest

[edit]

On 2 May 2023, Teenage Joans returned with their first new song since early 2022. "Superglue" was released alongside a music video,[10] followed by "Candy Apple" on 10 August 2023.[11] That same day, the band announced their debut studio album, The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest, would be releasing on 13 October 2023 as their first album release with Domestic La La.[11]

In 2024, the band released their debut short film, a visual accompaniment for The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest. It was directed by Jamie Al Kayyali and stars the duo playing fictionalised versions of themselves. They held premiere screenings in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.[12]

## Artistry

[edit]

### Musical style and influences

[edit]

Musically, Teenage Joans are an indie rock,[13] pop,[13] punk rock,[14] and rock band,[13] with the duo self-describing their sound as "juicebox punk-pop".[15] They list Waax, Camp Cope, and Sophie Hopes of Tired Lion as musical influences.[16] The duo have stated that they intend for their music to reflect a more modern take on the punk music made popular by Blink-182 and Thirty Seconds to Mars.[14]

### Songwriting and lyrical themes

[edit]

Teenage Joans say their lyrics "feel nostalgic and feel like [something] you could consume as a young person, but also have a heavier kind of meaning that people can relate to,"[16] with frontwoman and guitarist Cahli Blakers stating that one of their favourite things to do when writing is "juxtaposing serious topics using childlike metaphors in order to get the point across in a different way."[17]

## Band members

[edit]

Current members

* Tahlia Borg (born 2002)[14] – vocals, drums (2018–present)
* Cahli Blakers (born 2001)[18] – vocals, guitar (2018–present)

## Discography

[edit]

### Studio albums

[edit]

List of albums, with selected chart positions  Title  | Album details  | Peak chart
positions

|
|

AUS
[19]
The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest |

* Released: 13 October 2023
* Label: Domestic La La

| 59

### Extended plays

[edit]

List of EPs, with selected details  Title  | Details

|

Taste of Me |

* Released: 28 May 2021
* Label: Teenage Joans

### Singles

[edit]

List of singles, with year released and album name shown  Title  | Year  | Album

|
|

"By the Way"[20] | 2019  | Non-album singles
"Three Leaf Clover"[21] | 2020
"Something About Being Sixteen"[2] | 2021  | Taste of Me
"Ice Cream"[3]
"Wine"[4]
"Terrible"[9] | 2022  | Non-album single
"Superglue"[22] | 2023  | The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest
"Candy Apple"[23]
"5 Things I Can Taste"[24]
"Girl from the Record Shop"
(with Frank Turner)[25] | 2024  | Undefeated
"1800-PAINLESS"
(with Between You & Me)[26] | Non-album single
"Sweet and Slow"[27] | 2025  | Non-album single

## Filmography

[edit]

* The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest: The Film (21 mins, 2024)[12]

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

The Teenage Joans were awarded a Robert Stigwood Fellowship, which provided mentorship and professional development, by the Music Development Office in SA.[28]

### AIR Awards

[edit]

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2022 | Teenage Joans  | Breakthrough Independent Artist of the Year  | Nominated  | [29][30]
2024 | The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest | Best Independent Punk Album or EP  | Nominated  | [31]
Janine Morcos for Teenage Joans The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest | Independent Publicity Team of the Year  | Nominated

### ARIA Music Awards

[edit]

The ARIA Music Awards are a set of annual ceremonies presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2024 | The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest | Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album | Nominated  | [32]

### J Awards

[edit]

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2021 | Themselves  | Unearthed Artist of the Year  | Nominated  | [33][34]

### National Live Music Awards

[edit]

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognize contributions to the live music industry in Australia.

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2019 | Themselves  | South Australian Live Act of the Year  | Won  | [35]
2023 | Themselves  | Best Live Act in SA  | Nominated  | [36]

### South Australian Music Awards

[edit]

The South Australian Music Awards (previously known as the Fowler's Live Music Awards) are annual awards that exist to recognise, promote and celebrate excellence in the South Australian contemporary music industry. They commenced in 2012.[37]

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result (wins only)  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2021  | Teenage Joans  | Best Group  | Won  | [6]
Best New Artist  | Won
Best Punk Artist  | Won
Taste of Me | Best Release  | Won
Best Cover Art  | Won
"Something About Being Sixteen"  | Best Song  | Won
Themselves  | City of Adelaide Exceptional Live Performance Award  | Won
2024  | Teenage Joans  | Best Group  | Won  | [38]

### Triple J Unearthed High

[edit]

Year  | Nominee / work  | Award  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2020  | Themselves  | Unearthed High Competition  | Won  | [39]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Meet Teenage Joans, the Unearthed High finalists and Adelaide best mates slash garage rock dream team". Triple J. 31 August 2020. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
2. ^ a b Bruce, Jasper (14 January 2021). "Teenage Joans drop energetic new track "Something About Being Sixteen"". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
3. ^ a b c Bruce, Jasper (25 March 2021). "Teenage Joans announce debut EP, share sweet new track "Ice Cream"". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 25 March 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
4. ^ a b "Wine – Single by Teenage Joans on Apple Music". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
5. ^ "Are these the best albums of 2021 so far?". The Music. 1 July 2021. Archived from the original on 1 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
6. ^ a b "South Australian Music Awards 2021 Winners". Scenestr. 19 November 2021. Archived from the original on 20 November 2021. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
7. ^ Daly, Rhian (6 March 2022). "Foo Fighters confirm 2022 Australia and New Zealand stadium tour". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
8. ^ Lochrie, Conor (30 March 2022). "Foo Fighters cancel Australia and New Zealand stadium tour". Rolling Stone Australia. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
9. ^ a b Doria, Matt (29 April 2022). "Teenage Joans usher in a punchy new era with "Terrible", Domestic La La signing". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
10. ^ "Teenage Joans Release New Track 'Superglue'". Heavy Mag. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
11. ^ a b Varvaris, Mary (10 August 2023). "Teenage Joans Announce Debut Album 'The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest'". The Music. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
12. ^ a b Young, David James (19 January 2024). "Teenage Joans Announce Premiere Screenings For Debut Short Film". Music Feeds. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
13. ^ a b c "Teenage Joans on Triple J Unearthed". Triple J Unearthed. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
14. ^ a b c Skujins, Angela (7 November 2019). "Teenage Joans: How growing pains made two punk teens supreme". CityMag. Archived from the original on 7 November 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
15. ^ "Juice box punk-pop vibes". City of Playford. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
16. ^ a b Carr, Debbie (17 February 2021). "Teenage Joans: Adelaide juice-box punk-pop duo on a mission of inclusivity". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 17 February 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
17. ^ Jenke, Tyler (26 March 2021). "Teenage Joans share new single, "Ice Cream", announce debut EP". Rolling Stone Australia. Archived from the original on 26 March 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
18. ^ Baker, Rebecca (10 September 2020). "SA teen pop-punk duo wins Triple J's national comp". AdelaideNow. Archived from the original on 29 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
19. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 23 October 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1755\. Australian Recording Industry Association. 23 October 2023. p. 6.
20. ^ "By the Way – Single by Teenage Joans on Apple Music". Apple Music. 19 November 2019. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
21. ^ "Three Leaf Clover – Single by Teenage Joans on Apple Music". Apple Music. 26 March 2020. Archived from the original on 9 April 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
22. ^ "TEENAGE JOANS Release New Track 'Superglue'". Heavy Mag. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
23. ^ Varvaris, Mary. "Teenage Joans Announce Debut Album 'The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest'". The Music. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
24. ^ "TEENAGE JOANS Unveil New Track '5 Things I Can Taste'". Heavy Mag. 22 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
25. ^ "Frank Turner Links Up With One Of His Favourite Newer Bands, Teenage Joans". The Music. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
26. ^ Fry, Courtney (7 August 2024). "You Need To Hear: Between You & Me and Teenage Joans - 1800-PAINLESS". Triple J. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
27. ^ "Song You Need to Know: Teenage Joans, 'Sweet and Slow'". Rolling Stone Australia. 4 April 2025. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
28. ^ "Robert Stigwood Fellowship Program". Music Development Office (SA). Archived from the original on 29 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
29. ^ "Nominees Announced For AIR Independent Music Awards 2022". musicfeeds. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
30. ^ Tyler Jenke (5 August 2022). "Genesis Owusu Wins Big At The 2022 AIR Awards". MusicFeeds. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
31. ^ "2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More". The Music. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
32. ^ "ARIA Awards 2024 nominations — everything you need to know". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
33. ^ Kelly, Vivienne (1 November 2021). "Triple j reveals J Awards nominees". The Music Network. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
34. ^ "Genesis Owusu leads this year's 2021 J Awards winners". Triple J. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
35. ^ "And the winners of the 2019 National Live Music Awards are..." National Live Music Awards. 5 December 2019. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
36. ^ "Nominees Announced For The 2023 National Live Music Awards". The Music. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
37. ^ "Past Winners". South Australian Music Awards. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
38. ^ Sutton, Malcolm (8 November 2024). "Guy Sebastian inducted into Hall of Fame as solo artist Aleksiah wins big at SA Music Awards". ABC News. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
39. ^ "Teenage Joans wins Unearthed High 2020!". Triple J. 9 September 2020. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website
* Teenage Joans discography at Discogs

External videos

Watch the moment Teenage Joans find out they've won Unearthed High!, Triple J, Australian Broadcasting Corporation
*[Ref.]: Reference