SXSW Artist Spotlight: The Teskey Brothers

“Maybe I’ll be older, but I’ll feel just the same,” these lyrics, meant to describe love, stolen from The Teskey Brothers’ song “Forever You and Me” also adequately describe one’s relationship with their music. Founded in 2008 by, you guessed it, brothers Josh and Sam Teskey, this band threads folky guitar parts, soulful bass and up-tempo drums together with an unforgettable voice to create a timeless, distinctive sound.

Josh’s voice has been described as both “smoked whiskey” and as a “husky blue-eyed soul instrument that draws stinging regret”. Ultimately, his voice is its own entity that snakes through your ears like cool, blue smoke filling your soul.  Josh also plays the rhythm guitar and harmonica. His brother, Sam, plays the lead guitar. His long hair isn’t his only echo of the 70’s. Sam’s playing is reminiscent of Jeff Beck’s, who has had a successful solo career and played with The Yardbirds and The Honeydrippers. Brendon Love and Liam Gough, while independently talented, cumulatively provide the musical foundation for the group’s sound. Liam plays drums. Brendon plays bass.

In an article with the Sydney Morning Herald, the group cites Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway and Robert Johnson as musical inspirations. This is evident in their sound. They too possess the eternal, soulful quality of their inspirations. It permeates their first album, Half Mile Harvest. From “Crying Shame” to “Louisa” the listener gets folk, rhythm and soul. Half Mile Harvest is named after Sam’s home studio in Warrandyte, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia where the album was created. Stream the album below. Do you hear the blues, folk and soul?

The guys themselves (in addition to great hair) seem to have goofy personalities. Brendon in particular is featured in two fun videos on their Facebook page. In mid-January, Half Mile Harvest turned a year old. In honor of its birthday, the guys posted a video where Brendon takes the vinyl through a journey of potty training, walks and typical life of an infant through its first year. In another video Brendon showcases his wicked tap dancing skills while Liam taps along with his drumsticks on the floor. Their humor is also present in the caption “A Thor-tful Shout Out” where fellow Australian, Chris Hemsworth, expresses his interest in their music.

https://www.facebook.com/theteskeybrothers/videos/1778773575488180/

The boys are embarking on their first tour in the United States this March. They’ll be at SXSW and other US cities in 2018. Where will you be catching them?