The Teskey Brothers: Soul Revivalists with a Modern Pulse
On a warm Melbourne afternoon in 2008, two teenage brothers set up on a street corner, guitars in hand, pouring Otis Redding–style heartache into the open air. They were chasing pocket change, maybe a few smiles. What they found instead was the start of something extraordinary.
Josh and Sam Teskey have come a long way from those busking days. Over the past decade, The Teskey Brothers have grown into one of Australia’s most compelling musical exports—a soulful, blues-infused powerhouse that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. Their sound is steeped in the golden age of rhythm and blues, yet carries a freshness born of raw honesty and meticulous craft.
Their first album, Half Mile Harvest (2017), recorded in Sam’s home studio, was an unpolished gem—proof that analog warmth and heartfelt delivery could still cut through in a digital age. Two years later, Run Home Slow wasn’t just a follow-up—it was a breakthrough. The record earned them ARIA Awards for Best Group, Best Blues & Roots Album, and saw Sam recognised as Engineer of the Year.
By 2023, The Teskey Brothers were chart-toppers. Their third studio album, The Winding Way, debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Charts and went on to win Best Record at the Rolling Stone Australia Awards. In 2024, they were named Songwriters of the Year by APRA, cementing their status as craftsmen of emotional storytelling.
But the Teskey magic truly comes alive on stage. Whether it’s their spine-tingling Day on the Green performance in early 2025 or their sold-out nights at London’s Hammersmith Apollo—captured on their latest live release—Josh’s voice soars with gospel grit while Sam’s guitar work dances between delicate phrasing and fiery leads. Together, they summon the spirit of soul greats, without ever lapsing into imitation.
What makes The Teskey Brothers stand out isn’t just technical skill—it’s authenticity. In an era of polished playlists and algorithm-friendly hooks, they dare to slow the pace, let the tape hiss breathe, and linger in the ache of a lyric. Their music feels lived-in, like a cherished vinyl pulled from its sleeve on a rainy Sunday.
From Melbourne’s street corners to the world’s grand stages, The Teskey Brothers are keeping soul music not only alive, but thriving. And if their journey so far is any indication, the road ahead will be every bit as winding—and wonderful—as the music they make.
