Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers

Interview by Brooke Gibbs

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teaser’s Anna Ryan opens up about the deluxe edition of Glory, sharing the inspiration behind new tracks, the magic of stripped-back versions, and what fans can expect from their upcoming tour. From chaotic anthems like Bath Water to intimate reworkings of fan favorites, Anna gives us an inside look at the band’s creative journey and the excitement of bringing Glory to life on stage.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Well, congratulations on the release of the deluxe version of Glory. It’s out there in the world now. How are people vibing with it? Have people been reaching out and sharing their thoughts?

ANNA RYAN: Oh, it’s been really good and really positive. Like, it’s so nice to see people, I don’t know, still engaging in just a couple more songs on the album. It’s going really well. And it’s nice because we’ve released some stripped-back versions of some songs, and people have been really liking that too, which is lovely. It kind of gives it a whole new life.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC:Glory already felt like a really strong statement record, so what made you want to revisit and expand it?

ANNA RYAN: I think we just wanted to ride the Glory a bit more, you know? We had a couple of songs that we couldn’t wait to release. We recorded them at the same time and it felt rude not to put them out, so we had to chuck them on there.

And then we did a couple of stripped-back shows around the album announcement, and people were really connecting with that side as well. So we were like, oh, it’d be really lovely to put those versions out too, just to show a different side, I guess.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: I don’t know what it is about stripped-back versions, but I often find myself enjoying them more. From your perspective, why do you think people connect with them so much?

ANNA RYAN: I think when you take away all the production — the extra guitar parts, all the different noises and sounds — we put in, people can really connect with what the song actually is. Like, the melody or the lyrics, or something that feels personal to them. Yeah, it’s really nice to see people connecting with that side as well.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: One of the new tracks on the deluxe version is Bath Water, which has such a chaotic energy. What sparked that track?

ANNA RYAN: It’s just a bit of fun, that song, isn’t it? It kind of paints a picture of being out, you’re tired, you want to go home, you’ve had lots of fun. It’s a bit of a journey. I like it. And it’s really fun to play.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: It also explores that idea of coming home and enjoying your own company. Is that something you had to grow into?

ANNA RYAN: Yeah, I mean, I think everyone’s a bit like that. When Scarlett brought that song to the band, we were immediately like, yep, that riff is amazing, the concept is super relatable. We were all just like, “This is it.” And people have been really loving it, which is awesome.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Going back to the stripped-back versions — was there a song that surprised you when you revisited it?

ANNA RYAN: For me, it’s Mine. When we play it live normally, it’s super fast-paced, really gets you going. But the stripped-back version is kind of eerie and a little bit… yeah, almost creepy, but also really beautiful.

It’s definitely a different side to the song, because usually it’s just this super dancy, high-energy track.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: How do you approach that live — choosing between the original and stripped-back versions?

ANNA RYAN: We kind of want to keep things pretty true to the original recordings, because that’s how we all resonate with the songs the most. But some of them just feel like they need to be heard in a stripped-back way.

We didn’t even realise we’d end up doing stripped-back versions, but it feels really nice. It’s been beautiful to see that different side of the songs.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: What can fans expect from the Glory tour that they might not have seen from you before?

ANNA RYAN: Oh my gosh — so much. I feel like we’ve put a lot of work into how we’re running the set. There are lots of fun little moments, a different setup on stage. It just feels a bit more elevated, and we’re really proud and excited about what we’ve created. We can’t wait to show everybody.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: You’re also heading to North America. That must be exciting!

ANNA RYAN: Yeah, it’s crazy. We’re very excited. This year is looking pretty big.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: As a band, you’ve grown a lot since your first releases. Do you feel like your audience has grown with you, or are you reaching new fans too?

ANNA RYAN: I think we are reaching new fans with every opportunity we get. Sometimes people are a bit surprised that they like us, which is funny.

When we played the Pearl Jam shows, my favourite thing was looking into the crowd and seeing people slowly come around like, “Oh… that’s actually pretty good.” It feels good to win a few more people over.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: For anyone coming to see you for the first time, how can they keep supporting you after the tour?

ANNA RYAN: Just keep coming to shows, keep buying merch, stay in the loop with what we’re doing. We’re super excited to keep going and doing more, but we can’t really do it without people supporting us. So yeah — just engaging, buying tickets, all that simple stuff. It really matters.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: I’m keen to catch you at BASSINTHEGRAS in the Top End next month. Darwin crowds really get behind great artists.

ANNA RYAN: Yeah, we’re really excited. It’s going to be so much fun.

FUTUREMAG MUSIC: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you want people to know about the deluxe album or the tour?

ANNA RYAN: Just come! That would be great. We’re really excited. It’s kicking off today, so I’m so pumped.