An interview with Timothee and the Chalamets
On November 19 2024, in the heart of Brisbane (Meanjin/Magandjin), a unique funk and R&B band emerged. They had one mission and core statement—to exist to make people dance. Timothee and the Chalamets deliver emotional, beat-filled shows, drawing in a larger audience with each show. Their goal is to bring jam bands back into the commercial forefront in Australia and beyond. They want to foster emotional connection and vulnerability through music and use their platform for advocacy. They are anti-AI art and pro-grassroots community, advocacy, and creativity—especially to combat the rise of fascism.
Timothee and the Chalamets at Tanuki Lounge, West End 11/04/26
Photo by @keeping.brisbane.alive
(from left to right): Joe Adshead (lead guitarist), George Callan (keyboardist), Ethan Baquarian (drummer), Ezekial Ghiggioli (lead singer), Kiran Hameed (former band member and bass player), Ameya Jaurgiue (The Third Space Magazine journalist, creative director and community organiser behind Keeping Brisbane Alive)
Ameya Jaurigue: In a time where the arts industry—both in Australia and globally—is facing significant challenges, alongside the rapid rise of AI, what does it mean to you to be creating original music as a band today? How do you view the role of human connection and shared emotion in live music spaces?
Timothee and the Chalamets: As artists, we believe it is wrong to use any form of generative AI to create any part of our music/art/promotional images. AI is a technology that decenters artists from the creative process and devalues their necessary and important contributions to culture and greater society.
Art has always been at the forefront of revolutionary movements to convey complex concepts that can emotionally resonate with a wide audience. This ability for artists to imprint their personal values and experiences onto their art makes it inherently political, which AI cannot do.
These perspectives inform our modern culture and should be amplified and not censored by AI. With an ever-increasing need for businesses to be profitable, the creation of generative AI seems like a bandaid solution used to cut out the middleman including artists. As performers, it is important we maintain a strong relationship with our communities because performance is the only thing that we have that cannot be stripped away for the sake of efficiency.
AJ: Your name band name and persona, Timothee and the Chalamets, is to some really random. How did it come about, and how does it reflect your identity as a band?
TatC: Honestly, the name came from a place of necessity. Days before the band had a show, we needed to come up with a name. We loved the idea of poking fun at celebrities and the music industry, we asked in our groupchat, “What is the worst name we can think of?” After many variations, eventually Sophie, our drummer at the time, came up with “Timothee and the Chalamets.” The name reflects our self-awareness and silliness. We want perform music we love without taking ourselves too seriously.
AJ: How would you describe what sets your sound and approach apart from other acts in the current music landscape?
TatC: What sets us apart is that we are a 70s/80s-inspired funk band that jams. This scene that has died a lot over the years. We want people to dance to music played by people. We want our music to change and evolve with the audience. Dance is important to the band’s identity. Our sound also is brewed from funk. As musicians, we bring our own tastes to the group, ranging from disco to jazz to psychedelic rock and reggae. Our marketing approach is through the lens of surrealism. We like to play with comedy and horror. Our image is ironic, because we hate the prospect of being a band that takes itself too seriously.
AJ: What is your creative and production process like? How do ideas typically evolve from initial concept to finished song?
TatC: Usually, the songwriting process comes from a place of exploration and just trying to capture a vibe. Generally, our singer/guitarist Izekegi brings in material they have written, and we jam it in rehearsal and live spaces, giving them a new spin. There are certain songs that are co-written with other band members. The door is open for band members to bring in their material into the group.
AJ: Do you have a favourite song you have written and love performing? If so, why?
TatC: Our favourite song right now is Mother because it comes from the heart. It is very emotional every time it is played.
AJ: When performing live, are there particular emotions or experiences you hope to evoke in the audience?
TatC: We want to bring a sense of kinetic energy that makes the audience want to move. We also personally connect to expressing sensuality and enjoy exploring those emotions through song.
AJ: What has been your favourite gig you guys performed and why? What makes it so special?
TatC: Probably our Backshots at Brightside show. We just felt very connected to each other as a band and the audience at the time. Back in January, this show was a tremendous undertaking for us and a great learning experience. The support bands, 'The Wishfulfilled' + 'Spotlights in space' were marvelous! Playing in a big venue felt incredible, considering we haven't released music. This couldn't have happened without the energy from our audience and support from 'The Brightside'.
AJ: You’re planning to release your debut EP on physical formats later this year. What significance does a tangible release hold for you in an era dominated by streaming and a lack of owning physical media?
TatC: It makes the music feel more special. It forces you to actually listen to it instead of skipping a song if you don’t like it. Physical media lets you to be a student of music.
AJ: For readers who want to support you—and local emerging artists more broadly—what are the most impactful ways they can do so?
TatC: The Timothee and the Chalamet’s live show is as much about the audience as it is us on stage. We love seeing everyone having fun. So turning up to concerts, whether free or ticketed, is awesome! Also, buy some of our merch from from dear friend @inex.cusablem.
