Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Playlunch Set for National High School Tour

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Playlunch are heading back to school in 2027, with The Push and triple j Unearthed opening expressions of interest for their National High School Tour.

Supported by the Australian Government’s Revive Live program, the initiative will bring free live performances, music industry workshops and student performance opportunities to six secondary schools across Australia from March next year.

The national rollout follows successful pilot events in Canberra and Melbourne, which attracted more than 2,500 students.

ARIA Award-winning indie-rock outfit Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Melbourne's self-described “bogan funk” band Playlunch will headline the tour, with each participating school hosting a lunchtime performance from one of the acts.

Students will also have the opportunity to take part in music careers workshops delivered by the artists alongside representatives from The Push and triple j Unearthed, while a student band from each school will be invited to join the lineup.

The program is designed to make live music more accessible to young Australians, particularly those who face barriers relating to age, cost and location. Participation is free, with all activities taking place during school hours. Schools are not required to have an existing music program or dedicated performing arts facilities to be eligible.

“You never forget your first gig. It creates the memory that leads to a lifetime of loving live music and The Push is making sure that first gig is Australian,” Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said.

The Push CEO Kate Duncan said the initiative would help address some of the challenges identified in the organisation's research into young Australian music audiences.

“Music isn’t just entertainment; we know from The Push’s Young Australian Audiences Report that it is essential infrastructure for young people’s wellbeing, identity, and community connection. Age, cost, and postcode far too often get in the way of young people experiencing live music," she said. 

"By taking live Australian bands, hands-on career workshops, and performance opportunities directly into schools, we are opening up clear ways into music for every young Australian.”

Lachlan Macara, Head of triple j and Double J, added that the partnership would also introduce students to the range of career opportunities available across the music industry.

“triple j will always show up for Australian music, whether it's helping audiences discover their favourite new act or helping break the next gen of talented artists. Partnering with The Push on this tour gives us the opportunity to do more of that while meeting young people right where they are and showing the many pathways to a career in the industry, whether that's on stage, in the studio, behind the scenes or on air.”

For Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, the opportunity to perform for high school students is particularly meaningful, with the band reflecting on the role live music played in inspiring their own careers.

“Getting to see live music when you’re in high school is life-changing, it’s the exact spark that made us want to start a band. Being able to play directly for high school kids across Australia, mentor them through workshops, and show them that a career in music is 100% achievable is something we are so pumped to be part of.”

Playlunch's Liam Bell echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of all-ages performances in developing the next generation of music fans. “Playing all-ages shows and connecting with younger audiences is where the real energy is at. The Push has been championing young music lovers for four decades, and we can’t wait to bring our live show into high schools across the country to turn lunchtime into full-blown festival energy and meet the next wave of Aussie talent.”

Beyond providing opportunities for students, the tour is expected to create work for local production crews, technicians and event staff, while supporting audience development for Australian artists.

The initiative also aligns with priorities outlined in The Push's 10-year National Plan for Young Australians and Music, which aims to strengthen young people's engagement with the Australian music industry.

Expressions of interest are now open to secondary schools nationwide, with principals, music coordinators and student groups encouraged to apply.

Schools can register their interest here.