For three decades, Jebediah has built a loyal following across Australia, but for Western Australian audiences, they hold a unique place as the homegrown heroes who never left their hearts.
A Bond Forged in WA Pride
Frontman Kevin Mitchell, speaking from his home in regional Victoria, is quick to acknowledge the profound connection. "I don't want to overstate it," Mitchell says with a laugh. "But there is a different energy because there is a sense of WA and Perth claiming us. We're theirs." He emphasises the palpable sense of pride at homecoming shows, noting that Perth audiences mean a great deal to the band, a feeling they consider themselves very lucky to have sustained over such a long period.
The band recently completed a national tour celebrating their 30-year anniversary, culminating in two nostalgic performances at The Rosemount Hotel in North Perth. This venue was one of the original stages where Jebediah first cut their teeth three decades ago.
Stepping Back into 1996
Mitchell admits that playing the 'Rosie' was a particularly sentimental experience. "Playing an old song somewhere like the Rosemount definitely takes you back," he reflects. He describes how, in many ways, nothing has changed—it's the same four people on a stage that feels timeless, allowing them to mentally flip back to 1996. The main difference, he jokes, is that he no longer has to load his gear into his parents' station wagon to have a drink after the show.
WA fans are in for another treat almost immediately. Mitchell will barely have time to unpack before jetting back to join his bandmates for a headline performance at the rescheduled WA Day Festival.
From Isolation to International Acclaim
The two-day WA Day Festival has been moved to November to enjoy better weather and will transform Burswood Park with a huge line-up of attractions. Jebediah are set to headline the Sunday show. "We've done it a bunch of times in the past," Mitchell says. "They keep asking us to come back, which is great... A free concert! It's a pretty awesome initiative."
Mitchell firmly believes that WA is in the band's DNA. Jebediah were pivotal in a wave of bands that put the state's music on the national map in the 1990s. Following pioneers from the 80s, there was a lull before Jebediah became darlings of the indie scene, soon followed by acts like Karnivool and Eskimo Joe.
This surge prompted curiosity on the east coast, with media speculating if Perth could be "the next Seattle." Mitchell recalls a time when Perth's isolation was a defining feature. "Back then, that isolation was very real," he says. "Growing up in Perth, you were living in your own funny little bubble." This isolation, he believes, allowed bands like Jebediah to develop their sound without outside pressure, creating something unique by the time the rest of the country took notice.
He sees the global success of Tame Impala as the culmination of decades of West Australian music striving for and finally achieving that international attention.
The WA Day Festival runs on November 22 and 23 at Burswood Park. Jebediah play on Sunday at 7pm. For full details, visit celebratewa.com.au.
