IN CONVERSATION: TEETHER & KUYA NEIL

After years of carving out their own space in the underground, London/Melbourne rap duo Teether & Kuya Neil have arrived with YEARN IV—a debut album that solidifies their place as two of the most compelling voices in experimental rap. Built across continents and stitched together from a rich tapestry of internet-era chaos, cultural duality and raw introspection, the record captures the duo at their most sharpened and self-assured. With their genre-bending production and magnetic creative chemistry, Teether & Kuya Neil aren't just pushing boundaries—they're creating a whole new map. We caught up with them to dig deeper into the process behind YEARN IV, their inspirations and how they’re navigating the global music landscape from both ends of the world.

Where did it all start?

Teether: If we trace it all the way back, we met in 2014 when we were both studying sound

production. We linked proper in late 2020 to make a track and our first EP came together pretty

quick after.

Your sound is really unique — polished chaos, futuristic nostalgia. Was that intentional,

or just how it naturally evolved?

Teether: I think those feelings are present in us and in the music we have consumed and our

environment, we just try to tap into the current energy in the room and see what happens. It

comes together quite quickly and without a certain end goal in mind. We usually make the

skeleton of a track and then talk about what it sounds or feels like when we’re listening back.

Neil: It has naturally evolved and reflects who we are as people. We definitely have old man

energy, but are huge babies at the same time, so it makes sense to mix the past and present.

You’ve said before that your sound blends thrash metal, club music and early internet

weirdness. What’s a typical studio session like between the two of you — more precision

or more mayhem?

Teether: I’m not sure how to describe it but it’s always been mad easy and fun when we make

shit. Maybe somewhere between precision and chaos, we do whatever and then reign it in. We

spend a lot of time listening to music and yapping as well.

Neil: We work very quickly, committing to ideas and trusting what happens. We want it to feel as

subconscious as possible during the writing process, so tapping into the initial spark of an idea

or feeling of a moment is important when we’re together.

What are the main influences behind your music?

Teether: I don’t even know where to start at this point. All music is worth listening to to some

extent.

Neil: Boredom and wanting to escape

Are there moments where you surprise each other creatively? Like “Yo, I wasn’t

expecting that, but it works”?

Teether: That happens all the time, maybe every track. I think it’s a good sign we’re moving in

the right direction.

You’ve called YEARN IV “brooding and vivid.” If each of you had to describe the album in

a single image or feeling (not words) what would it be?

Teether: It sounds like a year.

Neil: sadocean.jpg

Navigating music in the age of the internet can feel both liberating and overwhelming.

How has growing up online shaped the way you create, consume and think about music

today?

Teether: It’s a lot to keep up with but I feel like once shit is out, it’s out forever and it finds you

when it’s time. Internet digging has normalised different sounds for us and lets us pull from

whatever. Spending time with so many albums has made me appreciate that as an art form, I

always have wanted to make complete projects.

Neil: I’m very grateful to have grown up with so much access to culture through the internet. It

saved me from the boredom of my home town, and kept me open minded. At the same time, it

can be easy to get lost in the onslaught of images, sounds, and ideas, there’s always something

new to consume and everything can feel so fleeting. I’m beginning to think more about local

sounds and regional identity, and finding ways to build something more lasting

If YEARN IV was a film what would the trailer look like?

Teether: It would be a La Haine and Shrek combo.

Neil: but recast to be more diverse

What’s a completely unexpected artist or genre you’d love to collide with next?

Teether: I don’t think there’s many places we wouldn’t go musically. At least to try it, even if it

never drops.

Neil: I’m up for working with anyone if it comes naturally. Music with no drums would be cool

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

Teether: If they like it or can relate then that’s cool. If they don’t like it that’s okay too.

Neil: To trust their own taste and make something new

What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?

Teether: Playing Golden Plains and Inner Varnika was a lot of fun. Seeing the YEARN IV vinyl is

crazy too, I’ve always wanted to release a physical record. There’s been heaps honestly, I’m

really grateful. My favourite shit though is making music with our friends.

Neil: Golden Plains was really cool. We felt so lucky to play and get to hang out with our friends

for a week. I also loved doing the live band set at Phoenix Central Park with Marcus Whale and

Gus McGrath (California Girls) in 2023. We got to live our nu metal fantasy!

Teether: Oh yeah the Phoenix show was huge! How could I forget

What’s next?

Teether: That’s a question for God to answer.

Neil: Anotha day anotha dolla