Nic Cester, Singer and Songwriter

When I initially penned the track, we were still unsigned and largely unknown. Our performances were primarily in local pubs around Melbourne, and attendance was dismal—hardly anyone was showing up. It was before the influence of The Strokes and that entire rock revival scene took hold. People weren’t really interested in what we were doing at the time. In an effort to carve out our sound, I would often retreat to a small shed in my backyard. There, I would sit alone with my acoustic guitar, writing and brewing new ideas. Once I had something worth sharing, I would bring it to the band, and we’d collectively develop and flesh it out. The genesis of all the material that went into our first album, *Get Born*, sprouted from that little creative space.

The song “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” was sparked by the release of The Strokes’ “Last Nite.” It was incredibly refreshing to hear another rock band reflecting a similar vibe to what we were creating. “Last Nite” was an upbeat rock anthem that you could actually dance to, which—ironically—reminded me of the infectious rhythms of classic Motown hits like “You Can’t Hurry Love.” During this phase, I found myself captivated by the dynamic stop-start technique that The Who showcased in “My Generation.” I vividly remember playing the song live for the very first time, where I was met with a meager audience of about 20 people. Lyrically, I was unprepared and ended up mumbling a mix of gibberish that only faintly resembled words. Fortunately for me, the poor sound system of the venue allowed me to get away with it.

Initially, the first draft of the lyrics had a rather negative tone. I had gone through a disheartening experience at a nightclub and ultimately found myself walking home alone. In one of the music breaks, I casually muttered, “She’s just like every other girl.” When I presented this to the band, they pushed back, suggesting it sounded far too bleak. They proposed a more upbeat chorus instead: “Are you gonna be my girl?” It was a brilliant revision and, with that fresh perspective, I went home and completed the song in a mere 30 seconds. Although it’s a straightforward piece, its simplicity is part of what allows it to resonate with listeners so deeply. The delivery is candid and uncomplicated, with no hidden tricks up our sleeves.

Upon its release in 2003, the iPod was just making waves, and it seemed like Apple was interested in including our track in one of their marketing campaigns. The visuals in that advertisement bore a striking resemblance to our music video, and I often find myself wondering if there was a direct connection between the two. The early 2000s were an exhilarating period for music. Prior to that, electronic music had dominated the airwaves, but suddenly, the rock’n’roll sound we were cultivating seemed to be back in vogue, creating a sense of nostalgia that felt revitalizing.

Fast forward twenty years, and “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” has proven its timelessness. I still recall the early stages of developing the song before we moved into the studio for recording. We were in discussions with the legendary producer Rick Rubin, who shared that he had listened to our demo with Tom Petty. The response was noteworthy—“Wow! Now that’s something you don’t hear every day.” Just thinking back to that moment continues to send a thrill through me.

Cameron Muncey, Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals

The whole garage rock revival scene was imbued with a certain swagger that connected both the band and the audience on a remarkable level. There wasn’t this massive divide; fans would gather post-shows, sharing drinks and stories while genuinely enjoying one another’s company. It felt like we were all part of the same journey.

I distinctly recall Nic walking into rehearsal, excitedly saying, “I’ve got this rhythmic concept. It feels reminiscent of a chant.” Piece by piece, we constructed the song’s foundation, beginning with the tambourine, then layering on the bass and drums for depth. Once the iconic riff kicks in, it’s like you’re launched into a different realm. Our band has always maintained a specific sonic aesthetic: jangly guitars inspired by The Kinks, but nothing too heavy—that’s just how we roll.

The mystery behind how the iPod advertisement came to be still remains—a puzzle to me. Our management agency was relentless in their pursuit to turn the song into a hit, but we initially held reservations, voicing, “This commercial approach doesn’t feel very punk.” However, they convinced us that doing this could be crucial for our success, and perhaps history has indeed proven them right. There was a certain wave of momentum that built up; once enough listeners discovered the track, it started to gain traction all on its own.

“Are You Gonna Be My Girl” has undeniably played a significant role in our career. I feel fortunate that we managed to sidestep the one-hit-wonder label—at least to some extent—as our debut album featured additional notable tracks that resonate with our fans. Listeners appreciate the album as a whole, not solely fixating on that one hit.

People often draw parallels between our song and Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life.” Sure, it shares a similar rhythm, but so do many other classic hits like “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Town Called Malice.” I approach this comparison without bitterness; it’s important to recognize that such feedback is part of the industry journey. While the song’s lyrics may not delve into deep poetic territory, they perfectly serve the rhythm and overall feel. “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” at its core, encapsulates a sense of innocence—it conveys a feeling that’s more reminiscent of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” than something edgier.

Jet will be touring the UK from October 4-12.