Junior Choir is an American indie/post-punk rock band, formed in the Twin Cities (Minnesota), United States, in 2019. The band is composed of Jesse Baker (vocals, guitar), Jacob Carlson (vocals, guitar), Ben Wilson (bass), and feature Michael Gunvalson and Ben Hood on keys.
The band was originally mostly a solo project undertaken by Jesse Baker and Ben Wilson, recording in Ben’s home studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. They realized that the music they were creating needed to be shared with the world, and after a few months welcomed drummer Ryan Waldemarson into the band. As they began assembling a larger catalog, their song writing and recording accelerated, and guitarist Jake Carlson was added to finalize the lineup of the band. Ryan Waldemarson departed the band to pursue a touring gig, and was replace by two separate drummers Michael and Matt (depending on availability).
In late 2019, they released their debut record Light & Dark EP, in the summer of 2020, they released The Plans We Made EP, release their third EP Don't Mention It in early 2021, and released their fourth EP Clutter in January 2023.
Their music is a resonating, high-energy and thoroughly engaging brand of modern alternative rock. Nods to what sounds like a dexterous array of influence from across pop-punk, indie and even some post-y elements, and you marry those for a sound that is both intricate and melodic. It’s relatable and honest, but also unerringly accessible.