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American indie pop band
TV Girl
πŸ‘ TV Girl performing in 2017
TV Girl performing in 2017
Background information
OriginSan Diego, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active2010–present
Members
  • Bradley Robert Petering
  • Jason Wyman
  • Wyatt Harmon
Past members
  • Trung Ngo
  • Joel Williams
  • Dan Komin

TV Girl is an American indie pop band from San Diego, California, consisting of lead vocalist Brad Petering, drummer Jason Wyman, and keyboardist Wyatt Harmon.[2][3]

The band released three EPs with one being made in 2010, one in 2011, and another in 2013 (TV Girl EP, Benny and the Jetts, and Lonely Women) and a mixtape in 2012. Their self-released debut album, French Exit, was released in 2014. In 2016, the band released their second album, Who Really Cares. The album was released on Bandcamp and other platforms on February 26, 2016. With further albums following in 2018 (Death of a Party Girl) and 2023 (Grapes Upon the Vine), alongside three collaboration albums: Maddie Acid's Purple Hearts Club Band, Summer's Over, and Fauxllennium.

Beginning in 2022, TV Girl experienced a resurgence in popularity on TikTok, leading several previously released songs, most notably "Lovers Rock", "Not Allowed", "Cigarettes out the Window", and "Taking What's Not Yours", to enter the charts in multiple countries throughout 2023, years after their initial release.[4]

History

[edit]

TV Girl was formed in San Diego in 2010, by friends Trung Ngo and Brad Petering as a leisure activity with no particular ambition beyond experimenting and hanging out.[5] The name of the band is taken from a song by Beat Happening.[6] That same year, the band released their self-titled debut EP, which attracted attention when they sampled Todd Rundgren's 1973 solo version of "Hello It's Me" on their song "If You Want It" from the EP,[7][8] leading to a takedown notice on the band, issued by Rhino Entertainment, who owns full rights to the Rundgren song.[9]

In 2011, the band released their second EP, Benny and the Jetts, along with a music video for "Baby You Were There".[10] At the time of release, Joel Williams had also joined the band.[5]

In April 2012, TV Girl released the single "I Wonder Who She's Kissing Now",[11] which would be part of their first mixtape The Wild, The Innocent, The TV Shuffle, released a month later. The mixtape was given away for free with an accompanying downloadable coloring book.[12][13] The release would have constituted their debut album, but according to Petering and Ngo the work was more appropriately defined as a mixtape.[2]

In 2013, they released the single "She Smokes in Bed", which would be part of TV Girl's third EP Lonely Women.[14][15] That same year, TV Girl underwent a significant change when Ngo and Williams left the band, leaving Petering as its sole founding member. Petering, formerly focused on beats, became the primary vocalist following Ngo's departure, recruiting Jason Wyman and Wyatt Harmon soon thereafter.[5][16]

In 2014, TV Girl released their debut album, French Exit, which was called "remarkably solid" by Bandwagon Magazine.[16] The album consists of twelve songs exploring themes of loss, lust, love, and relationships. One of the most popular songs from the album is "Lovers Rock," which gained significant attention on the music distribution platform Bandcamp. Additional tracks were recorded for the album but were not included; some of these outtakes were later released on their 2020 EP The Night in Question: French Exit Outtakes.[17]

TV Girl's second studio album, Who Really Cares, was released on February 26, 2016. The title of the album is derived from the second track, "Song About Me". One of the most popular songs from the album is "Not Allowed", which contains samples from the Yeastie Girlz.[18]

In 2018, TV Girl released their third studio album, Death of a Party Girl, which continued their use of sampling and lo-fi production styles. This was followed by 2023's Grapes Upon the Vine, an album influenced by gospel and soul music, with lyrical themes related to mortality, religion, and consequences.[19] In addition to their studio albums, the band has released several collaborative projects, including Maddie Acid's Purple Hearts Club Band, which contains samples from 1980s and 1990s hip-hop, Summer's Over with singer Jordana, and Fauxllenium, a collaboration with George Clanton.

Artistry

[edit]

Influences

[edit]

TV Girl frequently samples 1950s and 1960s songs and media in their music. An example of this is seen in the song "Lovers Rock", where the backing track is created from a looped sample of the intro to the Shirelles' 1960 single "The Dance Is Over". In a post on Reddit, Petering wrote that he "never gets tired of seeking out old and obscure music. I listen to lots of music and I find my loops and sounds that way."[20]

Musical style and songwriting

[edit]

The band employs a genre not easily defined, with major inspiration from sampledelia, indie pop, lo-fi and electronic music found in most of their works (apparent in albums French Exit, Who Really Cares, Death of a Party Girl and Summer's Over), while taking on more trip-hop-like elements in other works (found especially within Who Really Cares and Maddie Acid's Purple Hearts Club Band), and in some cases, more mainstream characteristics related to gospel, garage house, funk and even jazz (specific to Grapes Upon the Vine). Altogether, the band proclaims themself as a "hypnotic pop" group,[21] due to their use of sampling, keyboards, and reverb effects.[22][23] The band was upset when their music was labeled "sun-drenched California pop", pointing out that there are no lyrical allusions in their music that warrant the title.[2]

Lyrically, a majority of TV Girl's discography revolves around love and relationships. One example of this tendency is the song "Lovers Rock", a love ballad named after the reggae sub-genre of lovers' rock. The subject matter of TV Girl's songs is generally melancholic and sad, but simultaneously sarcastic and humorous.[2] Some motifs in the band's lyrics include heartbreak, cynicism, memories, cigarettes, hair, sex, women's first names, suicide, and loneliness.

Branding

[edit]

TV Girl's album art incorporates color-blocking of images from the 1960s and 70s (such as "The Classic Nude" by George Hester for Who Really Cares). The use of vibrant coloring has become a key part of TV Girl's identity.

Members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
  • Brad Petering – lead vocals, samples, production, occasional guitar (2010–present), bass (2010–2014)
  • Wyatt Harmon – keyboards (2013–present)
  • Jason Wyman – drums (2013–present)

Former members

[edit]
  • Trung Ngo – vocals, keyboards, guitar (2010–2013)
  • Joel Williams – vocals (2010–2013)
  • Dan Komin – bass, guitars (2013–2014)

Touring members

[edit]
  • Jordana Nye – bass, backing vocals (2021–present)
  • Zoe Zeeman – bass (2022–present)[24]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Indie
[25] 		AUS
[26] 		LTU
[27] 		POL
[28]
French Exit β€” 19 26 β€”
Who Really Cares
  • Released: February 26, 2016[30]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: LP, digital download, streaming
 43 13 6 67
Death of a Party Girl
  • Released: May 8, 2018[31]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: LP, digital download, streaming
 β€” β€” β€” β€”
Grapes Upon the Vine
  • Released: June 30, 2023[32]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: LP, digital download, streaming
 β€” β€” β€” β€”
"β€”" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Mixtapes

[edit]
List of mixtapes, with selected details
Title Details
The Wild, The Innocent, The TV Shuffle
  • Released: May 4, 2012
  • Label: Greedhead Music
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Collaborative albums

[edit]
List of collaborative albums, with selected details
Title Details
Maddie Acid's Purple Hearts Club Band
(with Madison Acid)
Summer's Over
(with Jordana)
  • Released: October 13, 2021
  • Label: Grand Jury Music
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Fauxllennium

(with George Clanton)[33]

  • Released: December 2, 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Demo albums

[edit]
List of demo albums, with selected details
Title Details
Blurry Girls (Demos, Unreleased Songs, and Other Ephemera)[34]
  • Released: June 21, 2012
  • Label: Self-published
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, with selected chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Sales
[35] 		SCO
[36] 		UK
Indie
Brks.
[36]
TV Girl
  • Released: October 21, 2010
  • Label: Self-published
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 β€” β€” β€”
Benny and the Jetts
  • Released: July 25, 2011
  • Label: Self-published
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 β€” β€” β€”
Lonely Women
  • Released: June 18, 2013
  • Label: Self-published
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 β€” β€” β€”
The Night In Question: French Exit Outtakes
  • Released: May 1, 2020
  • Label: Self-published
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 41 96 8
"β€”" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

[edit]
List of songs, with year released and album
Title Year Album
"Girls Like Me" 2011 Non-album singles
"Sarah (Meet Me in the Sauna)"
"Diet-Coke" 2012
"I Wonder Who She's Kissing Now"
"She Smokes In Bed" 2013[a]
"Average Guy (Blame)"
(with Monster Rally)
"Natalie Wood" 2015

Other charted and certified songs

[edit]
List of songs, with year released, selected chart positions, certifications and album
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
Bub.
[37] 		US
Rock
[38] 		CAN
[39] 		CIS
[40] 		EST
[40] 		IRE
[41] 		LTU
[42] 		LAT
[40] 		UK
[36] 		UK
Indie
[43]
"Birds Don't Sing" 2014 β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” French Exit
"The Blonde" β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€”
"Lovers Rock" β€” 13 90 149 126 82 35 101 84 27
"Taking What's Not Yours" 2016 β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” Who Really Cares
"Cigarettes Out the Window" 20 17 β€” β€” β€” β€” 36 β€” β€” 46
"Not Allowed" 4 13 β€” β€” β€” β€” 27 β€” β€” 34
  • RIAA: 2Γ— Platinum[44]
  • BPI: Platinum[45]
  • RMNZ: Platinum[46]
"Blue Hair" 2018 β€” 11 β€” β€” β€” 95 99 β€” β€” 35 Death of a Party Girl
"It Almost Worked" 2020 β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” The Night In Question: French Exit Outtakes
"Better in the Dark"
(with Jordana) 		2021 β€” 29 β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” β€” Summer's Over
"β€”" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory

Produced albums

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Average Guy (Blame)" was released on streaming platforms in 2023.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lipshutz, Jason; Unterberger, Andrew (March 2, 2023). "The Weeknd & Ariana Grande Hope for No. 1 With 'Die for You' Remix". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Taylor, John (August 9, 2012). "Discovery: TV Girl". Interview Magazine. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  3. ^ Abrams, Jonny. "Interview: TV Girl". Rocksucker. Retrieved November 7, 2014.
  4. ^ Smoot, Donnavan (March 28, 2023). "TikTokers discuss complexities of friendship with trending 'in their eyes' audio". In The Know.
  5. ^ a b c Courtney, James. "What Comes After Chillwave? California's TV Girl". San Antonio Current. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  6. ^ Harris (June 22, 2016). "Interview With TV Girl". Retrieved January 21, 2025. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |firstly= ignored (help)
  7. ^ "If You Want It". Pitchfork. October 22, 2010. Retrieved March 7, 2020.
  8. ^ "TV Girl – Apple Music". Retrieved October 3, 2023 – via Apple Music.
  9. ^ Crain, William (December 21, 2021). "Beats and Samples: TV Girl". San Diego Reader. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  10. ^ Singh, Amrit (July 28, 2011). "Download TV Girl's Benny And The Jetts EP". Stereogum. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  11. ^ Goble, Corban (April 6, 2012). "TV Girl – "I Wonder Who She's Kissing Now"". Stereogum. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  12. ^ Goble, Corban (May 4, 2012). "Download TV Girl's The Wild, The Innocent, The TV Shuffle Mixtape". Stereogum. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  13. ^ Pearis, Bill (May 7, 2012). "stream or download TV Girl's new "mixtape"". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Goble, Corban (May 22, 2013). "TV Girl – "She Smokes In Bed"". Stereogum. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  15. ^ Pearis, Bill (June 19, 2013). "stream TV Girl's new EP, 'Loney Women'". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Sheridan, Christopher (September 12, 2014). "Album Review: Tv Girl – French Exit". Bandwagon Magazine. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  17. ^ "French Exit Tv Girl". Genius. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  18. ^ "Who Really Cares TV Girl". Genius. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  19. ^ "Grapes Upon the Vine TV Girl". Genius. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  20. ^ Petering, Brad. "Brad from Hit Band TV Girl, ask me anything". Reddit. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  21. ^ "TV Girl". Spotify. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  22. ^ Medlock, Dylan (June 4, 2018). "TV Girl plays it frustratingly safe". The B-Side. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  23. ^ Ramirez, Julian (October 13, 2017). "A Night of Electronic Excellence at Beat Kitchen with TV Girl". Third Coast Review. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  24. ^ "Music in the Genes; Fathers and Daughters Inspire Each Other". The Vineyard Gazette – Martha's Vineyard News. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  25. ^ "Independent Albums: Week of February 7, 2026". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  26. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  27. ^ Peaks on the Lithuanian Albums chart:
  28. ^ ""OLiS - oficjalna lista sprzedaΕΌy - albumy"" (Note: Change the date to 05.01.2024–11.01.2024 under "zmieΕ„ zakres od–do:".). OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. October 6, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  29. ^ "French Exit | TV Girl". Bandcamp. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  30. ^ "Who Really Cares | TV Girl". Bandcamp. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  31. ^ "Death of a Party Girl | TV Girl". Bandcamp. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  32. ^ "Grapes Upon the Vine | TV Girl". Bandcamp. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  33. ^ "Fauxllennium by TV Girl & George Clanton". Genius. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
  34. ^ "Blurry Girls (Demos, Unreleased Songs, and Other Ephemera) by TV Girl" – via Genius.
  35. ^ "Top Album Sales: Week of February 7, 2026". Billboard. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  36. ^ a b c "TV Girl". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  37. ^ Peaks on the Bubbling Under Hot 100:
  38. ^ Peaks on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart:
  39. ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of January 20, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  40. ^ a b c "TV Girl - TopHit - Highway To Airplay". TopHit. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  41. ^ "Discography TV Girl". irish-charts.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  42. ^ Peaks in Lithuania:
  43. ^ Peaks in UK Independent Singles Chart:
  44. ^ a b c d e f "American certifications – TV Girl". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  45. ^ a b c d e f g h "British certifications – TV Girl". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 28, 2026. Type TV Girl in the "Search:" field.
  46. ^ a b c d e f "Single Certification Search – RadioScope". Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  47. ^ "Posthumous Release, by Coma Cinema". Retrieved July 28, 2023 – via Bandcamp.
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