Entertainment

Charlie Belle Is The Coolest (+ Youngest) Band You Need To Know

trust us on this one.

They may not even be old enough to vote, but the members of Charlie Belle already have a combined 30 years of music experience between them. Comprised of sister and brother team Jendayi and Gyasi Bonds and Zoe Czarnecki, the Texas-based group has already performed at large-scale festivals like Austin City Limits and has achieved national recognition for their vibrant and original alt-pop music. The title track of their upcoming debut EP, "Get to Know," shows off the teens' fresh approach to indie tunes, with easygoing yet innovative vibes similar to those of the Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes.

To put it simply, these are some of the raddest kids around.

At just 16-years-old, the head of the trio, Jendayi, is already becoming one of the coolest girls in the music biz, recently named Austin's "It Girl" by the Austin Chronicle and previously interviewed by the one and only Amy Poehler for her girl-powered online series, Amy Poehler's Smart Girls. The singer and guitar player's clear, honey-sweet voice gives her the presence of a much older chanteuse, and her songwriting skills reflect that of an industry expert. So make no mistake about it—the only thing that Jendayi's age affects is her ability to land gigs (which she books herself) at venues with an age minimum that the band simply doesn't reach. Charlie Belle's average age may be around 14-and-a-half, but it's not just a group of kids—it's a group of professional musicians.

Jendayi's brother Gyasi began drum lessons when he was just four years old, and started creating his signature energetic rhythms when he and sister formed the group in 2008. Fourteen-year-old bassist Czarnecki rounded out the group in 2012, setting the band up to book countless shows in the past two years. Their music gives off a definitive youthful vibe, but their mastery of their instruments and original, catchy songwriting skills show that Charlie Belle's maturity is most definitely not defined by their age. 

As they gear up to lauch their EP on January 13, Charlie Belle is poised for success, so "get to know" them now. Watch the video for "Get To Know" below, and keep an eye out for upcoming tour dates.