Chris Cester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Cester
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Chris Cester performing with the band Jet at Australia's Sound Relief concert in 2009.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christopher James Cester |
| Born | 16 September 1981 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1996–present |
Christopher "Chris" James Cester (born September 16, 1981) is an Australian musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the drummer and a founding member of the rock band Jet. He also sings backing vocals and helps write many of the band's songs.
As part of Jet, Chris has won several awards for his songwriting. In 2005, he and his bandmates were named Songwriter of the Year by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). In 2011, their song "Seventeen" won awards for being the most played Australian song on the radio.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Chris Cester was born in Melbourne, Australia. He grew up with his older brother, Nic, and two younger brothers. Their parents loved music and often played records by The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Led Zeppelin.
As kids, Chris and Nic would pretend to be rock stars in their living room. At first, Chris was the singer, but he soon switched to the drums. He took lessons for a year and then taught himself how to play on his own drum kit at home.
The brothers were inspired to start a band by their uncle, Eugene Cester. His uncle was in a popular Australian band called TISM. Seeing his success made Chris and Nic want to pursue music as a career.
Music Career
1996–2012: Forming the Band Jet
In 1996, Chris and his brother Nic started the band that would become Jet. They were joined by Nic's school friend Cameron Muncey on guitar. Later, Mark Wilson joined as the bass player.
The band tried out a few different names. In 2002, they finally decided on "Jet." They named it after the song "Jet" by Paul McCartney's band, Wings. In the band, Chris was the main drummer, but he also wrote songs and sang.
After high school, Jet started playing shows at pubs in Melbourne. They used these shows to practice their songs and play covers of their favorite rock tunes. The songs they wrote during this time were later released on their first recording, an extended play (EP) called Dirty Sweet in 2002. Jet went on to release several successful albums before the band stopped playing together in 2012.
2011: The Side Project DamnDogs
In 2011, while still in Jet, Chris started a new band in Los Angeles called DamnDogs. This band played a mix of electronic and rock music. The group included his cousin Mitch McIvor on guitar and Jet's bass player, Mark Wilson.
DamnDogs released a five-song EP called Strange Behaviour in August 2011. They played a few shows in Los Angeles and Australia before the band members changed and it became a new group.
2016–Present: Mystic Knights
In 2016, Chris formed a band called Mystic Knights of Amnesia with Louis Macklin, who had toured with Jet. They wanted to create more experimental rock music. The name was suggested by their friend Noel Gallagher, the famous guitarist from the band Oasis.
In 2024, the band changed its name to simply Mystic Knights. The group now includes Chris, Aaron Eisenberg, and Emmanuel Castro. They released their first single, "This High Up," in November 2024.
2018–2019: The Jaded Hearts Club
From 2018 to 2019, Chris was a lead singer for The Jaded Hearts Club. This was a "supergroup," which is a band made up of famous musicians from other well-known bands.
The band included Matt Bellamy from Muse, Graham Coxon from Blur, and other talented artists. Chris sang lead vocals for a year, performing at big events like South by Southwest in Texas. In 2019, Chris had to leave the band after an accident where he injured his back. His brother, Nic Cester, took his place.
Musical Equipment
For any aspiring drummers, Chris Cester is known for using Gretsch drums. He also uses cymbals made by the Zildjian company. His setup includes a pair of 15-inch New Beat hi-hats and a 22-inch Dark Ride cymbal.
Awards and Nominations
APRA Awards
The APRA Awards are given out every year by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) to honor Australian songwriters.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
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| 2005 | "Cold Hard ..." – Nicholas Cester, Christopher Cester, Cameron Muncey | Most Performed Australian Work Overseas | Nominated |
| Jet – Nicholas Cester, Cameron Muncey, Chris Cester | Songwriter of the Year | Won | |
| 2006 | "Cold Hard ..." – Nicholas Cester, Christopher Cester, Cameron Muncey | Most Performed Australian Work Overseas | Nominated |
| 2010 | "She's a Genius" – Christopher Cester | Most Played Australian Work | Nominated |
| "She's a Genius" – Christopher Cester | Rock Work of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2011 | "Seventeen" – Nicholas Cester, Christopher Cester, Cameron Muncey | Most Played Australian Work | Won |
| "Seventeen" – Nicholas Cester, Christopher Cester, Cameron Muncey | Rock Work of the Year | Won | |
| 2021 | "Chase the Feeling" - Andrew Stockdale, Chris Cester, Jason Hill | Most Performed Rock Work | Nominated |
