In the early 2000s, the music landscape was dominated by electronic beats. But amidst the sea of digitized sounds, a raw, rock 'n' roll revival was brewing. Nic Cester, the singer-songwriter of Australian band Jet, was one of the pioneers of this movement. He recounts the story of their hit single, "Are You Gonna Be My Girl," which became an anthem for the era.

Cester's creative process was a humble affair. He would often retreat to his backyard shed, armed with an acoustic guitar, to craft new songs. The catalyst for "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" was the Strokes' hit single, "Last Nite." The song's rhythm, which Cester describes as a fusion of Motown and rock, sparked his imagination. He was also inspired by the Who's use of the stop-start dynamic in "My Generation."

The song's early iterations were quite different from the final product. Cester would often improvise lyrics, mumbling nonsensical words to get the crowd on board. But it wasn't until the band, which included lead guitarist Cameron Muncey, got together to flesh out the track that it started to take shape.

The song's lyrics, although initially negative, were soon rewritten to focus on the question, "Are you gonna be my girl?" Cester recalls writing the lyrics in a flash of inspiration, driven by a bad experience at a nightclub. The song's simplicity and directness were key to its success.

When "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" was released in 2003, it struck a chord with audiences. The song's catchy riff and infectious energy made it a staple of the early 2000s rock scene. The band's managers were keen to capitalize on the song's success, and they secured a deal with Apple to feature the track in one of their iconic iPod ads. The ad's imagery, which featured a montage of people dancing and having fun, was eerily similar to the band's music video.

Twenty years on, "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" remains a beloved hit, and its impact can still be felt in the music industry. Cester reflects on the song's enduring popularity, attributing it to its timeless quality and the fact that it has been able to withstand the test of time. He also credits the song's simplicity, which allowed it to connect with listeners on a fundamental level.

TOM PETTY

The Birth of 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl'

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