Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
London high school punk trio Thunder Queens is the subject of a new documentary that tells their story from starting out as nine-year-olds writing songs together at London Girls Rock Camp to sharing the stage with some of Canada’s biggest bands.
Thunder Queens — made up of Violet Bruneel, Lola Hayman and Clara Magnan — have been making a name for themselves in Canadian music with their blend of multi-part harmonies and experimental grunge rock. They’ve already shared the stage with acts such as The Beaches, Frank Turner, Billy Talent and The Violent Femmes, all between exams and assignments at their London high school.
Their story caught the attention of indie stars Tegan and Sara, who are the film’s executive producers. The coming-of-age documentary Thunder Queens will premiere at Forest City Film Festival on Oct. 17 at Wolf Performance Hall in London.
WATCH | Thunder Queens documentary trailer:
“They were all interested in our story from the very beginning because they saw something in us that reminded them of themselves,” said Bruneel. “It’s just a really cool experience being around those kinds of musicians.”
The band also just released a new 11-track album called ‘Deep Below’ on Victory Pool records this fall.
Snapshot in time
The film has been a few years in the making, said Hayman, following the trio through the changes of their early teen years from rehearsals to concerts and behind-the-scenes footage.
“It’s really cool to have filmmakers be interested in your story and follow you along as you grow up,” Hayman said. “Not a lot of people get documentaries, and especially not people our age. And so it’s cool to have a snapshot in time that I think we’ll be happy to see in the future as well.”
Thunder Queens are soundtracking their teenage years
Whether its kids seeing them perform at a show or hearing their new album, more people have been reaching out to let them know how their band is impacting them, said Magnan.
“What we want most is to like give back to the music community and inspire more kids to pursue music,” she said.
LISTEN | Thunder Queens on London Morning:
London Morning8:22London rock trio Thunder Queens hitting the big screen in new documentary
If you’ve listened to London Morning, you’ve heard the Thunder Queens. The teen trio are debuting a behind-the-scenes documentary next weekend at the Forest City Film Festival. Thunder Queens Lola Hayman, Violet Bruneel and Clara Magnan joined guest host Ryan Soulliere to provide a sneak peek.
The band keeps “very busy” balancing school, the band, jobs and extra-curriculars, said Magnan.
“We’re definitely aware that our lives are very different than other kids our age, and we’re really grateful that we have the opportunities,” she said.
“We’re really just high school kids who are really close friends and have the opportunity to express ourselves through art for other people.”
Thunder Queens will premiere at Forest City Film Festival on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Wolf Performance Hall. Tickets can be purchased on the festival website.