bio

giverupper is the solo project of j.t. teichert. the music represents an attempt to “give up” the masks that we wear every day. giverupper blends formally trained saxophone sounds and informal, casual guitar textures.

j.t. has been playing instruments and juggling musical identities since childhood. primarily a saxophonist, he participated in school ensembles, finding a love for jazz and traditional wind music early. outside of school, he played in garage bands inspired by classic rock and piano pop. he wrote his first songs at age 12, recorded on a tape recorder in his basement.

j.t. attended depaul university to study music education. these years included inspiration from the vibrant chicago music scene, performance opportunities within the school of music, and the formation of JUST, j.t.’s first project. JUST released in a blur/faded ground in january 2015.

after 10 years of writing privately while sustaining a career in music education, j.t. created giverupper. with this project, he gives up hiding, and embraces the opportunity to share music. giverupper released shorty in december of 2025. shorty was co-produced with jake lipp, mastered by steve marek, and features jackson jay kidder and robin fey.

j.t.’s goal is to “give” music and lift others “up.” giverupper is currently working on another release for summer 2025 and would love to perform in your space.