It’s no secret that the Stranger Things kids have their fair share of extracurricular activities. When they’re not filming their smash hit Netflix series, they can be found performing recap raps on late-night talk shows, starring in music videos for Canadian punk bands, or appearing in PSAs that encourage teens to drive safely. But now, since it’s legally required for us to know everything these talented teens are up to, we must inform you that Gaten Matarazzo, who plays the curly-haired mop-top Dustin Henderson, is also the lead singer of a New Jersey rock band that covers Pearl Jam.
“Here’s porch by Pearl Jam. Definitely one of our favorites!” reads the caption on the Instagram video posted by Matarazzo’s band Work In Progress. The video quality leaves something to be desired, but the band still sounds lightyears ahead of most teenager-fronted bands. Back during season 1 of Stranger Things, we learned of the now 15-year-old’s vocal talents that he’d previously put to use playing Gavroche in Les Miserables on Broadway. Now a little edgier, Matarazzo is using his skills to front a six-piece band that regularly plays the Jersey Shore. Judging from the other photos on the band’s Instagram page, the rest of the outfit consists of fellow teenagers and young adults, including Matarazzo’s sister, who recently performed the national anthem with him at a Mets game.
Unfortunately, Matarazzo won’t be performing with the band at their next show on December 2nd due to a “previous contractual agreement,” but he’ll be with them at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on the 29th, so get your tickets now.