Trial Kennedy are an alternative rock band from Melbourne, Victoria that formed in 2002. Since their formation, the band have increased in popularity significantly due to their prolific touring and from the support of independent Australian radio shows, such as Triple J's punk and hardcore-oriented show, ShortFastLoud. The band's unique name comes from a music teacher, Mark Kennedy. When the band met in high school, they were all seeing Kennedy as their guitar tutor."We all 'trialled' off him", noted guitarist Stacey Gray.