Five years on from the release of their acclaimed album ‘61-615’, Australian-born, Nashville-based
country duo O’SHEA have officially announced the release of their fifth studio album ‘NEON SOUL’’,
an Australian tour and brand new single ‘Neon Soul’.
While it might be a coincidence that the chemical element ‘Neon’ is number 10 on the periodic table
and that husband and wife duo Mark and Jay O’SHEA have delivered 10 brilliant new tracks that
radiate emotion and beam with melodic hooks on their new album, NEON SOUL, there’s no denying
that the pair have struck the worlds most beloved element – gold!
Like rogue scientists let loose in a musical laboratory, Mark and Jay O’Shea have spent the past four
years meticulously crafting ‘NEON SOUL’ in their homebase of Nashville. Slowly adding elements of
soul and retro-pop to their signature alt-country sound, the duo’s fifth release marks a slight
departure from straight-laced country and delves into new territory.
Having spent the past nine years in America, after relocating from their respective homes in Dalby
and Adelaide, the long-anticipated record began its journey in Nashville several years ago, and its
release took some sharp left turns when the world came to a halt.
‘Every time that we get together, we just fall into a groove like a record’, sings Jay on the insanely
catchy title track, NEON SOUL, that sets the energy for the album and kicks it off with a punch of
Motown horns.
Co-written with hit-maker Lance Carpenter (who penned Kelsea Ballerini’s chart-topper “Love Me
Like You Mean It”) and mixed by Jeff Juliano (Shawn Mendes, John Mayer, Florida-Georgia Line), the
track is a showcase of O’SHEA’s artistic versatility and Jay’s vocal muscle.
“It’s so fun to sing,” adds Jay, “and is a nice bit of fresh air for the rest of the album.”
The pair have worked with master songwriter Tim Nichols (“Live Like You Were Dying,” “Cowboys &
Angels”) on their previous albums, but “SMOKING ON A PLANE” might just be their most interesting
collaboration yet. With its almost rap-like verse phrasing and counterintuitive chorus lyrics like Rock
and Roll ain’t music and science is a sin, the song tackles the topic of regret and remorse with an
unconventional, quirky swagger.
Having traversed 48 of the 50 United States and the length and breadth of Australia many times,
O’SHEA would be forgiven for mixing up the odd city and state name.
But “NASHVILLE, INDIANA” is no accident and neither is the video that features trauma nurse, Ashley,
who bears an uncanny resemblance to superstar Taylor Swift.
Co-written with celebrated Americana singer-songwriter Will Hoge (Lady A, Eli Young Band), this
underdog anthem speaks straight to the heart of the heartbroken and celebrates finding comfort in
your own skin.
Speaking on the previously released single, BRIDEZILLA, Jay O’Shea explains “I wish I could have sent
this song to my younger, bridezilla self. It’s too easy to get stressed about little details that don’t
matter. The really good stuff happens once you’re married!” says Jay.
“Jay? A bridezilla? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” says a straight-faced Mark.
“WATCH ME QUIT” came to life when Jay was brave enough to tear down the expected facade and
address her own insecurities and challenges as a mother.
