New alt-country/blues duo Candy Jackson has just released their debut track Bells On, a song that’s part folk, part country and a little rock.
Candy Jackson is renowned Melbourne musicians Warren James and Jamie Osborne, artists who have a long illustrious history in the Australian music industry.
This new act was formed in 2018 but Warren and Jamie’s background goes further back. They met as teenagers, and throughout their careers have joined forces on several occasions.
In the 90s they were part of pop/rock act Unity Hall. Unity Hall released their debut album (This Ain’t Gonna Hurt A Bit) with Melbourne producer Lawrence Maddy at the helm (Tism, Paul Kelly, Rebecca’s Empire). The singles from that album attracted national radio play and subsequently, some touring, sharing stages with acts like Jimmy Barnes, The Living End, Alex Lloyd and Jet but to name a few.
Their shared love of their early influences was the driving force for the formation of the band. Before moving to Melbourne, Warren grew up in the small rural town of Cootamundra with his parents owning the local pub. Country music was Warren’s sonic backdrop to those years growing up with artists like Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Willy Nelson and Kenny Rogers. Since then Warren has always kept a connection to the bush and in turn to country and folk music.
‘Bells On is a unique blend of classic and modern country and folk music styles, utilising energetic performances, masterful writing and authentic zeal to create a timeless and expressive piece of new Australian music.'
As a result of that and with his and Jamie’s commitment to the craft of songwriting, the Candy Jackson project was an obvious new direction to take. After building a recording studio in at Warren's house in Rye on the Mornington Peninsula and teaming up with Melbourne music luminaries Justin Brady (harmonica, fiddle and Mandolin), Jeff Glass and Mark Belcastro (Drums), Candy Jackson was brought to life.
Bells On is a unique blend of classic and modern country and folk music styles, utilising energetic performances, masterful writing and authentic zeal to create a timeless and expressive piece of new Australian music.
Listen to Candy Jackson on our Country playlist once released: