| O'Shea | |
|---|---|
| Website | |
| www.therealoshea.com |
O’Shea is a country music duo formed by husband and wife team Mark O’Shea (born Feb 16,1977) and Jay O’Shea (Nee Smith). Since relocating to Nashville, TN in 2007, the duo has seen success not only as artists, but also as songwriters, and finalists in the Country Music Television series "Can You Duet".[1]
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Individually Mark and Jay have both seen success as independent artists as their career has taken them across the globe. Originally from Dalby, Queensland Mark had began his musical career at an early age by winning the Gympie Music Muster talent competition which led to a record deal he signed at age 17. His debut album earned Mark two Golden Guitar awards from the CMAA for Best New Talent of the Year (1996) for the track “The Swimming Song”[2] and Best Video (1997) for video “The Dreamer”.[3] Eventually Mark left his solo career to form rock/pop group Zinc that signed with Los Angeles based label, Trauma. The band’s first single released in Australia “The Morning After” (co-written with Mark Hudson) reached #22 on the ARIA charts (2004).[4] In 2006, Mark toured as a guitarist for artist Ronn Moss and also had his own song “When We Kissed” recorded and released on Moss’ “Uncovered” album in 2005.[5]
In addition to her musical endeavors, Jay also toured the UK and Europe with the Australian Dance-Drill team at age 15.[6][7] In 2003 Jay signed her first publishing deal with Warner Chappell London. While working in London, Jay co-wrote “Rutinas” with Wendy Page and Jim Marr. It became the hit single on Chenoa's album Nada Es Igual and reached #1 on the Spanish Charts in 2005.
It wasn’t until 2007, when the pair moved to Nashville, TN that the couple ever considered making music together. O’Shea was soon travelling across the U.S. to open for artists Phil Vassar,[8][9] Jimmy Wayne, Sara Evans, and the Oak Ridge Boys.[10]
While working with Nashville- based Australian producer, Mark Moffat the duo recorded hit single “Old School”. The video for the single reached #7 on Australia’s Country Music Channel 2010.[11] The next single released, “Smash,” co-written with Kim Carnes, reached #1 on CMC’s Top 50 Video Countdown.[12] In 2011, O’Shea performed at 'CMC Rocks the Hunter' and hosted the DVD coverage of the event.[13][14]
In 2010, the pair began hosting their own TV show called “O’Shea USA” which currently airs on Australia’s Country Music Channel (CMC).[15]
In 2011, the duo signed to Sony Australia to release their debut album "Mr. and Mrs."[16] The album featured 11 tracks written/ co-written by the duo alongside Nashville co-writers Dave Berg, Josh Leo, and Georgia Middleman, and debuted at #9 on the ARIA charts.[17]
| Award | Category | Artist | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Guitar | Best New Talent | Mark O'Shea | 1996 |
| Golden Guitar | Best Video | Mark O'Shea | 1997 |
| Song Title | Recording Artist | Album | Songwriter | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutinas | Chenoa | Nada Is Egual | Jay O'Shea | 2005 |
| When We Kissed | Ronn Moss | Uncovered | Mark O'Shea | 2005 |
| Good Thing Gone | Dan Evans | Goin' All Out | Mark O'Shea | 2008 |
| Video | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Old School | #7 on CMC | 2010 |
| Smash | #1 on CMC | 2011 |