Link to our Facebook
Link to our Instagram

Rider Essentials – Jay O'Shea from O’Shea

5 August 2021 | 11:48 am | Mallory Arbour

We caught up with Jay from couple duo O'Shea and asked her to tell us five things she always takes on the road for this week’s Rider Essentials.

O’Shea, comprised of married couple Jay and Mark, have been living and working in Nashville for the best part of a decade and have performed everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to the Sydney Opera House since beginning their musical journey together in 2007. Mark’s country rock roots provide an edgy contrast to Jay’s soulful, powerful voice – making them a dynamic and unique combination of singer-songwriters.

Together, O’Shea have taken home 7 Golden Guitars, clocked up more than 11 number ones on the Aussie Country charts and their hit TV show O’SHEA USA has just been renewed for its sixth season. Furthermore, all four of their studio albums have peaked on the ARIA top 50. Their first release of 2021, Nashville, Indiana is an underdog anthem that speaks straight to the heart of the heartbroken and celebrates finding comfort in your own skin. It peaked at #2 on the Countrytown Music Network Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart.

We caught up with Jay and asked her to tell us five things she always takes on the road for this week’s Rider Essentials.


1. The kids, of course! 

Join our community with our FREE weekly newsletter

Our 9 and 7 year old girls, Finley and August love traveling and being in Australia. They have travelled internationally since they were both three months old and are quite used to the long trips. Some might say better than Mark and I! They’re up for any new kind of adventure, especially if it involves animals. 

2. Lucas papaw

I buy a bunch of these red tubes every time I come back to Australia. Fake imitations will not do – you’ve got to have the real thing! When you’re out in country Queensland especially, it’s very dry. I’m a redhead with fair skin that doesn’t like the sun and I very quickly become lizard lips without this miraculous stuff. 

3. About 10 different dresses 

Nope on a rope, I do not pack light. It’s impossible. You never know which gig requires which frock so a girls gotta have a few to choose from. Oh, and some fun accessories to match! Mark’s [essentials] would be: A pair of undies, a handkerchief, a pair of skinny black jeans, a white t-shit and of course, his hat.

4. Gel socks

My mother-in-law, Eileen O’Shea – who is an absolute rock star – once bought me these special socks that are lined with a cooling gel. She bought them for me in Tamworth when I was pregnant with August. After a 14-hour day on my feet, in the heat, running around in high heels, she pulled them out of the fridge and my burning feet were crying with relief. These are amazing!

5. Bucket o toiletries

We’re talking eye shadows, lipstick, concealer, lip gloss, blusher, foundation, foundation powder, eyebrow pencil, nail polish, nail clippers, waxing strips, razor, dove soap, face wash, moisturizer, sun block, nail polish remover, make up wipes, eye make up remover, tweezers, body moisturizer and more ... I have a makeup bag that is so darn heavy and there’s not one product in there that I think I can leave at home. Funny thing is, I only ever end up using about 1/4 of what I take! It’s a work in progress ... 


Keep up to date with O’Shea on their Facebook page here.

For more of our Rider Essentials series, go here.

Image: Supplied