PLUS EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH SHOWS IN MANCHESTER AND LONDON
Single ‘God Did Good’ written by Kristian Bush, Jeff Cohen and Diana Corcoran
Out 26th July – listen here
Album ‘Jessica’ out 25th October
Album launch dates in August – London and Manchester here
“She delivers in spades on every song with a style that’s a bit pop, a bit rock, a lot of blues and one hundred per cent country” – Louder Than War
“A fun-loving, crowd-pleasing band who thrive on live performance and tour life”.
– Maverick Magazine
“With the greatest respect to Glen Campbell, that is the most fabulous version of Wichita Lineman that I have ever heard…” – Terry Wogan, BBC Radio 2
“She’s just fantastic…” – Bob Harris
Jessica Clemmons first exploded onto the UK scene in 2013 with the release of her debut country EP ‘What If’. She had been working in Nashville with singer-songwriter and producer Jeff Cohen, and had returned to the UK with five gritty country-pop tracks that took country radio by storm. Initially, ‘The (now) Bandits’ were a group of like-minded musicians Jessica had hired to play with her as she embarked on a 24-date arena tour supporting Boyzone. However, a few dates into the tour the chemistry was clear, and Jess and The Bandits was born.
The years that followed were a whirlwind of successes, with increased radio support, a wealth of press coverage, and substantial TV exposure. The band’s performance of ‘Wichita Lineman’ on the late Terry Wogan’s Sunday morning show sent social media into a frenzy, with fans demanding the cover appear on their debut album. It did… and was matched with twelve equally impressive originals, ‘Here We Go Again’ soared to number 3 in the UK Country Chart.
Jess and the Bandits went on to appear on ITV’s Lorraine, Aled Jones’ Weekend, Channel Five’s The Wright Stuff, Songs of Praise and Sky’s Sunrise show. They signed an endorsement deal with high-street retailer Arcadia and debuted their feel-good single ‘Nitty Gritty‘ in The Independent. Standout performances included The Isle of Wight, Country to Country and Cornbury Festivals, to name a few. The success of her single ‘Nitty Gritty’, a positive body-image anthem, made Jessica a role model for fans who struggled with their own body image. With a career on the rise and a great band around her, Jessica felt like she was exactly where she wanted to be.
In 2017 Jess and the Bandit’s second album ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ was released to critical claim. debuting at #1 in the UK Country Music Chart, whilst single ‘Sister’, with its anthemic battle cry, was added to the BBC Radio 2 Playlist. The band went on to sell out multiple tours, with performances at The Long Road Festival, Black Deer Festival and Nashville Meets London.
She married the love of her life, photographer Christopher Peavey. The couple, who spend their time between their home in Houston and the UK went on to have two boys, Asher, now 5yrs and River, three.
The previous year her beloved father Gary had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Dementia. As his illness slowly progressed, Jessica knew that she needed to prioritise her family, and for the time being, her career would have to take a back seat. Spending more time at home in her hometown of Houston, Jessica focused on motherhood and spending time with her parents whist also navigating her own struggle with post-natal depression.
“The last few years have taught me that life is precious and that we need to hold our loved ones tight. My family are my world, but music has always been my solace. I have had to work my way through finding a balance between motherhood and ambition, between being there at bedtimes but still working hard. Ask any working mother… the struggle is real!”
Last year, with her health back on track, Jessica reached out to her fans and launched a crowdfunding campaign to help her record a brand-new album. Blown away by the support she received on both sides of the Atlantic, Jessica reached her funding target and preparation for the album began. Able to get back to what she loved, she worked with songwriter friends in Texas, Nashville and the UK to put together what she believes is her strongest work to date.
Entitled ‘Jessica’ the album is set to be released in October 2024 and includes songs written by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, Jeff Cohen (Band Perry, The Shires, Josh Groban), Natalie Hemby (Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Lady Gaga), Victoria Banks (Jessica Simpson, Reba McEntire, Cassadee Pope), Emily Shackleton (Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Sara Evans) and Phil Barton (Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Ashley McBride). Produced in Houston, Texas the album mixes Jess’ pop country and Americana influences, with a hint of rock perfectly complimented with her flawless vocals.
“The autumn of 2023 marked a turning point: the completion of my successful crowdfunding but also my father’s passing after battling Parkinson’s. Amidst the whirlwind of grief, I found solace and excitement in returning to my country music roots. This album, brimming with storytelling and entertainment, is a testament to my passion. I can’t wait to share this journey with the world and my fans, offering them an escape through music.”
Debut single, God Did God, written by Cohen, Bush and Diana Corcoran is the perfect introduction to a record not to be missed. Produced in Texas by Derek Hanes, the song is uplifting, gritty, and the perfect anthem for the summer months. Jess and the Bandits are back, bigger and better than ever…
2024 Live performances:
15th August – Weyfest, Surrey
21st August – The Grace, London
22nd August – Gullivers, Manchester
25th August – Cottingham Fok Festival, Hull