Jackson+Sellers is one of the first great pandemic bands.
Jade Jackson first met Aubrie Sellers when she opened for her at a Nashville show. Once actual shows became little more than a distant memory thanks to the global pandemic shut down, Jackson reached out to Sellers via a social media. With nothing but time on their hands, the two set out to form a musical partnership, writing music and eventually recording a record.
The result is Breaking Point, equal parts rock and Americana, cramming 10 tracks – a mix of sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs anthems and slow burners – onto a stellar debut. Jackson was initially just looking for Sellers to balance out vocals on the song “Hush,” written just after the two shared the stage together that first time. “I really loved her voice and asked if she’d be interested in doing a co-write/duet,” according to Jackson. “I wasn’t expecting a response but moments after I sent the message, she responded with she’d love to. I knew the song would benefit from heavy female vocal harmonies but working with Aubrie was such a boost. Collaborating with someone who’s so energetically strong, it gives you even more creativity and license to explore.”
The chemistry heard on the almost reverent “Hush,” proved too good to keep to just one song, leading to an entire album. The opening track, “The Devil Is An Angel,” with its teeth rattling fuzz guitars and shared vocals set the mood perfectly for what follows. Even on slower moments, like the aching “As You Run,” the duo manage to wring ever bit of emotion out of the three-and-a-half minutes.
Jackson and Sellers each contributed three tracks to the record and co-wrote “Wound Up” along with their co-producer Ethan Ballinger. They also pulled in several covers including Julie Miller’s “The Devil Is an Angel,” Suzi Quatro’s “The Wild One,” and Shannon Wright’s “Has Been.” Two of those covers, “The Devil Is An Angel” and “Has Been” start and end the record, adding a brilliant bookend to the record. Part of the charm of Jackson + Sellers is their ability to seamlessly switch from noise-heavy guitar numbers to a more stripped-down sound, from song to song and sound as urgent regardless. Breaking Point begs for a follow-up from the duo.
Photo Credit: Ashley Osborn
