Cocoa Jackson Lane combines psychedelic soul with roots and reggae to create a tropical brand of tribal pop. Fronted by Jess Harlen and directed by bassist Camilla Charlesworth, Cocoa Jackson Lane seamlessly range from heart-wrenching delicacy to hard-hitting dancehall. Of Maori ancestry, Jess Harlen digs deep into Pacific rhythms on both electric and acoustic guitar, and ukulele, whilst her voice explores influences of motown, hip hop and soul. Moving to Melbourne to launch her solo career, Harlen was awarded Best Unsigned Artist at the Urban Music Awards 2007, and Best Female Artist at the Age EG Awards 2010. Joining roots giants Blue King Brown as a backing vocalist, Harlen toured the globe with the group over a period of five years. Leaving the touring circuit to focus on her solo project, Harlen released two solo albums to critical acclaim, Neon Heartache (2010) and Park Yard Slang (2012). After attending The Seed Management Workshop, Jess now focuses on managing and producing Cocoa Jackson Lane. Of Indonesian heritage, Camilla Charlesworth (bass, synth, piano and backing vocals) developed a reputable name as a session musician in Sydney, playing for and touring with some of Australia’s biggest outfits: Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy, Jade Macrae and Prinnie Stevens. Camilla’s versatility as a performer also led to several appearances on national television programs, such as X-Factor and Hey Hey It’s Saturday. With this pop sensibility and a deep love for RnB, Reggae and Psychedelic Rock, Camilla brings a groove heavy writing style to Cocoa Jackson Lane. She is currently completing a degree at Berklee College of Music where she was awarded a full scholarship, and is now based in Boston. Thanks to NZ On Air, the group were awarded a grant to contribute to their debut release, due out in November 2013.
Cocoa Jackson Lane – In Search of Souls
Cocoa Jackson Lane bring their Psychedelic Soul to the worldwide underground with Debut Single – In Search of Souls – 14th January, 2014. This brand new Roots-meets-RnB project is a collaboration between Camilla Charlesworth and Jess Harlen, featuring Meritxell Nedderman on keys, and Lyrics by Mark Ferguson. Animated by Cabala Studios, NY.
Cocoa Jackson Lane – In Search of Souls Lyrics: