 Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Jo Kelly Stephenson's bluesy alt-country music is flavoured with hints of jazz, R & B and pop/rock. She has a gift for hitting the mark when it comes to writing award winning songs in a variety of genres. 2009 began with Jo Kelly Stephenson winning 2nd place in the 16th Annual Billboard Song Contest R&B Blues category for new song - I'll Be True To You 2008 marked the release of Jo Kelly Stephenson's debut album I See Flowers, You See Cars. Following was a string of positive press reviews, airplay on over 60 stations Australia wide including Mix, Triple J and ABC Radio National and 75 stations in the USA. I See Flowers, You See Cars won ALTERNATIVE COUNTRY - Album of the Year for the popular vote and Album Finalist - Judges Vote in the 7th USA Independent Music Awards (IMA) reflecting both the production quality of the album and the strong songs with broad appeal. In Australia in 2008, Jo Kelly received the Rudy Brandsma Award, one of the two major awards for songwriting excellence, at the Australian Songwriters Association Awards (ASA). Jo Kelly performed at the televised industry awards night in Sydney. Song Perfect Chance won 3rd place in both the Country and International categories. From an early age Jo Kelly toured with her musical family along the east coast of Australia. She treasures memories of dancing to her father's band at late night gigs. Later growing up in Melbourne, the community of musicians who surrounded her, writing and recording music, fostered Jo Kelly's desire to sing and create her own sound. Teaching herself to play the piano and guitar she began to be inspired to write her own songs long before taking up more formal studies. Her musical journey continues to unfold with the major focus continuing to be songwriting and recording. Award winning placements both nationally and internationally now include:
- Independent Music Awards (USA) Six songs on I See Flowers You See Cars were awarded Finalist placements (Americana/Folk) in the 15th Annual Billboard Song Contest ( (USA) Four songs had already appeared in the Top 10 of the Australian Songwriters Association Awards (ASA) with Jo Kelly being a nominee in the Top 10 for the Rudy Brandsma Award that year. As a place winning finalist - PBS 106.7FM Festival of Song Competition - Jo Kelly won a Segovia acoustic bass guitar. Performing at World Battle of the Bands, at The Espy, St Kilda, her band was also a State Finalist 2005 VIC. Prime time television aired a collection of Jo Kelly Stephenson's songs on Channels 9 and 10, as part of AUSMUSIC / Australian Music Week after her band showcased at Australian Music Week run by well known promoter Michael Chugg, The Espy, Melbourne, 2004. Being AUS MUSIC Category Winner in 2001 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 4th 6th and 9th (equal) places in the ASA Australian National Songwriting Contest was a highlight while still a student. Festival Mushroom representative, Warren Barnett, and Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil made the presentation. Lindy Morrison, from PPCA presented Jo Kelly with the 'Performer of the Night' Award for her live performance at the Metro Theatre in Sydney. Amongst other venues and music festivals nationally, Jo Kelly Stephenson has appeared with her band at ABC studios, South Melbourne, the popular Woodford Folk Festival., The St Kilda Festival and the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Jo Kelly Stephenson completed a BA Music (With Distinction), through Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. I See Flowers, You See Cars was co-produced with her father Ken Stephenson and recorded at Back Pocket Records studio in Melbourne, Australia Well known Australian blues legends Mike Rudd, Bill Putt & Peter Robertson from Spectrum ('I'll Be Gone') played on the album featuring Mike's trademark blues harp.
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I See Flowers, You See Cars is also available in all good record and online stores, Australian distributor Sound Vault Records, proudly supporting independent Australian music.