Country music recording artist Jason Owen is gearing up for massive 2020 festive period with the release of his first ever Christmas single So This is Christmas.
Jason recorded the cover of the classic John Lennon song to coincide with his charity run this year for Doin It for Rural Aussie Kids, which raises funds for children doing it tough in regional areas.
“I’ve wanted to release this cover version for a while now as the words really resonate with what I’ve been trying to achieve with my charity, as it implores people to reflect on what they’ve done throughout the year,” Jason said. “Rural Aussie kids in particular have had a really hard time this year with the drought, bushfires and economic fallout from COVID and need support.
“Next year marks the 50th anniversary of when this iconic song was first released so I’m honoured to be singing such an impactful, timeless tribute. I also had a group of kids from the Blue Mountains – one of the bushfire-affected areas – singing the backing tracks which made it even more poignant. I hope it will bring joy to people.”
Jason will shortly embark on an epic drive covering 10,000 kms in 10 days across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria in line with restrictions to personally deliver funds, toys, gifts and groceries to more than 500 children in need, supporting local businesses along the way. Major sponsors include Coles, Big W, Officeworks, Bunnings and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
The charity recently called for families and organisations to be beneficiaries of for this year and received more than 1,000 worthy nominations. “This is the second year we’ll be doing the charity drive meeting some of the most courageous children in the nation,” said Jason. “These kids have been through unbelievable challenges such as horrendous medical treatment, lost a parent through illness, experienced serious farming accidents and been rocked to the core by drought and bushfires. This year has been unprecedented so we’re hoping this will bring deserving rural kids a little cheer.”
A proportion of funds raised through sales of So This is Christmas will be donated to Doin It for Rural Aussie Kids.
Bursting onto the Australian Music Scene in 2012 as runner up of the X-Factor, Jason launched his debut album Life Is A Highway which debuted at number one on the ARIA Country Chart and number five on the Australian National ARIA Chart. He has since released three more albums; Friday Night containing his first original hit Damn Right, Proud, his first all-originals album celebrating his First Nations background and most lately, Jason Owen Sings John Denver: the 20th Anniversary.