The band Roses For Jack hails from Sydney and comprises Ariane Campbell, John Romeo, Rob Di Marzo and Tim Sampson.

There’s a lot of love for women coming through in these tracks.

Roses For Jack is the new rock band that will keep you listening.

The band is influenced by Australian rock’n’roll outfits like AC/DC and Cold Chisel and by American rock bands Guns n Roses and Aerosmith.

Now, the band is working on their debut record, rehearsing new songs for their upcoming show, the kiss that inspired a song and preparing to be featured at the Australian Independent Music Awards.

We met with lead singer Ariane to discuss Roses For Jack a bit more.

Can you give a brief history of Roses For Jack and how the band came together?

When I returned to Sydney from New York, I took some of my songs to a producer who suggested that I meet the boys, as they are all really into rock n roll. We clicked immediately. My drummer and I went off to record two tracks with Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), and then we all went into rehearsal with a bunch of songs I’d written; I loved it; played live together; loved that, and the rest is history!

The name Roses For Jack comes from the fact that I love putting roses in an empty Jack Daniels bottle which I use as a vase at my apartment. I also have a joke about trading roses for whiskey with one of my closest friends, so it suits me!

How would you describe the sound Roses For Jack has?

Upbeat, intriguing, driving, rock n roll. Think Divinyls, AC/DC, The Superjesus, and Joan Jett.

What creative process goes into creating the music you play?

It’s often a rhythm of words, poetry, or a compelling mood that will inspire me to write a song. Recently, Melissa Barrett’s paintings at Riverhouse Studios evoked some sonic ideas and Jeff (Martin)’s library. Playing live is always a great way to discover what kicks. After Sarah McLeod saw us at Frankie’s, she offered some inspired insight and brilliant ideas, which fuelled new avenues for songwriting, production and creation. Often, I’ll get a melody that will wake me from sleep and have me reaching for my guitar to record it, and that’s the first seed… Love… In its many shapes and shadows, love often sparks the creative process.

Does your music carry any specific messages for listeners?

Well, there’s a lot of love for women in these tracks, that’s for sure!

“Magician’s Kiss” kicks off with “She’s the one she is/ Know exactly what this is/ She’s the one you miss/ She’s the sweet Magician’s Kiss”. Women are spell-casting, delicious, and magnificent. They’re also surprising- I was blindsided by the most potent kiss that gave us “Stolen Hearts”. I love singing for women and about women. Women are to be loved, appreciated and celebrated; listeners will hear that coming through 100%. There’s a seize-the-day element to these songs, too, a kind of one-life-to-lead vibe… I inherently believe in taking your shot, being in the moment, wholly invested, and having the courage to hold fast to whatever you believe in. “Once Broke” really lays that on the line.

What motivates you to perform?

I love it. Playing live music is the most potent expression of words and sound, and movement. Music makes rooms buzz and throb and comes to life; it makes everyone’s heart beat faster and a little louder. There’s an incredible connection and electricity between the audience and the artist… I adore the storytelling element, one of the oldest and most profound forms of communication, and the art… The open-hearted, brave, intense, vulnerable artistry of performance. That motivates me. Wholeheartedly.

What goes into preparing for being featured at the Australian Independent Music Awards?

Dedicated hours are writing songs, rehearsing, recording and playing live! Having the support of MusicOz, who present the Awards. Many sleep visualising playing the Enmore Theatre!

What can be expected from the audience at one of your shows?

Our audience can expect sexy, thumping, fun-loving, honest rock n roll. Our set-up is two guitars, bass and drums like the Baby Animals and The Superjesus. We’ve been told we’re like the “love children of Divinyls and AC/DC,” which has to be a compliment!

Can you talk about the new record the band is working on?

We’re working on our first record! Exciting times!

Currently six tracks into the writing process and on a roll with producer extraordinaire Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus). Sarah and I kicked out four songs in four days last week, with a tonne of inspiration, drive, and no sleep! Loving the process.

The songs sound great, and the album takes shape in true rock n roll fashion. We’re hitting hard and fast with this record, from the heart and with a wicked sense of humour. I can’t wait to share the new tracks! We’ll be hitting them live at our upcoming gigs: