Brothers Osborne, the country music duo consisting of siblings John and TJ Osborne, recently released their album “Watertown,” a reflective work that draws heavily from their upbringing in the small fishing town of Deale, Maryland. The album, which followed a decade after their first LP, explores themes of family, youthful experiences, and the roots that shaped their lives.
Before finding success on the country music charts, the brothers were involved in their father’s plumbing business during the late 1990s. John Osborne, the band’s lead guitarist, humorously noted how many country stars open bars in Nashville, joking about starting a Brothers Osborne plumbing company to service those establishments. The reference highlights both their down-to-earth background and their connection to small-town life.
“Watertown” features songs that delve into personal and familial stories, including “Family Business,” which portrays the colorful and sometimes chaotic dynamics among the Osbornes. The lyrics mention a mother with a rebellious streak, a father in a complicated relationship, and a sister known for confrontational moments. John Osborne acknowledged that while he and TJ consider themselves relatively ordinary, their family members have been involved in dramatic incidents, such as their sister reportedly punching her ex-husband.
TJ Osborne, the lead vocalist, described the album as a tribute to the people who had a lasting impact on their lives. Reflecting on their journey, he said that the desire to leave home and explore the world is common in youth, but there comes a point when that hometown calls you back. This sentiment resonates throughout the album’s storytelling approach, emphasizing nostalgia and personal history.
The brothers, now in their early 40s, find themselves somewhat removed from the younger generation dominating today’s country scene, instead focusing on celebrating the past and the lasting influence of their origins. Known for blending traditional country with rock elements, Brothers Osborne have achieved notable success, including multiple Billboard Country Airplay hits and several vocal duo of the year awards at the Country Music Association ceremonies.
Their latest work, “Watertown,” reflects both their musical evolution and a desire to honor the small-town environment that shaped their identity before their rise in the Nashville music industry.
