Jia O'Connor was born in Australia, where he would later become a pivotal member of the heavy metal band Parkway Drive. Growing up in Byron Bay, Jia met his future bandmates when they were just teenagers. Little did they know that their shared love of music would lead to the formation of one of Australia's most successful bands.
Although Parkway Drive was formed three years before Jia joined the band, it wasn't until 2006 that he became a permanent fixture. Initially brought on as a temporary fill-in player, Jia quickly proved his talent and dedication, earning a permanent spot in the group. The band's name, inspired by the street where they all grew up, holds significant meaning for Jia and his bandmates.
In 2019, Jia faced a significant personal challenge when he ruptured his ACL. Despite this injury, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to the band by continuing with their scheduled Europe tour. Throughout the tour, Jia performed from a wheelchair, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the music and his fans. One of Parkway Drive's most popular songs, "Prey," boasts over 70 million streams on Spotify, further solidifying the band's place in the heavy metal scene.
Jia's personal life has not been without its hardships. In 2016, while he was away on tour, Jia's long-term girlfriend Tegan Sandmayr succumbed to terminal metastatic kidney cancer. The loss of Tegan deeply impacted Jia and served as a reminder of the fragility of life. Despite this tragedy, Jia found solace in his music, using it as a form of expression and healing.
Within Parkway Drive, Jia is joined by bandmates Winston McCall, Luke Kilpatrick, and Jeff Ling. Together, they have achieved immense success both in Australia and on an international scale. Their unique sound and powerful performances have garnered a loyal following of fans who appreciate their raw energy and heartfelt lyrics.