With seven full-length albums, three international tours, two ARIA awards wins and millions of worldwide streams under their belts, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra bring a fresh twist to the world of ska with a killer live show to boot. Band leader and industry heavyweight Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento) says “This mighty big band really is a spectacle to behold and the energy that I feel on stage inspires me to connect with our audiences on the highest level possible. Outlaws and Offbeats indeed! “
The Outlaws and Offbeats tour is going to be so much fun and is no simple undertaking, hauling the full 26 piece band around the country, starting in Cairns on Friday August 16, then traveling to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, before making its way through Newcastle, Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, Castlemaine, Margaret River, Perth and Melbourne, a proper lap of the map, ending on Saturday 19 October in Adelaide.
Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with Hear 2 Zen, what have you been up to today?
Songwriting, Reading, Bike Riding and a bit of Mixing .
Tell us about yourself, how long have you been performing/creating music for?
I’ve been playing music most of my life since the age of six, started in the family dance band then turned professional at 16. I love creating music and sharing the joy of song in a live format where you can connect with people in a real way.
Who are your greatest inspirations? Why?
I am constantly surprised and joyed by the different creative possibilities in regards to songwriting, inspired by people, nature, personal problem solving and love. There is so much subject matter that spins around us on any given day, you just have to be open to the moments and how they make you feel
How do you create music? Are you lyrics/story driven, or does the music/melody come first? Explain your process.
There is no one particular method, could be a drum groove that acts as catapult or a phrase from a newspaper that inspires a thought process with a feeling. I usually sing stuff into my voice memo app on my phone and then do a weekly appraisal seeing what still sticks.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in performing/creating music?
Surviving financially is always a struggle, especially since the digitisation of music (spotify etc), a whole income stream has just dried up
Tell us about your tour, how did it come about?
We love playing Live so at least once a year we take our new songs and show on the road. It’s a mammoth undertaking but it all seems worthy
What advice do you have to artists who are just starting out?
Understand your niche and be diligent in the advancement of your craft. Work Smart and be disciplined when it comes to creating. We are essentially self employed so self motivation plays a big part in getting shit done!
Tell us your favourite Zen practice. As I wake everyday I burn sage, play my singing bowls, do some stretches and Bless the Day.
