Origin Melbourne, Australia Years active 1993-present | Genres Ska, big band, reggae Labels FOUR FOUR | |
Associated acts Bustamento
Nicky Bomba
John Butler Trio Website melbourneskaorchestra.com Albums Sierra Kilo Alpha, Saturn Return, Melbourne Ska Orchestra Profiles | ||
Melbourne ska orchestra get smart official full version
Melbourne Ska Orchestra are an ARIA Award-winning ska band formed in 1993 in Melbourne, Australia. The group has up to 34 members, and is led by bandleader Nicky Bomba, formerly of the John Butler Trio. The band are signed to FOUR FOUR, an imprint of ABC Music.
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Melbourne ska orchestra the best things in life are free
Background
Drawing inspiration from the vast musical legends that have shaped the Ska genre, from the Jamaican movement through to UK Two Tone and the present day Latino Ska, Melbourne Ska Orchestra demonstrate a unique Australian vision with the exuberance and freewheeling colour of contemporary Ska. The outfit have crafted their sound with unexpected arrangements and seductive harmonies, powerful horns and foot-stomping drums.
The eponymous Melbourne Ska Orchestra album was released to rave reviews in 2013 and picked up 2 ARIA nominations that year.
The band have toured consistently for over a decade, including festival appearances at Bluesfest, Golden Plains, Vivid, Caloundra, Queenscliff and AWME. In addition to their highly visible presence on the Australian touring circuit, the band have built an impressive, ever-growing and dedicated overseas fan base. The band sold out their debut London show, appeared on the bill for the iconic Glastonbury Festival and played a headline set to a crowd 50,000 at the Montreal Jazz Festival during their 2014 tour.
The band released their second album Sierra Kilo Alpha in April 2016, embarking on a national tour to support it.
"Sierra Kilo Alpha" won the 2016 ARIA Award for Best World Music album
Albums
Singles
Awards
ARIA Awards
Melbourne Ska Orchestra has been nominated for four Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Music Awards, winning one in 2016.
The Age Music Victoria Awards
The band have won one The Age Music Victoria award.
Songs
Get SmartMelbourne Ska Orchestra · 2013
The Best Things in Life Are FreeMelbourne Ska Orchestra · 2013
Lygon St MeltdownMelbourne Ska Orchestra · 2013