The Secret Of My Success

For ten years now, Nicky Bomba has worked hard as the exciting, energetic frontman of Melbourne Ska Orchestra. It's been a job he's enjoyed along with his work with other bands, including as drummer for the John Butler Trio. Unfortunately the task of working with the two groups was becoming harder as the Orchestra's popularity increased over this past year, forcing Bomba to leave Butler's band in August to focus full-time on the Orchestra. “John and I have a beautiful relationship and we understand the essence of a musician and basically I always had other ships I was always on and so I jumped from one to John's and when the time was up I'd come back on my ship but it just got that my ships needed nurturing and personal attention. I think if I stayed longer and tried to keep the MSO afloat, something would have had to give, there would have been some compromise somewhere and so it was a very natural decision.”

When Bomba left the JBT, the Orchestra had already received news their self-titled debut had been nominated for an ARIA for Best Blues & Roots Album. Despite Russell Morris eventually winning for his album, Sharkmouth, Bomba says it still gave him affirmation for his songwriting talents and the direction of the band. “We're pretty buzzed; it's only eight months out and to get our debut album nominated and recognised, it's an honour as a songwriter and somebody who has been doing this for a long time. The charts don't really reflect things like they used to and these awards are kind of an indication that you're kind of doing something right. I've always said that success, as far as a musician is concerned, is if you can make a living from your music you're a success. All the accolades and ARIAs and things are beautiful and they're still valid but they're not the essence of it.”

The band is returning to headline this year's Fremantle Arts Centre New Year's Day festivities. Bomba says the group will stay in town for a few extra days to relax after a long year of hard work. “We're just going to do the beach thing really, just beach and party and hang and I'm sure there's going to be a couple of little campouts on the shores there in Fremantle, listening to some guitars and djembes and singalongs.”