The Gold Coast City Jazz Club features many great talents. It’s easy to forget that these wonderful artists each have a story beyond the few hours they spend entertaining us. This month, Nicola Ossher is in the spotlight.  

Nicola Ossher was banging away on things long before she officially began playing the drums at just 12 years old. Spending much of her youth jamming away in her basement with a jazz pianist brother, it’s no surprise she developed a love of jazz from a very early age. 

Can you tell us a little about your music history?

Since moving to Tweed Heads six years ago I have managed to build a steady career in music with a combination of teaching, starting my own drumming music business EcoBeats and finding a large network of musicians and bands to play with regularly – Jazz Factory, Fat Albert, The Amy Experience (Amy Winehouse Tribute band), Sali Bracewell and others.

How did Jazz Factory come to be?

I started Jazz Factory as a functions/events band when I was around 18 and kept that going until I left Sydney and moved to Tweed Heads. It didn’t take long to find some great jazz musicians on the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and Brisbane and we have performed at HOTA, the Farm and other live music venues in the area. 

Can you tell us a little about EcoBeats?

EcoBeats is an environmentally friendly, recycled bucket drumming program that offers drumming workshops for schools, festivals, events and conferences.  All materials are 100% recycled and all programs are 100% fun!

What has been the highlight of your career as a musician? 

The highlight of my career was in 2019 playing with Ben Lee at Caloundra Music Festival.

What advice do you have for a rookie player?

My advice to a rookie player is to never give up on your dreams and to be brave and talk to anyone you see playing – networking is key and whether it’s a lesson you’re after or a slot in the band, it’s always worth having a chat!

Catch Nicola Ossher and her band, Jazz Factory at Gold Coast City Jazz Club from 7pm on Tuesday 9 April. Call Keryn on 0419 658 983 for bookings.