Exclusive: Melbourne Ska Orchestra tapped for Music Matters campaign

The Melbourne Ska Orchestra (MSO) are the latest band to take part in Music Matters’ Australia and New Zealand campaign.

The animation to encourage people to think about the value of music has previously seen artists including Nick Cave, Oh Mercy, Dave Dobbyn, Eskimo Joe, The Audreys, The Rubens and last year’s subjects Something For Kate, convey the lengths that creatives go to make and perform music.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra, who are set to release sophomore LP Sierra-Kilo-Alpha on April 22, have offered an insight into what it’s like as a 34-piece collective touring the globe.

The short animation was created by 2013 Tropfest New York winner and Sydney- based illustrator Tristan Klein. Using the band’s tracks Escher and Slyboots, Klein has captured the exuberance and freewheeling colour of contemporary Ska and the zeal created from their live performances.

Klein said in a statement: "It was such an honour to be asked to work on this Music Matters campaign. Music is such an important part of our life, and talking to the Melbourne Ska Orchestra highlighted how much work goes into performing all around the world. Music shapes us, moves us and inspires us. It magnifies the good times and supports us through the hard times. This is why music matters.

“This short animation is about the passion and labour of love that bands have, to put on a show,” Klein added. “Traveling light, living out of a suit case, and traveling in packed buses, to share music all around the world.“

MSO multi-instrmentalist and vocalist Nicky Bomba said: “The Melbourne Ska Orchestra are thrilled to be a part of the Music Matters initiative for live music appreciation. We had lots of fun jammimg the visual ideas and the final animation captures the spirit of our ramshackle group. Well done!”   

MSO, which celebrates its 13th year together this year, kicks off their national tour on April 22 on the Gold Coast. Details here.

Music Matters was launched in 2010 and is managed by an Australian/ NZ steering committee made-up of members from ARIA, AIR, APRA AMCOS, AMPAL, AAM (Managers), AMRA, labels and music publishers. 

Its campaign encourages people to think about the value of music by obtaining music from legitimate sources and by attending live music to support the artists. More information at www.whymusicmatters.com.au 

Watch the animation below: