What has Wally Maloney from Melbourne Ska Orchestra been up to lately? OR MSO's Global Journey

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Melbourne Ska Orchestra electrifies with their cinematic new single "Walla of Jericho" and prepares for a mammoth global tour supporting their upcoming album "The Ballad of Monte Loco." Trombonist and tour manager Wally Maloney takes us behind the scenes of this explosive ARIA award-winning collective that has become one of Australia's most beloved musical exports.

Emerging from Melbourne's vibrant ska scene in 2003, this "super group" united the city's best ska musicians into what was initially planned as a one-off celebration. What began as an annual event gradually evolved into the powerhouse ensemble we know today. Maloney shares fascinating stories about juggling 26+ musicians across international tours and the Orchestra's remarkable journey from local favorite to global sensation.

The conversation delves into their groundbreaking "One Year of Ska" project that earned them the 2019 ARIA for Best World Music Album - an incredible feat where they released one track every week for an entire year. Using what Maloney describes as a "Motown Model," they created 52 diverse tracks spanning classic ska covers, TV/movie themes, and original compositions. Their new music takes an exciting turn, blending spaghetti western cinematic elements with their signature ska sound, while "Walls of Jericho" tackles timeless themes of conflict with an undercurrent of hope.

As Melbourne Ska Orchestra prepares to tour Australia, Japan, and Canada, they promise the same infectious energy and fluid stage presence that has made their live shows legendary.

What have MSO been up to lately? Let's find out!

Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!

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