Who is Nicola Hamilton?
I’m Nicola! I am one quarter of the dynamic and sexy Internal Jukebox cast, and as Bobby Blue, I sing bass in (Vintage Barbershop Quartet of Dreams) Bobby and the Pins. I was born and grew up in Scotland but have loitered round Melbourne for the last 15 years. It’s been said (by me) that I have a head for crime and a body for sin. I should probably stop perpetuating this myth.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Hmm… I took a massive break from performing and often wish I’d returned a little earlier. But! I wouldn’t be who I am now etc etc. I wouldn’t have quit learning piano and cello – they said I would regret it, and they were right! Generally, I would have more faith and trust in myself, and less doubt. Ooh or would I?
Who inspires you and why?
I’m massively inspired by the creativity and hard work of people I perform with – they are constantly planning and scheming! What’s with that? So impressive. In the wider world I’m inspired by people who are articulate about any kind of injustice – I just fly into an incoherent rage, which is no use to anyone. Although actually a friend recently told me I’m MOST articulate when I’m angry. I don’t know what that says about my eloquence during non-rage moments.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Be kind, and eat less meat.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Northern New South Wales is pretty much ideal – rad beaches in front and lush forest behind, lovely wildlife, not too stinkin’ hot. But in the end, visiting my family in Scotland is the best. It also turns out there’s more to my homeland than deep fried mars bars, heroin and crap weather – who knew?
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I love Puffing Billy. Not only do you get to go for a ride on this cute as a button steam train, but you get to travel through the beautiful Dandenongs. Delightful!
What are you currently reading?
I’ve been reading The Sound and the Fury by Faulkner since about the start of the year – I have to keep taking breaks from it because it’s mentally and emotionally exhausting. It’s amazing – you have no idea what’s happening but the moment you put it down, you understand perfectly. In between, I’ve read some David Sedaris and Stephen Fry’s book about poetry, The Ode Less Travelled.
What are you currently listening to?
Well the fridge just stopped buzzing so that’s pretty sweet. As for music I’ve been revisiting the first two Interpol albums, enjoying the silky smooth stylings of Michael Buble (I can’t help it, believe me I’ve tried – why can’t I quit you Buble??) and getting melancholy to Debussy. Ooh check me out I’m so eclectic. Ugh – fridge just started buzzing again.
Happiness is?
Dancing – give me a dance floor and some tunes that make me wanna shake it, and I am set. Also being in nature, being with my family, singing a barbershop arrangement really well, and hanging out with cats.
What does the future hold for you?
Wouldn’t you like to know! No, it’s lovely of you to ask. I’ll be performing with the dynamic and sexy Wayne Tunks, Amanda Buckley and Sophie Kneebone in Internal Jukebox at the Butterfly Club from 12-16th November, which I am very excited about. Then I’ll be performing with my barbershop buds (who are also dynamic and sexy, when I think about it) at the Bally on High festival on the 21st and 22nd of November. And I might save up for a new fridge (it’s buzzing again, readers will no doubt be keen to know).
Internal Jukebox plays at the Butterfly Club from 12 – 16th November 2014. For more information and bookings, visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com for details.
Image: Nicola Hamilton – photo by Rohan Spong