Singer-songwriter and guitarist based on the Sunshine Coast, JaZZella is self-taught to play music.

At the age of 17, JaZZella decided to start her own music business, organizing a series of tours – both in Australia and overseas – performing thousands of shows since. Last year she released her first original music with two singles: ‘Shoot’ and ‘You Ma Dude’.

Inspired by artists such as Amy Winehouse, BENEE and Mac Miller, JaZZella’s new single is the rootsy, dubby-flavored “Quit Bitchin” – a song about circles of toxic friendships – and is the third offering from her debut album. upcoming “StarZ & GuitarZ”. ‘, which is slated for release later in 2022.

Ahead of her appearance at Sunshine Sounds Festival next month (alongside a number of other live appearances), we’re getting to know JaZZella a little better.

Who is JaZZella… Hi guys. I’m a touring musician from the Sunshine Coast. I grew up on the streets of Mooloolaba until at 17 I decided to manage my first musical tour myself along the east coast of Australia.

I spent three months performing in all the towns on the coast, from Cairns to Sydney. Since then I’ve performed thousands of shows while traveling the world and writing original music.

I seem to… A mix of pop/ soul/ jazz/ reggae/ R&B and rap music. If Amy Winehouse, Mac Miller and BENEE had a sonic baby! Random I know!

My first gig was… At three years old when I sang the Australian anthem at a political conference.

When did you choose your artist name, and was it a unanimous decision… My artist name was fixed on Monday, June 2, 1997; the day I was born when my parents named me JaZZ Ella (after Ella Fitzgerald the jazz singer).

In the studio, I’m used to… Always come prepared with three essentials. 1: The best organic lunch for everyone! 2: Vanilla/caramel scented candles for the day. 3: My laminated studio day plan (lyrics, chords, key, bpm, production ideas, etc.).

If I could shoot with someone… You Sultana! All the! They are so great in the Australian music industry and it would be a dream to tour with them! Offstage jams on the road and when chilling out between shows would be amazing.

Social media is… Unable to follow. So post when you want to share and forget the pressure.

My favorite app right now is… The calculator application to calculate my earnings.

My most embarrassing moment to date was when… Once, my band got the crowd up and cheering me on with a heartbreaking guitar solo on stage.

Just when the spotlight hit me, my guitar strap fell off and I looked like a fumbling mess, nearly dropping SparkleZ (my guitar) and hitting nothing but terrible notes as I tried to play it cool and keep going. Worst guitar solo ever.

Life on the road can be… Sooo comfortable if you’re in the right vehicle! Don’t make the same mistake I made buying a convertible that barely fits your guitar let alone a PA (I got it working though).

If you’d like to have me on your bill, all I’m asking is that our endorsement include… An amazing selection of tea and honey and lemon.

The scariest scenario I found myself in was… Living in a house with my little brother and my little sister during their teenage years.

Which celebrity/famous person would you like to be a spokesperson for the group… Beyoncé because who wouldn’t listen to Queen B?!

If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Amsterdam! I love the bustling small town vibe and the quirky little streets and canals lit up with fairy lights. I’m still super inspired to write music in this city and it’s only a short train ride from London, Paris or any of my favorite countries in Europe.

Three people you would like to invite to dinner… Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. It would be the dinner of a lifetime – I can imagine the banter and all of us singing together around the table.

If we came to your house, what would you cook for us? The best organic spaghetti Bolognese or Spanish chorizo ​​pasta dish of your life. With fresh basil and chilli from the garden, parmesan and excellent syrah.

When it comes to pets, do you love or hate our furry friends? I am a lover! I have two big cuddly twin cats called Taco and Burrito.

No matter the expense, send me a case of… Your best shiraz. Members of my group know me as ShiraZZella.

The last time I saw the inside of a gymnasium was… This morning for my 5 am session.

What chore do you hate the most? Organize my wardrobe.

Do you have any phobias… I have a navel phobia. I wish I could say it’s a joke, but it’s not. This is called omphalophobia. Basically, I can’t stand seeing or touching a navel (either mine or someone else’s). Look it up!

Would you ever be on a reality TV show? I’ve had a few experiences with musical reality TV shows. In 2013 and 2014 I was on ‘X Factor Australia’. I didn’t get a music career from the show, but I did meet my hot boyfriend Chris Ah Gee.

If you could prank one of your friends, who is your target and how do you take them down? I love changing the time on Chris’ phone to confuse him. It’s a hilarious prank!

I once put his clock forward three hours while he was asleep. He woke up thinking he was late and it took him almost a full day before realizing he had been framed.

The best local takeout restaurant for a midnight meal that will leave you in a food coma? Ummm it’s the Sunshine Coast. . . nothing is open! If you want midnight power, the only option is a 7/11 servo!

Which fictional character best describes your personality? Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. Efficient, sassy and stubborn 😉

The last show you binge-watched? I’m currently watching the last season of “Stranger Things” on Netflix.

The Sunshine Sounds Festival takes place at Eumundi Showgrounds (Sunshine Coast) on July 29 and 30.

JaZZella 2022 Tour Dates

Sun June 5 – The Dock (Sunshine Coast)
Sun 19 June – Eat Street Northshore (Brisbane)
Sun June 26 – HOTA Gallery Rooftop (Gold Coast)
Fri 1 Jul – Friday Riverside (Brisbane)
Saturday July 30 – Sunshine Sounds Festival (Sunshine Coast)
August 5-7 – Great Barrier Reef Festival (Airlie Beach)
Saturday September 3 – Summer Escape Fest @ NightQuarter (Sunshine Coast)
Fri 28 October – Island Vibe Festival (Brisbane)