Growing up in Western Sydney and residing on Kulin Lands, Basil’s trumpet playing is inspired by Balkan, Turkish, Greek, Italian, and Arabic melodies and rhythms heard pumping out of radios over the back fence. Having spent time collaborating with musicians in Lebanon, Serbia, Macedonia, Kulin, Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta Lands, Basil’s music reflects the connections they’ve made with talented musicians in these places, music being the common language to connect and transcend cultural barriers.

Basil performs, composes and improvises through sound and pedagogy with place as a crucial collaborator. Proudly Irish and un-learning what is it to be Australian, Basil lends from decolonial theories to subsist as a settler on stolen lands.

Classically trained in trumpet, and formally trained as a teacher, Basil is keen to share skills and music they have immersed in through workshops and curriculum. A strong advocate of accessibility and engagement in music education, they enjoy working with communities to inspire a love of collective music making.

Basil is a session musician with following projects:
• Allara
• The Deans of Soul
• Jazz Lab Orchestra
• Kee’ahn
• Melbourne Ska Orchestra
• Melbourne Taranta Orchestra
• Opa Bato Balkan Brass
• Pirritu
• Uncle Kutcha Edwards

Join Kiwat Kennell as he and Basil talk about the cross-cultural inspirations that drive artistry and the processes to be a session musicians in the industry!