Life & Work with Joela Oliver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joela Oliver.

Hi Joela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing bass when I was 13 years of age. I played guitar at first so that’s why when I picked up the bass one day at church, it wasn’t too hard to learn! I love the role of the bass in a band: The foundation. I’ve been playing ever since. I was in band all through high school and college as a percussionist which I am grateful for cause timing is key in music! Through much schooling, practicing and networking I’ve been able to live off of music full time!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The only struggles I had was making a name for myself as a female musician. Just like there is a glass ceiling in the 9-5 world, there is one in the music industry too. When I first moved to Orlando, I used to dress tomboyish to gigs so that people would listen to me play rather than just being amazed at a “female playing bass”. So naturally, I have a love hate relationship with the term “female musician” cause I’m just a musician but I am also very proud of being a female who plays a “male dominant ” instrument in a “male dominant” industry.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional bassist known for playing both electric bass and double bass. I do some singing as well and will debut that in a single coming in 2022! I am most proud of who I am becoming today! I’ve gotten wonderful opportunities to play for some awesome artists such as Darren Criss which will air Christmas Day on abc for the Disney holiday special! I’ve done this show for a couple of years now playing for artists such as shaggy, Jordan fisher, etc and it’s one of my favorite gigs to play. I’ve been on tour with a Broadway called escape to Margaritaville and have opened up for many artists as well. I’m just grateful that God has blessed me with this gift. What I think sets me apart for others is simply my stage presence. I’m a plus-sized proud Haitian, outgoing, and vibrant person when I’m on stage and I love to show up with my big hair and sprinkle some black girl magic on stage, have fun and make the most of whatever I do, even the hard things! I love smiling and dancing on stage because everyone is watching and you never know who could be in the audience and you never know who you could inspire or make their day/night!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you need to hire a bassist, I am freelance so feel free to get In contact with me!

Contact Info:

• Email: Joelabassista@yahoo.com
• Instagram: Jojobassista