Julie O'Hara started singing with jazz bands around Melbourne in the late 80's. Over the next decade she freelanced with bands of different styles, including Brazilian (Brazjaz), Gospel (Angels of Soul), R&B and funk (Prozac). Continually inspired by recordings and live performances, Julie continued to explore other genres, singing with traditional jazz bands, big swing bands, techno and electronic groups, R&B swing, hip hop, jazz monouche, modern R&B, vocalese & bop.

Currently involved with the following bands;

B# Big Band, Pearly Shell's Big Band, Julie O'Hara & Stephen Magnusson Duo, Moovin' & Groovin' Orchestra, George Washingmachine, Nigel Maclean's, 'Blue Drag', Bopkick, skaddabox, The Alaskan Polar Bear Heaters and the Julie O'Hara 'rifftet' and sextet.

Regularly guesting with; Chris Tanner's 'Virus', The Shuffle Club, The Cat Empire, Gil Askey, Nina Ferro & Paul Williamson's Hammond Combo.

Julie's repertoire at a jazz gig might feature standards, original songs or interpretations of songs that have been the soundtrack of her life, from AC/DC, Joni Mitchell, The Police & Bob Dylan to Prince and the Beatles.

When singing jazz from the 20's - 60's, her inflection, phrasing and tonality appear reminiscent of the sound & style singers had back when jazz was popular music. A suggestion of Pegee Lee, Julie London, Anita O'Day and Ella Fitzgerald. "She is spontaneous and creative on stage and phrases with confidence and sensitivity to the feel of a song and it's story". (Beat Magazine).

Improvising using scat singing, vocalese and unison and harmonic riffing, is something Julie enjoys exploring during performances.

"She uses her voice as another instrument"

(Kevin Jones...The Australian), when not singing lyrics, doubling with a horn or another vocalist.

"Shameless, occasional nose trumpet solos..."

Inspiration for vocalese and scat singing include: Mark Murphy, Lambert, Hendrix & Ross, Young at Bop, Mills Brothers, Boswell sisters, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Nat King Cole trio, Louie Armstrong and many others.

Recent Tours include: Scandinavian Jazz Festival 2001, 2003, 2006, Support for The Cat Empire's National Tour, Skaddabox - 2005, Victorian Arts Regional Victoria Tour with Blue Drag - 2005.

Recent Festivals include: Wangarratta Jazz and Eltham Music Festival with George Washingmachine, Coolart Jazz Festival with The Shuffle Club & Main Stem jazz ensembles, East Coast Music Festival (Bangalow) with skaddabox, St.Kilda Festival with skaddabox, Lygon Street Festival with Blue Drag, Yarraville Festival with guitarist, Stephen Magnusson