Oliver Bugg

Oliver Bugg is a professional drummer, session musician and educator actively working in the Melbourne music scene. Unrestricted by genre, Oliver draws from jazz, punk, hip-hop, folk and electronic music in his playing and is inspired by the likes of Mark Giuliana, Jack DeJohnette, Questlove, and Roni Kaspi to name a few. 

With a keen interest in music from the age of 10, Oliver picked up the drums as his first instrument, and cello shortly after. Oliver continued playing drums throughout High School, venturing into realms of funk and jazz in later years as well as the rock and contemporary music that drew him to drums. This led to the completion VCE music with high marks, and the honour of playing his rendition of John Coltrane’s jazz classic ‘Equinox’ at the recital centre for Top Class 2018. Eager to extend his skillset behind the kit, Oliver began studies at Box Hill Institute for his Batchelor of Applied Performance. Learning from some of Melbourne’s finest drummers, including Dave Beck, Tony Floyd and Rob Parolin, Oliver graduated with a High Distinction average across the board. 

Oliver currently plays for a range of Melbourne acts ranging from folk/rock with Gena Rose Bruce and Taylah Carroll to R&B/Pop with Yara Alkurd and Elaura among several others. This has led to playing opportunities at iconic Melbourne Venues such as 170 Russell, Howler, Northcote Social Club and Brunswick Ballroom, as well as festivals such as SXSW Sydney, Meadow and Euroa Music Fest.  

Oliver focuses largely on tone, feel, and creativity in his teaching, encouraging students to not only learn the fundamentals and excel at them, but to find their own originality in their playing and develop as a unique and inspiring drummer.