Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Hinchinbrook locals John Di Bella and Sandra Bison have been performing together as Obsession Duo since 2008, taking their feel-good sound to audiences across North Queensland. Photo supplied: Sandra Bison
A chance performance, a simple question and a little encouragement were all it took to set John Di Bella and Sandra Bison on a musical journey that is still going strong 18 years later.
The Hinchinbrook locals met through the Maraka Festival, where they were involved in a larger musical group, before being asked to perform together at a private function in 2008.
“We put a few songs together and obliged,” Sandra said.
“The manager of the venue at the time asked if we performed regularly. When we said no, her response was basically, ‘Why not? You should!’ And that was the beginning of Obsession Duo.”
From there, John and Sandra began building a repertoire, transforming what was meant to be a one-off performance into a partnership that has since taken them across North Queensland.
With John on guitar and Sandra on vocals, Obsession Duo has become a familiar act throughout the region, performing in Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Mission Beach, Innisfail, Townsville, Ayr and Charters Towers.
Both born and raised in the Hinchinbrook region, the pair said performing close to home remained particularly special.
“We love being part of our community and seeing familiar faces,” Sandra said.
Despite being just two performers, the pair pride themselves on creating a full sound and adapting each show to the audience in front of them.
“Every crowd is different, and we try very hard to read the room and give audiences what we think they want,” Sandra said.
“We love playing feel-good songs that get toes tapping and sometimes interacting with the crowd. Hopefully people leave feeling a little happier than when they arrived.”
Over 18 years of performances at pubs, clubs, RSLs and private and corporate functions, the pair have also collected their fair share of stories.
As for their favourite part of performing together, there is at least one thing they can rule out.
“Definitely not the setting up or packing down,” Sandra joked.
“But honestly, we do love what we do. We’ve met some wonderful people along the way and many interesting characters. There are lots of stories and funny moments, and at the end of the day, we feel very lucky to do something we enjoy in the surrounding areas of the place we call home.”
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
