Be Hear Now singles being released

THE first of five original singles from the 2025 Be Hear Now program was released earlier this month, demonstrating that pursuing a music career in Ballarat is a viable option for local musos.

An initiative of the City of Ballarat’s Creative City staff, Be Hear Now is an annual music development program which finds, fosters and develops artists within the region.

The program is now in its fifth year, but this is the first time the program has culminated in the release of original singles from the participants.

“Our Creative City team has done an incredible job building this program, finding the ones to watch, and sourcing the support artists need to succeed in the music industry,” City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“The release of these five original singles is testament to the hard work of everyone involved as well as the talent that exists in our community.”

Over the course of the year the program participants have undergone training and received support from a team of industry professionals and service providers, as well as individual mentoring from Australian music industry icons. They used a local recording studio.

“The creative sector currently employs 4 per cent of Ballarat’s population and that figure, combined with Ballarat’s reputation as a creative centre, is growing,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“At the City of Ballarat we appreciate the important contribution our local artists make in strengthening the city’s cultural fabric, and we’re pleased to offer programs like this to support them in building sustainable careers.”

The first song to be released is by country folk artist Blue Ren, titled Tell Me Your Story.

Over the following weeks, singles will drop each Friday from local musicians Hemlock Wilde, Nasal Spray, D.B.L.U and Nekrome.

In addition to releasing their original singles, the Be Hear Now program has given participants the opportunity to book live gigs, further boosting their experience and exposure to the music industry.

Blue Ren’s single became available to download and stream from Friday 15 August via all music platforms.