Conference to conclude music program

THIS year’s Be Hear Now live music program will conclude with a festival and conference in August to celebrate the cohort’s achievements.

The event will run from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August of events for participants and community.

Australian bands Spiderbait and Augie March will play at the Civic Hall. Spiderbait guitarist and vocalist Janet English will talk about songwriting and her career.

Augie March will also be performing on Saturday 10 August, supported by Be Hear Now cohort performers Coda Chroma and Dayfever.

Tickets to this show can be purchased on the Her Majesty’s Theatre website.

Last month, the cohort began songwriting courses by Franc Tetaz, who won a Record of the Year Grammy for his work with musician Gotye.

Connor Toomey from Dayfever said the program has been a great way to meet local musicians.

“It has provided a space for connection and a great sounding board of peers in which we can all grow and develop our craft with the support of other local musicians,” he said.

“We’ve spoken to a few industry leaders who have helped shed some light on brand development and marketing which are invaluable insights into a space that we as a band had not much knowledge of.

“We are currently cultivating a special set to unveil for the show at Civic Hall as we are very excited to be playing alongside the lovely Coda Chroma and Augie March.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson said it is important to support up-and-coming local artists.

“Supporting the emerging artists of Ballarat is great for our city, we have some fantastic musicians right here in our backyard, and this program provides mentoring, training and resources to turn them into the next big thing,” he said.