Music conference begins

TODAY marks the start of the fourth annual Be Hear Now live music festival.

The arts conference will run over the next three days and include learning and networking events held across central Ballarat run by the City of Ballarat.

The 2024 Be Hear Now cohort will be performing across the weekend with Coda Chroma and Dayfever supporting Augie March at the Civic Hall on Saturday 10 August and Surfe and Aaliyah at the Civic Hall on Sunday 11 August.

Be Hear Now 2024 cohort member Surfe said it has been great to work with other local musicians throughout the program.

“I’ve met heaps of new people because we’ve actually been meeting up as a cohort with the organisers writing some songs together which is really fun,” he said.

“It’s been cool to meet up, meet some new people and everyone is really lovely.

“I’m looking forward to playing because I love it and I’m very excited to perform because it’s been a little while.”

The free event is open to anyone in the music industry, wanting to break into the industry or who would like to listen to some live music.

“Since 2019, when the program commenced, we have been committed to supporting performers in Ballarat, identifying talent and providing mentoring and training,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“Performers this year have had incredible opportunities to continue to develop, and I urge you to come and enjoy some of the musical offerings over the weekend, to sample some of Ballarat’s talented musicians and support our creative nighttime economy.”

Also on offer will be an interview with Janet English from Spiderbait, drumming class with Ray Periera, panel discussions about getting onto festival playbills, and educational sessions to musicians with their business.

The events are suitable for all levels of music experience.