Celebrating music in Ballarat

In its third year, the City of Ballarat’s live music program, Be Hear Now is focusing on supporting musicians in the city.  

The program of support focuses on identifying talent, providing mentoring and training, assets and resources to help musicians refine their craft. 

Be Hear Now identifies talent, and this year is focusing on “the ones to watch” in the Ballarat music scene.  

The Be Hear Now cohort for 2023 are: 

• Sami Regague  

Sami makes catchy and intimate songs, which he writes and produces. Sami has made some great accomplishments over his early career, such as a Triple J Unearthed competition, but for 2023 his goal is to expand his fanbase and create a brand for his music.  

• Pyrex 

A folk psychedelic duo, who have hosted successful shows of their own, are looking to showcase new techniques and instrumentation. 

• Confetti Western  

They are an electro-western band, and every performance is complete with synchronized dances, electric crowd interaction and of course music. They are set to release an album in 2023. 

• Cassells  

Jordan Cassells is a dedicated solo musician and has recently grown his work into a collective project. His music is full of storytelling and sounds of rich pop.  

• Iridescence Duo  

Inspired by 60s and 70s music, the pair have honed their tunes complete with rich organ sounds. They are looking to extend their performance range and record their first album together. 

The Be Hear Now conference for musicians  

A first for Ballarat, the conference will examine the future of live music in regional Victoria. It will allow members of the music industry to meet, network and learn from one another.  

A panel discussion will include representatives from Spotify, Sounds Australia, Music Victoria and Unified Artist Management.  

The Be Hear Now conference will be held on 30 June 2023 at the Goods Shed Ballarat.  

To purchase tickets, visit the Creative Ballarat website here.  

To date the City of Ballarat has identified more than 200 local and regional practitioners who report being involved in the music industry. 

The City of Ballarat is committed to supporting live music, with a Live Music Strategy developed in 2018 which was then absorbed into the 2019 Creative City Strategy.  

City of Ballarat Councillor, Daniel Moloney said live music has always formed a vital part of Ballarat’s cultural and economic life. 

“Music making is an important part of our cultural heritage and the wide variety locally available reaches all ages and backgrounds in our community,” he said. 

“During the Covid impacts we missed the chance to be part of the live music scene, and the vibrancy it brings to our venues. Musicians also missed out on revenue and chances to grow their audiences, and support will be needed to get the sector back on its feet. 

“Anyone who has travelled around regional Australia will appreciate how lucky we are in Ballarat to have a live music scene which rivals some of Melbourne’s best inner-city venues. It’s something we should be proud of, but equally we can’t take for granted. 

“A healthy live music scene is the sum of many parts working in harmony.”