Supporting local live music

The participants in the esteemed live music development program Be Hear Now have been announced for 2024.  

The program, supported by the City of Ballarat and Creative Ballarat, nurtures the development of musicians by providing them with a framework to celebrate their skills and talents, as well as the tools to help them refine their craft.

The 2024 program celebrates Harry Nijam, a performer under the name Surfe, who is a laid back, dance, indie-pop artist that has been announced as part of this year’s cohort.

Harry participated in the program last year, as a fringe member, which allowed him to take a small gig in the schedule and attend the inaugural Be Hear Now live music conference.  

From this experience and mentoring, Harry was able to network and meet with industry contacts, secured a deal with Unified Music Group, and is developing new music for release this year.  

The 2024 cohort finalists and festival headliners are:

• ZÖJ
• Aaliyah Bise
• Dayfever
• Surfe  
• Coda Chroma  

This year, there is also a remaining shortlist of musicians that will be supported by the Be Hear Now program, they are:

• Juan Alban
• Thing From Spring  
• Oluwatobi Akanbi  
• Darlings Family Trust  

To see the musician’s full bios, you can visit creativeballarat.com.au/music

The main goal of the Be Hear Now program is to find, foster and develop artists within the Ballarat region.  

The selected acts for the 2024 cohort are given headliner status in a festival showcase program and are mentored by the festival team, provided with profile articles and coverage including radio, newspapers, magazines and online.  

They are also introduced to industry connections from record labels, booking agencies, streaming and online marketing and industry bodies.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said 2023 saw a very successful Be Hear Now cohort deliver a great selection of live music for our city.  

“Since 2019, when the program commenced, we have been committed to supporting performers in Ballarat, identifying talent and providing mentoring and training,” he said.  

“The 2024 program has added elements of education, with the participants to be trained in subjects such as business, branding and networking.”

The Be Hear Now showcase will be held on 23 – 25 August at Civic Hall for all to attend to hear from industry experts, artists, songwriters and more.  

For more information and to stay informed of upcoming live music visit www.creativeballarat.com.au/music