Photo above by Chris Warr, Aesthetics Photography
CREATING BALLARAT’S HOTTEST NEW SINGLES
Be Hear Now is City of Ballarat’s flagship contemporary music program supporting local artists to create, release and promote new music. The program invests in Ballarat’s emerging musicians with tailored, industry‑led support.
This program is proudly supported by the VMDO, Victoria's music industry research, business and innovation hub
Five Ballarat‑based artists or bands were selected to participate in a customised professional development program designed to take an original single from concept to release. Over 6 months the successful musicmakers were matched with an industry mentor and received masterclass training with the support of the Victorian Music Development Office.
Each of the artists received professional recording, mixing and mastering sessions, as well as graphic design for their single artwork, and promotional materials to support its release. They also received a photography session with a professional photographer.
The music for 2026 is set to release. Each artist receives a release strategy and funding for their marketing and promotion. We also assist them in distribution support for getting their music on to popular platforms.
“Be Hear Now is a unique sector investment experiment where local government becomes a record label.”
SINGLES OUT NOW!
atomic entourage
Atomic Entourage is a high energy 4 piece rock band from Ballarat. Growing up together, the boys channel 80s rock legends alongside modern surf-rock influences, creating a sound that’s powerful, raw, and 100% their own. Blending the sun-drenched swagger of surf rock with the grit of classic Aussie pub rock, A.E delivers catchy hooks, ripping guitar solos, and the kind of live show you feel in your chest. Fresh off packed-out headline shows from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road to Sunshine Coast and Townsville celebrating their debut self-titled album, Atomic Entourage has built a loyal fan base stretching across Australia’s East Coast.
Atomic Entourage was mentored by Raul Sanchez (Magic Dirt)
backyard utopia
Backyard Utopia blends their collective musical talents on vocals and their common passion for banjo, the great musical unifier.
Bec (kora, kamelngoni) and Jamie (banjo, cigar box, baritone guitar) infuse modern influences with ancient strings, generating an aural alchemy that is equal parts intriguing, contemplative and meditative.
Backyard Utopia was mentored by Jeff Lang
Image by Jack Ralph
oscar perrett
Ballarat-born indie rocker Oscar Perrett plays like he has something to prove and nothing to lose.
With a DIY-till-he-dies mindset, Oscar finds a way to fuse driving riffs with infectious pop melodies (and a little swagger) to create moments of bliss with each listen.
Oscar will be mentored by Johnny Took (DMA’s / PLANET)
Image by Jack Ralph
the darlings family trust
Hailing from Gordon Victoria with acoustic fingerstyle guitar songs and warm lush electric guitar sounds alongside sprawling stories sung in unison harmonies, The Darlings Family Trust root themselves in Folk music whilst dashing in and out of genres like Blues, Indie-folk and Country. TDFT have opened for bands Hana and Jessie Lee’s Bad Habits, The Smith and Western Jury, The Davidson Brothers, Skyscraper Stan, Slim Krusty, Rhyley McGrath, The Slingers and Fanning Dempsey National Park. They released four singles Fields Of Family, All The World Is Owned, Big Ben and Pristine gaining airplay on PBS, Double J, ABC Country (Saturday Night Country and Edge Of Country), 2Ser, 4zzz along with many other community radio stations. TDFT’s debut album “Truth Be Told” was released on December 5th 2025.
The Darlings Family Trust was mentored by Hayley Mary (The Jezabels)
Image by Jack Ralph
PATLOVA
Undercover, overstimulated, all mistakes are intentional — Patlova is a Ballarat based electronic producer serving up rave and hard house bangers that slap just as hard in the studio as they do on the floor. With over a decade in the scene pushing all sorts of music chaos, Patlova twists beats, drops live vocals, and cooks performances that refuse to chill. This isn’t just music, it’s a whole-ass experience designed to hit harder, move faster, and leave you wondering if you’re vibing with a DJ or a full-blown live act.
Patlova was mentored by Jessica Cerro (Montaigne)
Image by Jack Ralph
partners:
celebrating ballarat’s best MUSIC
Working with Ballarat’s leading contemporary music commentators, Cass and Tarl of Live Music B’Rat, we’re proud to be supporting the release of Ballarat’s playlist recommendations for 2025.
the music scene in ballarat
Like so many places, the Ballarat new music scene faces a complex set of challenges including rising costs, changing audience behavior, and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. These factors are impacting venues, artists, and the overall health of the industry. But the power of regional music making continues to grow and evolve. Our communities will always find a way to make and create new music. Check out this short documentary made by rising talent James Turner on the challenges and opportunities for Ballarat’s music sector.