CREATING BALLARAT’S HOTTEST NEW SINGLES
We are excited to announce the return of Be Hear Now, the City of Ballarat's acclaimed contemporary music program.
Be Hear Now returns in 2026, continuing the City of Ballarat’s flagship contemporary music program supporting local artists to create, release and promote new music. Following a highly successful 2025 edition, the program once again 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
What to expect in 2026
Five Ballarat‑based artists or bands will be selected to participate in a customised professional development program designed to take an original single from concept to release.
Participants will receive:
- 5 dedicated sessions with an industry-matched mentor
- Masterclass training (in partnership with VMDO)
- Professional recording, mixing, and mastering sessions
- Photography session with a professional photographer
- Graphic design for single artwork and promotional materials
- Release strategy development
- Marketing and promotion funding
- Distribution support for getting music on popular platforms
- Professional development in key areas including Music Business, Artist Brand Development, Marketing and Social Media, Live Performance, Recording and Production, Tour Planning, Digital Distribution, and Playlist Pitching.
Nekrome at Be Hear Now 25 event - image by Chris Warr
2026 Artist cohort:
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, Perrett 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)
Backyard Utopia
Blending 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 will be mentored by Jeff Lang
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 will be mentored by Hayley Mary (The Jezabels)
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 will be mentored by Raul Sanchez (Magic Dirt)
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 will be mentored by Jessica Cerro (Montaigne)
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.