Summer is well underway at Section 8 with Level Up - a 6-month series designed to connect with and empower local creative communities with a range of challenges, collaborations and parties.
So far this summer we have seen the Record Store Showcase, a Vocal/MC Battle, an Improv Battle and a Dance Battle. Only one event remains before the series culminates in a celebration of our community and a release party for the exclusive Section 8 vinyl record. The final battle – the Beat Battle – where pre-selected beat makers will flip a sample and go beat-for-beat is scheduled for Sunday March 12.
The Level Up Beat Battle has an all-star line-up of industry-specific judges including; FOURA, Sadiva, Walla C and Spellspellspell. We spoke with FOURA about why she was chosen to be a judge, what she will be looking for on the day, and gained an insight into her creative process with hopes of inspiring future beat makers.
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Let us begin by introducing you to FOURA. Steezy and sweet in style, sound and demeanour, FOURA is a unique selector and producer renowned for writing and sharing a diverse range of energetic, yet emotional, UKG-inspired electronic, break beat, speed garage, house and techno.
FOURA is a full-time DJ in Naarm, but you can also catch her at any of Melbourne’s most famous electric beat venues including Revolver Upstairs, Glamorama and Section 8. If you want to know her judging credentials then her artistry speaks for itself. She is known across the festival circuit for skating up dancefloors around Australia. Next on her agenda is to take the festival circuit by storm internationally.
FOURA is a celebrated component of The Operatives – which brings together multi-talented musicians and curators. She is an ambassador for renowned audio brands AIAIAI and Arturia. Just last year she released her debut album on NVL records which demonstrated her wide-range of expertise in dance music production. Her recent releases on clipp.art and Nina Las Vegas’ NLV Records have garnered her top spots on playlists and radio rotations across the world.
For each of the Level Up events, the judges were chosen from across the industry, each chosen because of their mastery in their field, which gives them the insight to select the deserving winners of each category. “I was chosen to be a judge alongside the other wonderful panel members because of my passion for – and background in – dance music both as a producer and DJ. I’ve been a full-time musician in Naarm for the last 10 years and am passionate about pushing up the next generation of artists, it’s so exciting. I find myself constantly inspired by what people are making, how they are making it and why they are making it.”
If you’re one of the beat makers who make it through to the final round, FOURA will be looking for a noteworthy performance that leaves the audience feeling your dedication to your art. “I will be looking for passion in whichever way it presents!”
The format of the competition will be as follows: Section 8 will choose the shortlisted competitors. Selected beat makers will then go head to head in the ultimate beat battle for the prize. Knockout rounds will feature artists playing live sets of their own original music, until one competitor is left. On the day itself, FOURA and fellow judges will vote on the competitors, choosing their ultimate winner and runner-up, who will walk away with over $2,000 worth of prizes.
FOURA outlines how she would approach the competition if she was competing. “If I was entering, I would write something that came naturally to me, rather than trying to conform to a particular style.”
The beat makers’ job in this competition is to create and share, leaving the rest up to FOURA and the other judges. However, she wants artists to remain true to their unique and creative selves throughout the competition. “Whilst respecting that there are of course fundamentals when making music to ensure it sounds good, for me expressing yourself genuinely and freely whilst making the music is the most important thing. It translates – something heartfelt or adventurous really captivates me, that’s what makes me put a song on repeat! Being bold, brave and authentic, that’s hot.”
Stand out, be yourself, and create what comes naturally. FOURA shares her creative process with hopes that it will help beat makers relax into their true selves.
“A new tool I’ve been practising is meditating for 15-30 minutes before starting a writing session. In it, I’ll set intentions around being true to myself as an artist, I find it helps things flow and I find myself getting less stuck. Even just checking in with yourself before a writing session and asking ‘what do I REALLY feel like writing today?’ and then writing that – no matter what it is.”
To anyone thinking about submitting a beat, FOURA says just do it! “My biggest advice is if you’re hesitating – just submit it. A song is never finished, you will tinker forever (trust me). Take a leap of confidence and share your art, it’s all part of your journey.”
There are over $2,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, including $1,000 cash, an Ableton Professional Development package, mixing and mastering services from Plasma Lab, a gift pack from streetwear label Homie, a $200 voucher from Store DJ/Mannys, plus more! There will also be a delicious drink menu on the day from Coopers, Jameson, Chivas and Headline Acts.
The event runs from 3pm – late. There will be rotating DJs spinning before the battle begins, during the intermissions and after the battle. Readers are in for a feast of original music, ranging in all styles and genres. They’ll get to hear and see the beat-making process, participate in supporting up-and-coming producers, and dance the night away to some of Melbourne’s best DJs. The best part? Entry is always free! No bookings needed.
FOURA judges as part of Section 8’s Level Up Series, on Sunday March 12. For more information visit the official event page. Beat makers – submit your applications by Sunday 26 February.
