With artists submissions for Beat Battle open now - there are plenty of dope prizes are up for grabs on June 11, including some sweet cash money.
Melbourne’s beloved Section 8 is always doing cool stuff, and their six-month-long Level Up series was no exception. For anyone in the loop from November last year, you would know that events like a record store showcase, MC, improv and dance battles, and Section 8’s vinyl release launch party were all hugely successful.
However, one of the events in this period was significantly popular; the Section 8 Beat Battle. So much so that they decided to hold another one, and we caught up with the booking team at Section 8 to get the low down for the upcoming event on June 11.
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“We really want to engage broader creative demographics and give them the opportunity to showcase their art in the space.” Deans and Matty from Section 8 explain that after the last Level Up Beat Battle, their team received plenty of great feedback from the community, “a lot of people were asking us when the next one was. We heard them, and here we are!”
So, how does the competition work? For this iteration, JonQuil, the face of Good Mood Studio, has created a sample pack for beatmakers to flip. The submission process is currently live, with a deadline of May 21. “Beatmakers who apply will need to flip at least seven of jonQuil’s samples and submit an original beat. After the deadline, we’ll go through all the beats and choose our fave dozen or so. The successful applicants will compete beat for beat on the battle day at Section 8 Sunday, June 11.”
The winners will be determined based on specific criteria by judges Amin Payne, jonQuil, Walla C, Nikodimos and Sadiva. The criteria includes:
- Diversity of beats (ability to explore different genres and soundscapes)
- Technical production (a tight mix that demonstrates clarity and creativity)
- Composition (innovative production that includes original melodies, unique sampling and distinct drums)
To help make this all even more exciting, the judges will perform sets throughout the event, and the competing beatmakers are up for some great swag. Melbourne is known as one of the best spots in the country for beatmakers and producers, and if one venue stood out as the ultimate curation of the top artists in the scene, it’s Section 8. For unknowns and up-and-comers, playing a set in the container bar is likely a prize in itself, but there’s also much more up for grabs.
“We’ll have over two thousand dollars worth of dope prizes up for grabs, including cash money, a portrait shoot from Her Stories on Film, customised artwork from Xander M, a video package from Rapt Collective, mixing and mastering from Amin Payne, a voucher from B.East and a Comet gift pack.”
They’ll also have a delicious drink menu on the day – curated by Heaps Normal – and Heaps Normal prize packs for the top 8 beat-makers.
Punters will be able to hear some unique beats from Melbourne’s up-and-coming producers and sets from the established judges, all of which make for yet another great party at Section 8. This is just one part of even more exciting upcoming happenings at the outdoor venue. “We’re always looking to engage different creative communities, so we’re currently in the process of working with visual and 3D artists as well as planning more performance art within the space.”
So, if you are an aspiring beatmaker, this could be your shot to get in front of the pivotal figures within the Melbourne scene while also winning some great prizes.
Deans and Matty have some simple advice for those wondering how to help their careers and tie into the iconic Section 8 crew: “Release your beats and get feedback. Also, put together a live set that you can start performing out.”
For your chance to be one of the finalists performing on the day, download the sample pack and submit your beat here by May 21. Create a beat using at least seven of the provided stems and any other elements you desire, and upload it in mp3 or wav format. All genres are welcome, and the selected producers will compete in the battle on Sunday, June 11, playing their original beats. Good luck!
To enter into Section 8’s Beat Battle, head here. To keep up to date with all things Section 8, head here.
In partnership with Section 8
