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Sam Boon Quintet – ‘All In’ (Be_Hear / Now)

The world of jazz is one of music’s biggest. When we think of the genre, towns like New York or New Orleans pop into mind, but back home we’ve seen it grow thanks to the virtuosic work of saxophonist Sam Boon and his talented Quintet. There’s no question that the world of jazz is one of the most contentious, not too dissimilar to perceptions of classical, where many young people are turned off it without even listening to it. It could be said that elitists and older music fans have created a barrier to entry for the genre; meaning that the live jazz music scene here is synonymous with expensive admission charges, seated and suited gigs, full of jazz standards from 100 years ago. With most of experiencing a rowdy gig at a pub, where you’re rubbing shoulders with strangers, singing along, and having the time of your life. This is the kind of scene Sam wants to see jazz join.

Juno Mamba
MusicLive

Juno Mamba - 'Heavenly' (Be_Hear / Now)

The music of Juno Mamba / Vinci Andanar is definitely an experience. Listeners are brought into his world through a plethora of unique electronic elements, most notably culminating from influences beyond the realms of music. “I get a lot of inspiration from everywhere, not just music. I get inspired by sportspeople and athletes,” he says. Vinci’s love of music started back in his hometown of Ballarat, which has undoubtedly helped breed some of our best musical artists in recent times. He notes that the town’s rich musical scene and bevy of talented individuals helped make it an easy choice to pursue a career in the arts. “Ballarat is one of the most talented, creative cities. I think being in a town with 110,000, it’s still a lot of people, but growing up, it seemed pretty small,” he says. “It’s probably every generation, but I feel like in my generation, there were just so many talented people. A lot of that had to do with The Karova Lounge in Ballarat. They really fostered local bands.”  
No Man's Land
MusicLive

No Man’s Land - 'Black Hill' (Be_Hear / Now)

Performing sets with her partner Swiss van Kalken, No Man’s Land's unique approach to music making through their mix of doom and drone gives an interesting flare to Be_Hear / Now. The music of No Man’s Land’s is heavily rooted in improvisation. The pair, who both come from rich backgrounds in the music and arts industry, have a great deal of chemistry and are clearly attune to one another, helping them create some memorable live sets on the spot. Creating music in the doom and drone genre lends itself to slower tempos, meaning connections between musical motifs and chord changes that are put forward by performers come forward with a much stronger emphasis.
Be Hear Now
MusicLive

Grove - 'All In Due Time' (Be_Hear / Now)

Some bands don't exist to be popular, successful, or even particularly good at what they do. Sometimes, a group comes along that challenges the idea of what a band should be, and in the process, tap into the true meaning of what music’s really about. Grove, a rather anonymous band from Ballarat, would undoubtedly baulk at the grandeur of that introduction. But when we sat down with their vocalist, Abby, in an interview that we never would have had the pleasure of, were it not for the Be_Hear / Now series promoting local artists, there was something inspirational about the way they describe their love for what they do.
MusicLive

Skyscraper Stan - 'Those Were Days' (Be_Hear / Now)

Plotting his third studio album during lockdown, Skyscraper Stan developed a "life changing" new skill that he showcases for Be_Hear / Now. In the first of our video series profiling Ballarat’s sensational Be_Hear / Now program, which provides local artists with professionally shot videos and industry mentoring, we spoke to a much-loved pillar of the Victorian music scene, Skyscraper Stan. Check out our feature interview with Skyscraper Stan here.