FOURA

Words by Lesleigh Luiten

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 insight into her creative process with hopes of inspiring future beat makers.

Steezy and sweet in style, sound, and demeanor, FOURA is a unique selector and producer renowned for writing and sharing a diverse range of energetic yet emotional UKG-inspired electronic, breakbeat, speed garage, house and techno. By coincidence, she also shares her name with a Sydney-based dating app – don’t get it confused.

Working full-time as a DJ in Naarm, she’s often found behind the decks of some of Melbourne’s most famous electric beat venues including Revolver Upstairs, Glamorama and Section 8. If you want to know her Level Up judging credentials, then her artistry speaks for itself. She is known for tearing up dancefloors at festivals across Australia, including Let Them Eat Cake, Falls Festival and Beyond the Valley. Next on her agenda is to branch out into the international festival circuit.

Always one to keep herself busy, FOURA is a celebrated component of The Operatives, a Melbourne-based collective which brings together multi-talented musicians, curators, artists and everything in between. She is also an ambassador for renowned audio brands AIAIAI and Arturia.

Last year, when she released her debut mixtape Taste on NVL Records (the label created by underground idol Nina Las Vegas) she already had a lot of momentum behind her –features on top Spotify playlists, radio play across the world, heavy support from Triple J Unearthed, and a coveted spot on techno imprint clipp.art’s compilation series. The mixtape, a breakbeat-inspired electronic wonder with features from vocalists Nik Navy, r.em.edy, Big Skeez, Fresh Hex and Jordan Astra, just served to elevate her further.

At all of the Level Up events, the judges were chosen from across the music industry. Each judge was selected because of their mastery in their field, which gives them the insight to pick 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,” says FOURA.

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 battle 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, share, and get the crowd moving, 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.”

Her advice is to stand out, be yourself, and create what comes naturally. She says lately, she’s been experimenting with new aspects of her creative process that help to keep her in the zone.

“A new tool I’ve been practicing is meditating for 15 to 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, and more. There will also be a delicious drink menu on the day from Coopers, Jameson, Chivas and Headline Acts.

There will be a rotating cast of DJs spinning before the battle begins, during the intermissions and after the battle, ensuring there’s no lull in the vibes. Guests will get to see the process behind original music of all shapes and forms while supporting up-and-coming local producers and dancing the night away to some of Melbourne’s favourite DJs. And the best part? Entry is always free! No bookings needed.

The big event at Section 8 will run on March 12 from 3pm to late.