Student spotlight: Coco Bevan

My whole life has been centred around my passion for music. Following my school years, I pursued a degree in Musical Theatre, training in both Sydney and New York, which provided invaluable practice for my career as a performer. While I initially gravitated towards singing and song writing, everything changed in January 2023. A friend left their DDJ-1000 decks at my house when they went on holiday, and as soon as I started experimenting with them, a newfound passion for DJing consumed me. Since that moment, it has become my absolute obsession.

Funnily enough, Tik Tok has played a huge role in motivating my DJ journey. I started sharing my learning to DJ videos online from the very first day, and that first week received millions of views. From this, I was fortunate to build a highly engaged community on Tik Tok, who have continued to follow my progression - From the early stages of learning, then to my first gigs, attending the Tomorrowland Academy and music adventures in Europe, and finally to releasing my own music. The ongoing support from this community has served as a special motivation throughout my journey.

When producing a new track, I always find a reference song or artist to help me set the tone. I love exploring the ‘Spotify Radio’ of my favourite artists, as it introduces me to lesser-known artists who share a similar sound, which sparks a lot of inspiration. I am also a huge visual learner, so I kick off each session by crafting a Pinterest board, to create the world I envision for the song.

The biggest challenge at the start is where to begin! If you initially look down at a deck, all you see is a hundred knobs & buttons, similarly to when you first jump on Ableton to produce, it’s like deciphering a whole new language. When I ventured into DJing, the abundance of online videos and lack of a structured approach overwhelmed me. I resorted to learning by ear - playing a song, clicking buttons, and listening to what happened.

That's why the upcoming Tomorrowland Academy online course is particularly monumental. I believe this will be a huge platform for all, facilitated by some of the world's best instructors. Anyone who has access to such a resource is already ten steps ahead!

Performing on one of the Tomorrowland stages was undeniably a memorable performance. I mixed two original songs, hearing them play through state-of-the-art speakers sent chills down my spine, as I had never heard my music played on such exceptional equipment. It marked a solidifying moment of clarity for me as an artist.

My proudest moment is the spontaneous decision to venture to Europe in 2023, and I have the Tomorrowland Academy to thank for that! Coming from Australia, I was flying to the other side of the world for this one-week Academy in Belgium. On a whim decision, I booked a return flight 18 weeks later, with zero plan! What unfolded after this, blows my mind.

I spent 6 weeks in London, toplining for some of my idol producers. I was taken to Leeds to be interviewed on podcasts. In October, I attended Amsterdam Dance Event, the largest music conference in the world, gaining esteemed industry insights and connecting with talents globally. Another highlight was having a studio session in the Netherlands with one of our Tomorrowland Academy teachers, Kriss Reeve, as it amplifies the ongoing connections that derived from the Academy. I had opportunities to perform in Greece and experienced the energy of some of the biggest shows in Europe, particularly in Ibiza. Adding to the excitement, I had the privilege of working with renowned music brands like Loop Earplugs, Status Audio, and Hercules DJ, serving as an ambassador for them while I travelled.

The fact that a decision to enroll in a course on the other side of the world has completely altered the trajectory of my life is something I still find hard to believe, and for that, I am proud!

Collaboration is key! Use this for all areas of the music industry - Don’t be shy to reach out! It is no secret this industry is extremely challenging and navigating it alone can sometimes feel very isolating. However, lately I have realised people are more willing to help than we expect. Leaning on fellow DJs and producers has transformed the journey into a more enjoyable, creative, and supportive experience.

Also: just start! Stop overthinking it! Be less critical and have more fun. My best moments have come from this.

My biggest lesson from the Tomorrowland Academy is how attainable this career actually is. My goals are often perceived as ‘big dreams’ or attributed to ‘luck’. However, alongside the performance aspect at the Academy, we attended workshops covering various areas of the industry, which resulted in a clear roadmap for my next steps. It may sound cliché, but having the encouragement that hard work will pay off, is genuinely priceless.

Speaking of hard work, another invaluable lesson from the Academy was understanding that the journey doesn't end once you achieve a certain level of success. Conversations we had with Acraze, Thomas Newson, Mandy, Vera, Axel Haube, and other accomplished artists emphasised a common theme – The endless dedication to refining their craft daily. Despite their diverse stories and talents, they all shared the commitment to putting in hours of work consistently. This important realisation has shifted my perspective, encouraging me to enjoy the process more, stopping the pressure to rush to the ‘finish line’ as there isn’t one.

At the Tomorrowland Academy, I lost my fears and gain a lot of clarity.

I've recently arrived back in Australia, just in time for the vibrant summer season, bringing with it an overflow of exciting events. I'm thrilled to perform on my home turf for the first time.

I have SEVEN releases currently lined up for 2024! I’ve meticulously finely-tuned my sound into Tech House, it’s the first time I am sharing music that really showcases the sound I’ve been striving for, so I couldn't be prouder. These releases are a collection of both my solo productions featuring my vocals, as well as collaborative tracks with talented producers I have crafted alongside. I'm eagerly anticipating the release and performance of these songs!