The Heart of the Rat Records label showcase will feature musicians Freya Josephine Hollick, Juan Alban, Brendan Welch Music and Mark with the Sea and will provide an opportunity for music lovers to hear much-loved songs the way they were written.

Freya Josephine Hollick will kick off the showcase with her breathtaking bucolic scenes and perfectly-articulated songs about love and loss.

Having only recently signed with Heart of the Rat Records, the goldfields chanteuse is known for her whimsical folk country sounds.

Former Epicure frontman Juan Alban will also feature as part of the showcase. One of the most well-known Ballarat songwriters, the audience will hear songs from Alban's solo offerings Too Long in Flight and Dr Pelican on Holiday! as well as a few from Epicure's back catalogue.

Six-piece outfit Mark with the Sea will also take to the stage, catering their set especially for the showcase.

Having developed from a long-term solo project, the band will serve up a stripped back acoustic treatment and is set to product a wall of sound to envelop the audience.

Brendan Welch Music will also feature on the evening, with Welch having just released his debut album The Gleaner on vinyl through Heart of the Rat Records.  

The album showcases songs penned in Northcote, New York City and Nashville, and while touring Australia supporting Paul Kelly. 

With a new album set for release next year, big things lay ahead for Welch. The artist has been described by the likes of Paul Dempsey as having “talents as a songwriter and storyteller are beyond his years".

Heart of the Rat Records is an independent record label based in Ballarat. Formed at the end of last year, the company has signed 10 local artists so far.

The Heart of the Rat Records label showcase will be held at The Main Bar on Saturday from 7pm. Tickets cost $15. For bookings, visit heartoftheratrecords.com