Full Program Unveiled

70 new buyers, app, party details and last-minute artist additions

In a final gauntlet-throwing announcement that would have even Beyoncé wondering if she can handle this, BIGSOUND has done its final reveal, with its full program, over 70 new buyers and speakers from all over the world and some surprise last-minute artist additions making the pilgrimage for four days and nights of musical celebrations from September 4-7 in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley Live Music Precinct.

The hints, clues, rumours and announcements that have all gone before have finally come together into a cohesive program of discovery, networking and professional development, with collaboration and community at its core as BIGSOUND stamps its mark as the place to create change and celebrate the future of the Australian music industry. 

Keen eyes will notice G Flip, I Know Leopard and a swag of great new artists joining the line-up along with triple j Unearthed winners Keelan Mak and Austen. They join an already huge talent list which includes Didirri, Kwame, Moaning Lisa, Ella Hooper, Alice Skye, Gravemind, Blank Realm, SYDE, Arno Faraji, Cable Ties, Olympia, Eilish Gilligan, Good Doogs and 150 amazing acts. 

There’s also over 70 new buyers and speakers including Aussie legends UNIFIED’s Rachel Comerford, Future Classic’s Nathan McLay, Chugg Entertainment’s Michael Chugg, and Bossy Music’s Claire Collins ready to show the internationals how to really do BIGSOUND.

Thirteen amazing artists have also been unveiled as the BIGSOUND Visual Arts program custodians for 2018, and there’s eight exciting music tech innovators announced for the BIGSOUND Music Tech showcase, who will demonstrate their wizardry as part of the all new BIGSOUND Gallery boutique trade show. 

The all-important festival schedule has also been revealed and is live in the new BIGSOUND app for iOS and Android. You can start planning your adventure with the completely overhauled app experience which for the first time integrates with Spotify for even deeper music discovery based on your listening history.

Don’t just attend: actually participate, with workshops including managing mental health, tuning out your inner critic, US touring and visa procurement, and music metrics. Participate in forums discussing music’s place in the world, where our business model is heading, the science of behaviour change, positive leadership, and an important exploration of what the music industry would look like if designed by First Nations people.

Looking for some inspiration? 

How about a keynote from acclaimed author and Foo-mother Virginia Grohl on music industry parenthood? Or a conversation with Australian music royalty Paul Kelly? Want to hear Frenzal Rhomb’s Lindsay McDougall grill his own US label Fat Wreck Chords? What about an in-conversation with The Grates discussing their great career-life balance? Or music marketing guru Mardi Caught on how to redefine success in today’s industry.

Want to learn? 

We’ve got interactive panels on management (and life AFTER management), how to bring your tech ideas to market, image and styling, secondary ticketing, intersectional feminism, parenthood and its impact on careers in music, crowdfunding, data, music supervision, content creation and even a panel on what we can learn about managing mental health from the AFL (yes you read that correctly).

Want to meet? 

This year BIGSOUND has introduced specific Hook-Up sessions so not only can you jump into a conversation with awesome strangers at venues, but you have a more inviting and structured way to meet likeminded folks on specific interests including US touring, radio and metal. BIGSOUND’s new app also includes a new delegate matching algorithm to make sifting through that list so much easier to meet new friends and collaborators!