50 new speakers, a full showcase timetable and special event program have dropped ahead of Fortitude Valley's massive BIGSOUND this 5-8 September.
Music lovers rejoice! BIGSOUND's mass gathering of great minds in music just got even more immersive.
2023 sees BIGSOUND highlight creating change and celebrating the future of the Australian music industry. This year's lineup includes discovery speaker events, networking and professional development, all available with the Delegate Pass.
Returning to its spiritual home, Judith Wright Arts Centre (JWAC) on Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, the hustle of hungry minds will fill one of Queensland's most dynamic arts organisations.
The proceedings kick off with the official Smoking Ceremony in the Brunswick Street Mall, followed by the BIGSOUND Opening Ceremony at Fortitude Music Hall, presented by Brick Lane Brewing Co.
Already stacked with huge names like Christine Anu and Omar Grant (ROC Nation), BIGSOUND has added over 50 new speakers and deal-brokers.
Festival goers will learn from a wide range of musical legends at BIGSOUND's speaker events.
On Tuesday afternoon? We're talking the likes of rock music legend Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park), who will sit down with Rolling Stone AU/NZ Editor-In-Chief Poppy Reid for the opening Keynote.
Georgia Maq, whose pivoted from punk legend (Camp Cope) to critically acclaimed solo pop star, will about her experiences as a woman in Australian rock and as an advocate for gender rights. As well as O'Shaughnessy, one of the country's most in-demand Senior Agents at Select Music, who'll talk with Super Duper Founder, Genna Alexopoulos. Plus, Bic Runga in conversation with Leah Flannagan on Reclaiming Cultural Identity Through Music. And Alex the Astronaut on Great Minds Think Differently - Neurodiversity In Music, and Ash Stahl (Flight House) discussing Digital Marketing in the TikTok Era.
Wednesday sees a special shared Keynote presentation including nine industry innovators who'll come together and look to the future of the music industry. The lineup includes David Telfer (DMT Law Firm), Simone Schinkel (Music Victoria), and Susan Cotchin (Good Neighbour Rights). And Thursday features conversational panels like Best of Times, Blurst of Times, presented by Support Act. This discussion is led by Support Act's in-house psychologist, speaking with iconic Mo'Ju and Jess Keeley among others, to discuss navigating creative artistic pursuits while overcoming challenges.
Want to 'sync' your teeth into the world of music on TV, film, and video games? The Syncposium - Breaking Into Music For Screens masterclass, featuring Omar Grant and Karen Rachtman, will tell you everything you need to know to make your way to the silver screen.
And let's not forget about the forums. Oh Hai - Let's Talk About AI features Hazel Savage (Soundcloud, VP, Music Intelligence), Paige X. Cho and Dean Ormston (APRA AMCOS). Then there's Flip It Reverse It: Adaptive Entrepreneurialism in Music with Scott Cohen (JKBX), Heidi Lenffer and Zac Abroms (Viceroyalty). This forum will touch on the hottest topics in the world of music right now, and offer collaborative insight into what comes next.
In addition to an epic speaker lineup and over 150 acts across three nights of new music discovery and more, BIGSOUND has a few more surprises in store!
BIGSOUND Delegate Pass holders gain access to a legendary schedule of official special events. Where ticket holders can discover hidden gems, including fresh faces and names you know and love. Plus impressive international acts that are making waves around the world.
Unmissable industry events (and parties!) for this year's BIGSOUND include Oztix's 20th Birthday Bash, Mushroom Group's 50th Birthday, Live Nation's Ones to Watch, plus UNIFIED Music Group's industry event featuring Full Flower Moon Band, FELIVAND, and The Grogans.
Amazon Music is back in 2023 to present the late-night go-to for live music, BIGSOUND After Hours. Which showcases a curation of acts by independent labels, booking agencies, and management companies, including TWNTY THREE, Our Golden Friend, Collective Artists, AUD'$, Sweat It Out, and October Records. As well, a special BIGSOUND Country music event curated by KIX Country and a Pride event featuring LGBTQI+ artists and allies. The series features a stacked lineup including Chitra, Elizabeth, GAUCI, Matilda Pearl, PRICIE, Tina Says, Moss, plus plenty more.
For those needing a bit of a break from it all, the LO-FI Lane will be home to calming beats and activities to help you unwind, with alcohol-free options by Lyre's.
BIGSOUND industry brunches are also back in a big way. The Women & Gender Diverse Folk in Music Brunch features Christine Anu in-conversation and tunes by Melody Moko and Dameeeela. Plus, the opportunity to network at Creative Australia's breakfast held at Hotel X. Or opt to relax and recover at the Queenslander BBQ Brunch, on the Brisbane River at Howard Smith Wharves with laid-back tunes and Bloody Mary's courtesy of Archie Rose Distilling Co.
Secret Sounds and The Music will once again bring the goods for the BIGSOUND Closing Party, in what is always a not-to-be-missed way to close off a massive week.
Final tickets are on sale now, with music showcase tickets starting at just $49. As well as the in-demand all-access Delegate Pass giving you the full BIGSOUND experience including priority queuing, exclusive parties, conference sessions, and more.
Check out the full schedule here.
Final BIGSOUND tickets are on now at bigsound.org.au/tickets
- ONE NIGHT PASS - $49 (+BF) (One night of live music of your choosing)
- GOLD THREE NIGHT PASS - $99 (+BF) (Three nights of live music – 150+ bands)
- ALL ACCESS DELEGATE PASS – START AT $479 (+BF) (Access to showcases, forums, conference, special events + more)
