Your Guide To The Unofficial BIGSOUND Parties For 2013

BIGSOUND – what a crazy and exciting time to be in Brisbane!  As always, there are the official proceedings within the program, with musical acts taking place over Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 September, yet there are countless other unofficial parties going on throughout the city in celebration of music, the arts, and all things creative.

We don't want you to miss a bit of it, so we've compiled a  short guide to what's going on over BIGSOUND week below:

Also, you can stay in touch with all the goings on outside of the official BIGSOUND program with the Unofficial BIGSOUND app, which is a very handy resource indeed.

Tuesday 10 September

The Night Before BIGSOUND: Lodge Party

The guys over at Mucho Bravado have put together a little pre-BIGSOUND gig this year, boasting a lineup of some of their finest Brisbane acts. On Tuesday 10 September at Black Bear Lodge, you can expect to see: Boys Club (we don't know who they are either), Little Odessa, Rolls Bayce and The Kite String Tangle & Hannah Karydas. DJ slots will be provided by Brisbane favourites The Jungle Giants, Edward Guglielmino, Little Scout and Calling All Cars. Tickets are limited to this one and sure to run out fast, so don't delay! Grab 'em over here.

4ZZZ's Guilt Retreat 6 – Red Star

This event which skirts the precinct of The Valley boasts the pleasant little combo of Bremen Town Music, Exotic Dog, Police Force and White King, where being a subscriber to the station gets you a cheaper entry of $5 as opposed to the $7 entry for non-subscribers.

Plus One Records Showcase 2013

Plus One Records love throwing parties in Brisbane on a Tuesday night, and why not? Every night's a good night to party! This year they're bringing some of their favourite Brisbane acts the The Zoo's stage, as well as a few friendly faces from Victoria, so no doubt you'll be in for a treat with this one. Head along to The Zoo to catch Halfway, We All Want To, The Painted Ladies plus Guests Presenting Songs From The Loner (Vic Simms, 1973), and The Tiger & Me. Doors at 8pm, grab your tickets here.

Pre-BIGSOUND Showcase Of Roots

With Wednesday and Thursday bound to be two hectic nights of music and partying, why not take it easy on BIGSOUND eve and get along to The Elephant Arms to check out some of the Sunshine Coast's finest roots groups. This killer lineup will see appearances by The Floating Bridges, Band Of Frequencies and The Dawn Chorus, all of whom are masters in their fields and know how to bring the party. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to see these acts performing together, it's bound to be a night to remember.

The Strums Unofficial BIGSOUND Showcase with You People & The Real Eyes

One of Brisbane's hardest working bands The Strums are determined to be a part of this year's BIGSOUND festivities, and deservedly so! They'll be putting on a show in the leisurely confines of The Hideaway on Tuesday 10 September with their mates You People and The Real Eyes; a great  opportunity to show your support for these great underground Brisbane bands, which is really the true spirit of BIGSOUND. Tickets are $5 on the door.

Spunk Records X Hand Games Unofficial BIGSOUND Showcase

With two of Australia's favourite labels coming together for this preBIGSOUND bash, you better be prepared to party. Hitting Alhambra Lounge on the Tuesday night, you'll get a glimpse of Mining Boom, Kieran Ryan, The Ocean Party, Bored Nothing, Fascinator, Shining Bird, Bad//Dreems and Black Vacation. Grab t your tickets here.

Stonefield: Put Your Curse On Me

Utilising arguably one of Brisbane's trendiest locations, Studio 34 in Newstead, Victorian sisters Stonefield will be presenting their debut album Put Your Curse On Me to the industry and media ahead of official BIGSOUND festivities. Unfortunately this is a fairly restricted gig, but at least we can dream about how fantastic it will be!

Sugarrush And Pricewar Music Present!

Taking BIGSOUND's festivities to X&Y on Tuesday night, Sugarrush and Pricewar Music are keen as mustard to bring you some of their favourite Brisbane musical acts. Head along to this pre-party to catch Bullhorn, Stormchasers, Astrid And The Asteroids, My Fiction and Sahara Beck. This event is free for BIGSOUND conference pass holders, and there will be a few general admission tickets for $5 available on the night as well.

Wednesday 11 September

New Dawn – Metro Arts Gallery

This exhibition of sculptural artworks has been in the making since 2010, combining 3D printing technology with traditional studio-based sculptural practices. Chris Howlett puts the audience in a dissensual space, with a myriad of issues including middle-eastern protest, consumerism, faith and sexuality all overlapping to indulge the senses. Opens 6pm Wednesday 11 September.

In-store Shindig – Jet Black Cat Music

Your favourite alternative record store in West End will be hosting some amazing artists in their teeny tiny space. Go check out Shining Bird, Jimmy Tait, Martyr Privates, Mining Boom, Ocean Party and Bored Nothing when they pop in-store. So as not to interfere with the official BIGSOUND program, this party kicks off at 3.30pm

The Fans Live Showcase – X&Y Bar

Not to miss out on the fun, The Fans group have put together a swingin little lineup to appear at X&Y – Elizabeth Rose, Bad//Dreems, Go Violets, Fun Machine, Emerson Snowe, The Creases and Ali Barter. While a lot of these acts are making appearances as part of the program already, this is a nice opportunity to catch these bands play all together on the same stage. Kicks off at 6pm and runs til midnight, tickets are $15 on the door.

Blackwater Fever Unofficial Showcase – The Hideaway

Maybe the festivities of BIGSOUND are a bit too much for some – why not take your party to The Hideaway for a more relaxed experience. Blackwater Fever will be making their unofficial appearance, joined by mates Sabrina Lawrie And The Hunting Party. If you already hold a BIGSOUND live pass, entry is free, otherwise it's $5 on the door.

A Keynote I OH YOU BIGSOUND Party – Alhambra Lounge

Co-owner of Alhambra Lounge, Jesse Barbera is throwing himself a killer birthday party at the venue, in collaboration with the guys at I OH YOU, who will be "delivering a keynote BIGSOUND party". You can expect to see King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, Jeremy Neale, Fans & I OH YOU DJs helping to bring the party, as well as a secret headline act. This one kicks off at midnight, for those who don't want their BIGSOUND Wednesday night to end so quickly.

Thursday 12 September

Tym Records In-store Showcase – Tym Guitars

Featuring artists from their very own label, Tym Guitars will also provide an evening of alternative entertainment. Gracing the store will be artists Sounds Like Sunset, Iowa, Roku Music and Fascinator. As with most events at Tym Guitars, this event is free an all ages, so if you're interested in getting along to this one we'd recommend you get in early, as the store is bound to fill up in no time.

Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra – The Tivoli

Frontier Touring is bringing the ever-controversial Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra to Brisbane's Tivoli on Thursday night. Known for her incredible theatrics, stage presence and unpredictability, this show is sure to be a winner for fans. Tickets to this are little more pricey, starting at $62.50, but as many would know, Palmer's is an experience not to be missed.

Max Doyle/Ela Stiles – Outpost

You might know this dynamic duo  as founding members of the indie-pop group Songs, who are performing as part of this year's official BIGSOUND program, yet the pair are set to perform an intimate performance at Outpost on Winn Street as well. This is another free event, so get in quick sticks before the limited space runs out.

Room 40 Presents Open Frame 2013 – Brisbane Powerhouse

Spain's Francisco Lopez invites you to be blindfolded and enter his consuming sound world at Brisbane's Powerhouse. Also performing at the event is Angel Eyes and Brisbane resident Heinz Riegler, who will be launching a new edition of his divergent instrumentals.    

The Royal Artillery Blues Set – The Hideaway

Doors to this blues set from Royal Artillery at The Hideaway are at 8pm with a $5 fee for the general public and free entry to BIGSOUND live pass holders. The group will be joined on the night by Heroine Chic & Deadweight Express.

Friday 13 September

Glass Towers – Jet Black Cat Music

Indie-pop darlings of the moment, Glass Towers will be making a special in-store appearance on Friday at Jet Black Cat Music. These guys are getting rave reviews lately, so don't miss the opportunity to catch them in this great setting.

The Outpost & Tym Guitars Present – The Outpost & Tym Guitars

Two great acts from Sydney, Bed Wettin Bad Boys and Songs come together for an awesome gig at Outpost and Tym Guitars. Get in early, this is another free all-ages affair.

Ed Kuepper: Solo By Request – Brisbane Powerhouse

Founding member of Brisbane legends The Saints, Ed Kuepper will be gracing Brisbane's Powerhouse on Friday night for a couple of acoustic renditions coming from his vast catalogue of music. Requests are a possibility if he's in the mood, so this show has the potential to go a number of ways – either way this is a night not to be missed!

The AU Review Birthday Party – Black Bear Lodge

Celebrating their fifth birthday, The AU Review are putting together one hell of a birthday bash at Black Bear Lodge. Taking the stage on the night will be Bloods, Damn Terran, The Demon Parade, Good Oak (who will be joined by Jess Ribeiro for a one-off performance), The Peep Tempel, as well as a DJ set from Rainy Day Women. Come say Happy Birthday to the team at The AU Review!

Post BIGSOUND Party – The Elephant Arms

Let's keep this party going with some free, post BIGSOUND celebrations at The Elephant Arms. On Friday you can catch The Given Things, RVLR and Teal. Sounds like a good idea to us!

Room 40 Presents Open Frame – Brisbane Powerhouse

Mark McGuire was a member of the now defunct US trio Emeralds, and now he's taking his skills and passions solo. This special night will host appearances from Blank Realm and Circular Keys, who will help to bring the groove to proceedings. Check it out!

Suicide Swans Unofficial BIGSOUND Showcase –The Hideaway

Brisbane's Suicide Swans are bringing their swirling, ragged country rock to The Hideaway for a special show on Friday. They will be joined by Melbourne's The Peep Tempel, and fellow Brisbanian Morgan Hann (guitarist from Grand Atlantic). Be sure to get in early to make sure you bare witness to these three acts sharing the stage together, it's bound to be a killer!

Cool Party – Alhambra Lounge

Not to be outdone by any venue, Alhambra Lounge will play host to yet another lineup of killer party-fuelled acts. On this occasion, you can expect to see the likes of Charles Murdoch, Friendships, Rainbow Chan, Cassius Select, The Harpoons, Nagakin, Guerre, Tincture, HTML Flowers and Motion Picture Access, as well as appearances by "mystery DJs" – oh the suspense!

Saturday 14 September

Phil Barlow's Post BIGSOUND Warm Down

Blues/rock/reggae fusion artist Phil Barlow is putting together a show to get those people who are taking a while to wind down back to earth with a few creative friends. Join him live in concert with singer-songwriter Deena at The Hideaway on Saturday night from 8pm. Entry is eight bucks.

Fox & Fowl Single Launch

Locals Fox & Fowl will be launching their new single at The Zoo with support from Grand Pavilion, Hello Hokkaido and Faleepo Francisco for those revellers still in Brisbane after the festivities have wound down.

Black Hole

If you're itching for some seriously heavy music then Japan's Palm and local lads A Secret Death can help you out with exactly that on Saturday night at Crowbar. They play the huge Black Hole event featuring I Exist, Encircling Sea, Shackles, The Schoenberg Automaton, Defamer, The Fevered, Hope Drone, Ache, Ritual Harm, The River, Of Hearth And Home and Karl Hartwig. Tickets are $30 + bf.

Plenty to sink your teeth into for this year's BIGSOUND festivities – see you there!