A stunning array of Aussie acts join September's annual industry showcase in Brisbane
This year's BIGSOUND conference and showcase in Brisbane just keeps on getting bigger, with organisers today today unveiling the second and final batch of artists set to woo the industry and punter cohort descending on Fortitude Valley in early September.
Following an incredible first artist announcement — featuring the likes of Sampa The Great, Clairy Browne, Ivan Ooze, Alex Lahey, Totally Unicorn, Tash Sultana, Columbus and many more — as well as not one but two amazing speaker announcements, organisers have well and truly outdone themselves with their final artist line-up, snagging performers both up-and-coming and drawcards unto themselves, including hip hop pocket rocket Tkay Maidza, dance-punk heroes DZ Deathrays, virtuoso guitarist and funk-lord Harts, resurgent Brissy indie outfit I Heart Hiroshima and US-adopted duo The Gooch Palms, among several others.
Also beefing out the local ranks are the likes of A.B. Original (Briggs and Trials), Babaganouj, Dorsal Fins, Vera Blue, Kučka, Japanese Wallpaper, Rainbow Chan, The Belligerents, Teeth & Tongue, Polish Club, Kira Puru, Ceres, Ecca Vandal, LUCIANBLOMKAMP, William Crighton, Gawurra, Harmony James, PON CHO and tonnes of other excellent Australian-made musos, though this year's BIGSOUND Festival also boasts a solid international contingent including friends from across the ditch (Yumi Zouma, Fazerdaze, Mel Parsons) and up Singapore way (iNCH, In Each Hand A Cutlass, .gif) joining performers headed to Brisbane from locations as far-flung as India (Prateek Kuhad), the United States (NAATIONS) and more. And, as anyone who's ever been through it will tell you, it's little wonder that so many acts clamour to be a part of the proceedings year in, year out.
"It’s hard to explain what the BIGSOUND experience is like because there’s nothing else like it in the country," BIGSOUND producer Joel Edmondson said in a statement. "Imagine taking over a whole inner-city suburb and turning it into a treasure hunt for the best new music Australia has to offer. Add to that one of the best party vibes there is and you start to get the drift.
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"We're proud to be able to share the unbridled joy that is BIGSOUND to those returning to get their fix and those yet to taste what makes BIGSOUND such an addictive experience."
Additionally, the most emergent of acts will be given a helping hand to make their way to BIGSOUND via the triple j Unearthed stage, returning in 2016 in celebration of 10 years of the broadcaster's music-discovery platform. Two bands will be selected to perform in front of the movers and shakers at the festival — and alongside some of the seriously impressive acts listed above — in what is easily one of the best opportunities up-and-coming artists could hope for. Applications are open until 31 July, so you'll want to get on that sooner rather than later if you're in an eligible outfit. See Unearthed's website for more information.
Otherwise, if you're more interested on being on the other side of the stage so you can simply soak in all the incredible music on offer on your own terms, tickets for BIGSOUND festival and conference, running from 7-9 September, are available now. See the event's website for a full breakdown of passes, prices and particulars.