Virginia Grohl, AKA Dave's Mum, Announced As First BIGSOUND 2018 Keynote Speaker

Virginia Grohl, the mother of Foo Fighters frontman Dave and author of From Cradle To Stage, has been announced as one of the first two keynote speakers at BIGSOUND 2018.

Also announced for a keynote speech is former Warner Music General Manager and current head of new independent marketing services company The Annex, Mardi Caught.

Three of this year's many forums have also been revealed, including The New Music Business which will focus on new ideas in the music industry, an event that will ask the question, “What would the current music industry look like if it was invented by our First Nations people?”, and Changing Music Industry Behaviour which will look at how the industry can create sustained momentum.

"Our motivation in building this year's program is to create the neutral ground on which our industry can progress in a uniting, nurturing and welcoming way," Festival Programmer Maggie Collins said.

"Our two first keynote speakers encompass this idea perfectly, with one of the most badass label execs turned indie company CEO Mardi Caught, and the mother of Rock herself, Virginia Grohl."

Grohl’s novel, From Cradle To Stage: Stories From The Mothers Who Rocked And Raised Rock Stars, was released last year to wide acclaim and features interviews with the mothers of Adam Levine, Amy Winehouse, Dr Dre and more.

As a revered local music personality, Caught this week unveiled The Annex, channelling two decades of experience into the new endeavour, so it’s fitting her keynote will look at independence, gender equity, entrepreneurship and more.

BIGSOUND has also confirmed the first batch of buyers and influencers for 2018, which includes a stack of international talent, including Paradigm Talent Agency, C3 Management, Domino and Vinyl Me Please from the US alongside UK’s Line Of Best Fit and X-Ray Touring, China’s Maybe Mars and more; all of which will be “shaping the future” of the showcasing artists.

Artist applications are open now until May 17 via the BIGSOUND website, which is also where you can find conference tickets.