BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: POPPONGENE

Answered by: Sophie Treloar – vocals and guitar

Give us a short description of your music: It's the smell of a summer evening, it's the badass dream girl you have a crush on, it's the perfect mandarin, it's the great comeback you think of in the shower 24 hours too late.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Not-seen-befores: Mermaidens, Mariam Sawires, GAUCI, Stevan, The Buoys, Greta Stanley, Nancie Schipper, yergurl, P-UniQue. Melbourne-watch-again-and-agains: Dianas (love you), Hannah Blackburn, Gordon Koang, PINCH POINTS, DRMNGNOW.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? I've noticed when we have a big enough crowd I'm really good at telling funny jokes. Come for the jokes, stay for the sometimes lyrically stinging, drive-y, fem dream-pop classics detailing the process and aftermath of a break-up and the rediscovery of self. It'll be great fun, promise!

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? Hot trends atm: Bedroom projects, dream-pop, folk-rock, all-male gig line-ups somehow thinking it's still ok to have all-male gig lineups (lol), power suits. Predictions: Not sure if it's an accurate prediction, but I would personally love to see an increase in the use of cowbells, I just love cowbells.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Supporting talented dreamboats Weyes Blood and Lucy Dacus!

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? The art of successfully, calmly and productively running on empty.

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? Inclusivity. In every facet of the industry.

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? Drink endless amounts of water and sleep as well as possible (that is advice from me to me). 

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 4 Sep, Empire Hotel, 11.40pm; 5 Sep, Woolly Mammoth Alehouse Stage, 10.40pm.