Your Ultimate Guide To BIGSOUND 2024

We’re in the last week of August – do you know what that means? It's not AFL finals, but music industry Christmas in the form of BIGSOUND.

BIGSOUND, Australia’s largest, multi-day artist showcase and industry conference event, will be held from Tuesday, 3 September, to Friday, 6 September, in its usual haunts throughout Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley precinct.

Like previous years, the artist showcase at BIGSOUND is more of a music festival, booking acts of all genres, from R&B and hip-hop to metal and rock to pop and indie stylings to country and everything in between. The industry conference, meanwhile, isn’t just dry but entertaining and unforgettable, bringing the likes of Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Camp Cope’s Georgia Maq and Kate Miller-Heidke for showstopping presentations.

Of course, there’s a lot happening at BIGSOUND this year, so to help you navigate the confusion and make your BIGSOUND journey easier, we’ve gathered everything you need to know.

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GENERAL INFO

TICKETS

Back in June, it was announced that the event’s creators, QMusic, had partnered with education provider JMC Academy to deliver event tickets for just $25 for those aged 25 and under, making the industry fiesta more accessible to a generation of music lovers affected by the cost-of-living crisis. 

According to BIGSOUND, the $25 tickets will apply to a one-night pass to the music festival, allowing entry into artist showcases and after-hours events. A three-day pass could be picked up for $75 in the early bird sales.

An all-access delegate pass costs $379 for QMusic students, $679 for members, and $779 for non-members. BIGSOUND is a strictly 18+ event. More information regarding this year’s event can be found on their website.

BIGSOUND, the leading music industry event within Australia, is widely recognised for keeping Brisbane’s nightlife venues alive and plays a vital role in discovering future music pioneers.

TRANSPORT

While this information is from an older guide, it’s worth noting that BIGSOUND music venues and conference spaces are located within the heart of the Fortitude Valley precinct, meaning that venues are only a short walk from train and bus services. In addition to the services, punters can enjoy the Brisbane experience at local cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques of ‘The Valley’.

The closest train station to BIGSOUND is Fortitude Valley. Several Brisbane City Council buses pass through Fortitude Valley regularly.

If you’re driving, you can either utilise on-street parking or secure a better deal by pre-booking your parking. None of the music venues have dedicated parking spaces attached, but you can pre-book your stay at the McWhirters Fortitude Valley Car Park via the Secure Parking website now.

For those wanting to get to multiple nearby venues in a very short time, Lime scooters and E-bikes can be found around several inner-city locations and are perfect for whizzing around the entertainment precinct (just make sure to wear your helmet).

ACCESSIBILITY

All BIGSOUND Conference Venues, including the Fortitude Music Hall, Judith Wright Centre, Hotel X, and The Precinct, are wheelchair accessible and have accessible bathrooms. The Judith Wright Centre will also include BIGSOUND’s Concert Care Conference Breakout Room.

In terms of showcase venues, BIGSOUND 2024 will host two leading accessibility spaces that will feature additional accessibility features and AUSLAN interpreters: 

The Outpost (Festival Venue) 

JBL Live at BIGSOUND Stage (Brunswick Street Mall, Free & Open to All!) 

While BIGSOUND makes an effort to ensure that venues are accessible to all, that’s not always possible in heritage buildings and other spaces. BIGSOUND is also offering mobility access discount tickets to people who are impacted. 

BIGSOUND organisers advise punters to complete this contact form if they have any accessibility- or disability-related enquiries. The artist showcases and conferences will be held in different spaces throughout the Fortitude Valley, so any questions you have should be specifically catered to where you plan to go.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

VENUES & DATES

You can catch live music at BIGSOUND from 6 pm on Tuesday, 3 September, until past 11:30 pm on Thursday, 5 September.

The acts performing at BIGSOUND this year aren’t just playing in one or two venues in the Valley. You can catch your favourite new artist at the following 16 venues:

• Black Bear Lodge

• Blute’s

• The Brightside

• The Brightside Outdoors

• Eclipse

• Ric’s Backyard

• Soapbox Beer

• The Prince Consort Hotel

• La La Land

• The Sound Garden (Goolwal Garden)

• Tomcat

• Honky Tonks

• The Outpost

• The Wickham

• Wonderland Downstairs

• Wonderland Upstairs

LINE-UP & SCHEDULE

Of course, the line-up for this year’s BIGSOUND is absolutely overflowing with talent, starring more established acts like Alex The Astronaut, Adam Newling, Homegrown Trio, Gretta Ray, Miiesha, Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields, Stand Atlantic, and others alongside some of the country’s hottest emerging acts like Armlock, MUDRAT, Vetta Borne, Wade Forster, DEM MOB, and stacks more. You can check out the complete music festival line-up below:

BIGSOUND 2024 SHOWCASE ARTISTS

Adam Newling | AKA Lui | alayna

Alex the Astronaut | Alienist | Armlock | Austin Mackay

Bean Magazine | Bec Sykes | Beddy Rays | Bella Mackenzie | Belle Haven

BLOKBSTR | breathe. | byjaye | Cap Carter | Charlie Pittman

Charlotte Le Lievre | Chloe Parché | Claudia Tripp

DARTZ | Dear Seattle | Dear Sunday | DEM MOB | DEVAURA

Dick Move | DIVEBAR YOUTH | DoloRRes | dust | Eggy

Erik Sanders | Flow Kobra | Fool Nelson | FRIDAY*

Front Row | Garage Sale | Georgia Lines | Georgia Mooney

Hannah Brewer | Heleina Zara | Hellcat Speedracer

Holly Hebe | Homegrown Trio | HOON | Hudson Rose

Hydra Fashion Week | Hylander | Immy Owusu | ISHAN

J-MILLA x Yung Milla - Same Blood | Jamahl Yami | Jamaica Moana | Jawbreakers

Jerome Blazé | Juice Webster | Julian Munyard | JUNO

Keli Holiday | Kiwat Kennell | Kristal West | Lane Pittman | Little Guilt

Lotte Gallagher | Lottie McLeod | LOVELOVELOVE | Lucy Sugerman

LUPO.THEBOY | Mac The Knife | MACEY | MARVELL | Matahara

Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields | Mau Power | Medhanit | Melaleuca | Miiesha

Miles Nautu | MUDRAT | Mulga Bore Hard Rock | Muzzle | MzUki

Neptune | NO CIGAR | Noah Dillon | Paige | Park RD

PEPTALK | Playlunch | Prink | Private Wives | R.em.edy

Ray Dimakarri Dixon | Reiki Ruawai | Rob Edwards | Rowena Wise

Sakr | SAME PAINS | Sesame Girl | Sex Mask | Sly Withers | Sonic Reducer

Squid the Kid | Stand Atlantic | Stella Bridie | Stocker | sunbleached

Sunny Luwe | Swapmeet | The Belair Lip Bombs | The Prize

The Velvet Club | This New Light | tiffi | total tommy | TOWNS

Underlay | Velvet Trip | Vetta Borne | Vinnie Brigante | Wade Forster

Watty Thompson | Will Hearn | WVCHWY | Y.O.G.A. | Zion Garcia

This year’s BIGSOUND music line-up is the first organised by the festival’s new music programmers, Casey O'Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne.

In a statement, the pair said of this year’s event, “It has been such a privilege getting the opportunity to program the BIGSOUND 2024 line-up. We are blown away by the calibre of artists that applied this year, and we’ve discovered so many amazing new artists in the process.

“While it was challenging to whittle it down to the final showcasing artists, we are so grateful to the First Nations Advisory Group and the extended Program Advisory Group that we worked with to help us create this year's final line-up.”

You can view the three-night music festival schedule here, with BIGSOUND letting you know where and when your favourite acts will be performing.

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HOW TO PLAN YOUR NIGHTS

Are you a creative who hates logistics? Have you been putting off scheduling your 2024 BIGSOUND due to the stress of it all? Not to worry; BIGSOUND has revamped their app for this year’s event. The app can be accessed as a guest, or you can log in via your delegate pass, allowing you to scan what’s on and ‘heart’ certain events. Hearting events will lead to the app sending you notifications around 30 minutes before an event starts, ensuring you have enough time to get from venue to venue. 

For those who prefer their own methods, the Apple app store, Galaxy store, and Google Play store all contain iterations of ‘reminder apps’ sending you notifications for events at whatever time you choose. This can be a great alternative for scheduling catch-ups and networking outside of the official BIGSOUND schedule. 

Dubbed Brisbane's ‘entertainment precinct,’ Fortitude Valley contains a tight-knit ecosystem of music hotspots—all conveniently within a 5-10 minute walk of each other.

The main hub is the Brunswick Street Mall, a walkway section in the heart of the Valley, bordered on each side by Wickham Street and Ann Street and within eye-sight of the Fortitude Valley Train Station entrance. Brunswick Street Mall contains the largest BIGSOUND venues and is a good place to catch your bearings.

Conference attendees have an easier route to remember, with all conference venues located North (Ann Street side) of Brunswick Street Mall. While showcases are here, there, and everywhere, Wickham Street and Ann Street are the geographical arteries of this suburb, and following them will get you to where you need to be most of the time. 

Showcase Key Streets

• Ann Street - Wonderland

• Brunswick Street - Eclipse, The Sound Garden (Goolwal Garden), The Outpost, Black Bear Lodge, Blute’s, Ric’s Backyard (Can also be entered via Ann St)

• Warner St - The Brightside 

• Wickham Street - Honky Tonks, Tomcat, La La Land, The Prince Consort, The Wickham 

• Barry Parade - Soapbox Beer

Conference Key Streets

• Brunswick Street - Fortitude Music Hall, The Precinct, The Sound Garden, Judith Wright Centre, Pig ‘N’ Whistle Hotel X

WHO TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR

With 150 artists showcasing at BIGSOUND this year, most of which are still adapting to their accolades, it can be tricky to carve out a good schedule. 

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• Stand Atlantic, Miiesha & More: BIGSOUND Artists On Their 'Must-See' Acts

J-MILLA

With his latest single Boomerang dominating the news cycle, J-MILLA is undoubtedly an artist to add to the list. With a name similar to another legendary rapper, tak Mak Marranuggu man J-MILLA specialises in breezy hip-hop beats with heavy-hitting lyrics.

With accolades out the wazoo, J-MILLA was crowned Triple J’s 2023 Unearthed Feature Artist, as well as winning in both Hip Hop and Youth Categories at the 2023 NT Music Awards. “I’ve also been told I have one of the fastest flows around,” he told The Music earlier in the month.

Vetta Borne

You may think you have never heard Vetta Borne’s music before, but the Y2K-inspired it-girl already has ties to some of the world’s biggest artists. A triple threat, Borne specialises not only as a musician but also as a producer and engineer, occasionally also including mixing to her roster of skills.

Working with artists such as George Alice and Young Franco and being covered by the iconic Charli XCX, The Music quotes Vetta as having influence that “stretches from Australian indie darlings to the producer realm of LA, to the idolised J-Pop and K-Pop cultures taking the world by storm.”

Armlock

From an insider perspective, Armlock has proven to be a popular choice amongst their BIGSOUND peers. Speaking to the artists, the Melbourne duo’s daydreamy and moody guitar-driven sound appears to provide the perfect backing for a day’s small moments. “Their last record has been on repeat in my house for the better part of the last 12 months,” lead singer of Dear Seattle, Brae Fisher, reflected in a recent interview.

CURING POST-MOSH MUNCHIES

For those wanting to wow a potential new LinkedIn connection, Fortitude Valley is a mecca for rooftop bars.

Places such as Cielo and MAYA Mexican are great rooftop options if you want a quality meal while keeping track of the shenanigans on Brunswick and Anne Street below. Taking a short stroll east from the heart of the Valley will show off the eloquence that is James Street, where several upmarket bars and restaurants reside.

For those who want to lean into the party as much as possible, the SOKO Rooftop Bar in Bowen Hills is a great jungle escape. For those seeking a calming, minimal environment, Happy Boy on East Street may be the way to go. 

For those who are balling on a budget, there are heaps of cheap eats on Brunswick Street, ranging from fast and familiar to worldly and unique. For those arriving by train, Fortitude Valley train station’s new facelift boasts all your favourite chains, including KFC, The Yiros Shop, and Roll’d. There is also a Woolworths within the train station open until 9 pm for those wanting extra sustenance on the go. 

Brunswick Street Mall, central to Fortitude Valley, contains a multitude of kebab shops. Meanwhile, Five Dogs is a favourite among locals for its New York-styled hot dogs and burgers. While Five Dogs also provides a great vegan and vegetarian range, vegans can also trust Lord of The Fries, parallel to Press Club, for their dietary needs. A few feet up the road from Lord of The Fries is Fat Dumpling, a great place for large groups wanting to get together without needing earplugs.

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CONFERENCE

VENUES & DATES

The schedule for the conference at this year’s BIGSOUND kicks off at 4 pm on Monday, 2 September (with the Goolwal Goolwal Welcome Event), and continues for days, wrapping up with the QHA QLDER BRUNCH on Friday morning (6 September).

With this year’s conference line-up hosting the likes of Kelis, Zaachariaha Fielding, Bolster, Tixel, and heaps more, here’s where you need to go to see some unforgettable conferences:

• Fortitude Music Hall

• Judith Wright Centre

• Hotel X

• The Precinct

• Pig ‘N’ Whistle

• The Sound Garden (Goolwal Garden)

SPEAKER/BUYER LINE-UP:

Like this year’s music festival bill, BIGSOUND is full of unbelievable talents hosting events as speakers and buyers. You can find the names you need to know here:

BIGSOUND 2024 - KEYNOTES

Kelis – Artist / Author / Chef (US)

Amy Taylor - Amyl & The Sniffers (AU)

Tones & I - Tones & I, Lemon Tree Music (AU) 

Annabelle Herd - ARIA (AU)

Elijah - Artist / Thought Leader / DJ (UK)

Elliott Lefko - AEG / Goldenvoice (US)

Fred Leone - Birdz and Fred Leone, Fred Leone (AU) 

Glenn McDonald - Furia / Every Noise At Once (US) 

Josh Simons - Vinyl Group / Vampr (AU)

Korda Marshall - Mushroom Group (UK)

BIGSOUND 2024 - SPEAKERS & BUYERS

Adam Kreeft - You Are In Good Company (CA)

Adam Lewis - Planetary (US)

Adam Nealon - Secretly Group (UK)

Adam Ryan - The Great Escape / Festival Republic (UK)

Adam Townsend - APRA AMCOS (AU)

Adrian Burke - Group Speed (CA)

Aleisha McLaren - Muscles (AU)

Ali Tomoana - Soul Has No Tempo (AU)

Allison Bremner - GYROstream (AU)

Amy McNickle - APRA AMCOS / High Score (AU)

Anastasia Hronis - Psychologist and Author (AU)

Andrew Bassingthwaite - Xcelerate 9 (AU)

Andrew Khedoori - CBAA (AU)

Andrew Parisi - Sundowner Music (AU)

Andy Kalyvas - Netflix (US)

Angela Dorgan - First Music Contact Ireland (IRE)

Anna Laverty - MPEG (AU)

April Terzis - Collective Artists (AU)

Archie Hamilton - Split Works (AU)

Ash King - Support Act (AU)

Ash McGregor - ABC / triple j (AU)

Ash Hills - UNIFIED (AU)

BADASSMUTHA - Artist (AU)

Bek Jensen - Artist (AU)

Ben Buchanan - Creative Artists Agency (CA)

Benjamin James - GYROgroup (AU)

Berish Bilander - Green Music Australia (AU)

Bev Burton - Killer B Music (AU)

Bonnie Fraser - Artist (AU)

Bradly Palmer - Concord Music Publishing (US)

Brij Gosai - Pollstar (UK)

Brinley Stanovsek - Handsome Tours (AU)

Cara Williams - Slow Clap (AU)

Casey O'Shaughnessy - Select Music, BIGSOUND (AU)

Casper Mills - 4AD (UK)

Catherine Strong - RMIT University (AU)

Charlotte Abroms - Hear Hear Group (AU)

Chris Carey - FFWD (UK)

Chris Danis - TBA Agency (US)

Christopher Akavi - Live Nation (AU)

Chryss Carr - AUM MGMT + PR  (AU)

Cindy Vogels - Racy&Lucky (AU)

Clayton Doughty - Sony Music Australia (AU)

Cooper Nikora - AUM, Support Act (AU)

Dan Nascimento - UNIFIED Music Group (AU)

Darren Sanicki - Sanicki Lawyers (AU)

Dave Batty - Custom-Made Artist Representation (AU)

Dave Ruby Howe - triple j (AU)

David Telfer - DMT Law Firm (US)

Derrick Gee - Presenter (AU)

Dev Sherlock – SXSW (US)

Dina Bassile - Tibi Access (AU)

DOBBY aka Rhyan Clapham - Artist/Vyva Entertainment (AU)

Eden Sher - Blak Label / One Louder (AU)

Eliza Hull - Artist (AU)

Ellie Robinson - TRANSGENRE (AU)

Emily Copeland - ABC (AU)

Esti Zilber - Sounds Australia (AU)

Fillip Palermo - Untitled Group (AU)

Gideon Elfgen - WOMEX/ Piranha Arts (GER)

Glenn Dickie - Sounds Australia (AU)

Guy Morrow - IMBRA (AU)

Holly Ditchfield - Golden Grants (AU)

Ixaras Dorizac - Antidismal (AU)

J Tajor - ACTS Music Group (AU)

Jack Saunders - TRIBE / TRIPEL (UK)

Jaddan Comerford - UNIFIED Music Group (AU)

James Clarke - Bolster (AU)

James Schubach - AON (AU)

Jane Slingo - Vibelab Asia Pacific (AU)

Jayden Roy - Destroy All Lines (AU)

Jaz Yates - RELEASR. (AU)

Jemma Burns - Pulse Points (AU)

Jess Dale - BIGSOUND / Tiny Triumphs Management (AU)

Jess Keeley - Wonderlick / Music She Wrote (AU)

Jim Hennessy - Untitled Group (AU)

Jocelle Koh - Asian Pop Weekly (SI)

Jodie Williams - NOVA (AU)

John Collins - Fortitude Music Hall (AU)

Josh Simons - Vinyl Group / Vampyr (AU)

Julian Marshall - UNIFIED Music Group (AU)

Kamran Haq - Download Festival Europe / Live Nation (UK)

Katie Rynne - Wheelhouse Agency/BIGSOUND (AU)

Kim Carter-Morrison - Rockstar Management (AU)

Kris Stewart - QMusic/BIGSOUND (AU)

Kristy Gostelow - Kadence Records (AU)

Kylie Thompson - Sorrento Strategic Accounting (AU)

Lars Brandle - The Brag Media/Vinyl Group (AU)

Leah Flanagan - NATSIMO (AU)

Leah Harris - Spotify (AU)

Leigh Millhauser - Wasserman Music (US)

Lisa Gottheil - Grandstand Media (US)

Lorrae McKenna - Our Golden Friend (AU)

Lucy Smith - ABC / triple j (AU)

Lucy August-Perna - Live Nation (US)

Luke Logemann - Green Music Australia (AU)

Lutz Leichsenring - Vibelab Asia Pacific (GER)

Lyndsey Havens - Billboard (US)

Maaike Kito - Artist (AU)

Maggie Collins - AAM (AU)

Mardi Caught - The Annex (AU)

Maria Amato - Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AU)

Mark Davyd - Music Venue Trust (UK)

Matthew Clarke - KMGMT (UK)

Matthew Tan - White Sky (AU)

Matthew Tanner - Concord Music Publishing (AU)

Matthijs Boom - TRIPEL / Tribe Management UK (UK)

Michaella Harrison - Queensland Music Festival (AU)

Michelle Connery - &Connery (AU)

Michelle Escoffery - CLOCK (UK)

Miss Kaninna - Artist (AU)

Molly Jackson - GYROstream (AU)

Mon Franco - The Push (AU)

Morgan Harrington - The Australia Institute (AU)

Moss McGregor - Artist (AU)

Myf Warhurst - ABC (AU)

Naomie Abergel - Sound.xyz (US)

Natalie Kradolfer - Amplify Music Education (AU)

Natalie Waller - ABC Music (AU)

Neil Wilson - Suitcase Records (AU)

Nick Findlay - ABC / triple j (AU)

OJ - Yama-Nui Records (AU)

Ollie Wards - TikTok (AU)

Paige X. Cho - Bolster (AU)

Patrick Daniel - Reeperbahn (GER)

Pau Cristòful - Primavera Sound (ES)

Priya Dewan - Primavera Sound / Gig Life Pro (SG)

Rachael Sarra - Support Act (AU)

Robert Baxter - The Push/Artist (AU)

Rob Waters - Poet (AU)

Ross Miles - Scorched Asia (TA)

Rowan Brand - TRIBE / TRIPEL (UK)

Roxanne Dumoulin - ATC Live (FRN)

Sally Mather - The Forum (AU)

Sarah Donelly - Mushroom (AU)

Seth Clancy - Oztix (AU)

Shain Shapiro - Sound Diplomacy (UK)

Shawn Keith - Sharptone Records (US)

Simone Ubaldi - Sundowner Music (AU)

Sose Fuamoli - ABC (AU)

Sose Fuamoli - Journalist (AU)

Stephen Green - SGC Media (AU)

Stu Watters - Queensland Music Festival (AU)

Sunny Lewe - Artist (AU)

Sue Ray - QMusic / BIGSOUND (AU)

Tam Boakes - Jive (AU)

Tamayu Takayama - Copetin Inc. (US)

Tanya Awad - MDLBEAST (SA)

Taylor James - Lemon Tree Music (AU)

Tim Blunt - TRANSGENRE (AU)

Tim Janes - Virgin Music Group (AU)

Tim Shiel - Double J / ABC (AU)

Tom Larkin - BIGSOUND / Tiny Triumphs Management (AU)

Trent Starkey - Darkwood Studios RLS (AU)

Tyler McLoughlin - The Sound Pound (AU)

Uncle Kevin Starkey - Darkwood Studio (AU)

Uzi Baron - Josephmark (AU)

Viv Mellish - GyroStream (AU)

Warren Mason - Tin Camp Studios (AU)

Weining Hung - 9 KICK Co.,Ltd (TA)

Will Pawa-Oui - Support Act (AU)

Zaachariaha Fielding - Electric Fields (AU)

Zac Abroms - Viceroyalty (AU)

KEYNOTES & PRESENTATIONS

Amy Taylor's promise to deliver her “robust insight” is enough to get us excited about the keynote speakers appearing at this year’s BIGSOUND, but heaps more acts are coming this year. Milkshake hitmaker Kelis will deliver a “major” keynote (as well as an exclusive appearance at the Queensland festival, Sweet Relief!), while Casper Mills (4AD), Dev Sherlock (SXSW), Korda Marshall (Mushroom Group), Naomie Abergel (Sound.xyz) and Roxanne Dumoulin (ATC Live), among others, are set to speak at this year’s event.

BIGSOUND has also locked in a coup with Tones And I to present a Keynote In Conversation with ABC personality Myf Warhurst.

Other highlights of the keynotes and presentations include Fred Leone delivering a Keynote about honouring his role as the custodian of traditional songs of the Butchulla tribe, Simone Ubaldi and Andrew Parisi hosting an In Conversation called Sniffing Out Gold that follows the discovery and development of Amyl & The Sniffers, with more coming from Glenn McDonald, author and former “Data Alchemist” of Spotify, founder, programmer, and producer of the Every Noise At Once website, and ABC’s Head of Music, Emily Copeland. Triple j’s Nick Findlay, Ash McGregor, and Lucy Smith will also appear at the conference.

• Simone Ubaldi & Andrew Parisi On The Rise And Rise Of Amyl And The Sniffers

A name you might recognise, Ellie Robinson, is also appearing as a speaker alongside Tim Blunt. The pair founded the initiative spotlighting LGBTQIA+ voices, TRANSGENRE, launching the project last year with a sold-out festival, the first ever in Australia to feature an entirely gender-non-conforming line-up.

MUSIC WRITER’S LAB

BIGSOUND 2024 also marks the return of the Music Writer’s Lab, which has connected emerging writers with some of the country’s most established names in the industry since making its debut in 2022.

This year’s Music Writer’s Lab was developed in collaboration with MusicNT and Music Australia. MusicNT’s Executive Director, Mark Smith, said of the team-up: “We are excited to bring the Music Writers Lab back to BIGSOUND in 2024, continuing the goal of amplifying music writing across the country.

“Since its inception, we have seen the focus only increase on the power of music writing to support the music sector, and returning to BIGSOUND brings further opportunities to support the next wave of music writers in this country.”

Kayla Hamilton, a participant in last year’s Music Writer’s Lab, said of the program’s impact on her career: “Through connections I made with the mentors, I was able to get my foot in the door at my favourite publication, WALL OF SOUND. This honestly changed my life! The Lab gave me connections and knowledge, but it also gave me the confidence to pursue my goals.”

FIRST NATIONS HOUSE

Earlier this month, BIGSOUND also introduced the First Nations program, Goolwal Goolwal (which translates from the traditional Yuggera language to “Big Sound”). The program is held at the Goolwal Garden (The Sound Garden), BIGSOUND’s First Nations House.

Curated by Elders-in-Residence Uncle Kevin Starkey (Nurrunga/Adnyamathanha and Saibai Torres Strait Islander) and Toni Janke (Wuthathi, Yadighana and Meriam); First Nations Music Officer Sue Ray (Gamilaroi/Gomeroi), Producer Kearna Kemister (Wiradjuri), First Nations Support Officer Natalie Lingwoodock (Birri/Kungarri/Byelee/Kabi Kabi/South Sea), and the First Nations Consultancy Group, the Goolwal Goolwal team promises an essential list of events.

Highlights from the Goolwal Goolwal program include a keynote session, Songman: Fred Leone In Conversation, a night of Aboriginal techno and cultural celebrations with Leengkeel Karweeyn (Big Dance), In Conversation with Zaachariaha Fielding (Electric Fields), free shows as part of JBL Live at the BIGSOUND Stage, and more. You can check out the full Goolwal Goolwal program here.

SPECIAL EVENTS

OFFICIAL PARTIES & MIXERS

Get ready for official parties and mixers, which provide opportunities just as important as the music festival and conference: networking.

For the first time, showcase performances will be held at the International House (inside the Marquee Bar). The venue will host events such as Taiwan Beats, Split Works Asian Music Takeover, the Manitoba Music Showcase, and more.

For those looking for daytime events, you’ll be coming to the right place this September, with BIGSOUND proof that Brisbane is the place to be. Daytime events include ASIA Pop Breakfast, BEDA Country Lunchtime Show, and the JMC Academy Showcase.

Along the Brisbane River is the BIGSOUND Sunset Cruise, presented by Untitled Group. Other fun events include the ACCLAIM Showcase Party, Unified BIGSOUND Showcase, NZ Showcase Party, Live Nation’s Ones To Watch, Sailor Jerry Presents: Jerry Can And A Van, Oztix Showcase Party, and, of course, the unforgettable BIGSOUND Closing Party, which is now an institution of the annual event.

You can find more parties and mixers on the BIGSOUND website.

DELEGATE SHOWCASES

Delegate pass holders at this year’s BIGSOUND will have access to an abundance of special events, networking opportunities, and learning experiences.

Some of those events include the Goolwal Goolwal Welcome Event, International Welcome Drinks, Women And Gender Diverse Folk In Music, Welcome To Country & Smoking Ceremony, The Sunset Cruise, APRA AMCOS Breakfast, Exploring TikTok For Artists and Music Discovery, the BIGSOUND Country Lunchtime Show, Sound NSW Music Mixer, Live Nation’s Ones To Watch program, two Sailor Jerry events – BIGSOUND Good Times Tattoo Parlour and Jerry Can and a Van, the Acclaim All-Stars Showcase Party, Unified Music Group BIGSOUND Showcase, and, of course, the legendary BIGSOUND Closing Party.

You can find the complete list of events and parties for delegates here.

BIGSOUND is also known for unofficial events and secret parties - keep an eye out for those.

WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

FAQ

What is BIGSOUND?

BIGSOUND is described as “your annual opportunity” for discovery. It’s a chance to be around Australian music for three days of showcase programming, panel discussions and keynotes.

Can I attend BIGSOUND if I’m under 18?

BIGSOUND is a strictly 18+ event. However, showcase performers under the age of 18 who have pre-approval and strict guardian supervision may be granted an exception.

Is there a discount for QMusic members or members of reciprocal organisations?

You have to be a current member of certain music organisations to access a discounted Member rate. The organisations include QMusic, AAM, AIR, CBAA, MusicACT, MusicNSW, MusicSA, Music NT, Music Tasmania, Music Victoria, WAM, A2IM, IMNZ, and MMF NZ.

Being a member of one of the organisations mentioned above entitles you to one discounted ticket per membership unless indicated otherwise.

The membership categories that entitle you to more than one discounted ticket are QMusic Business / Organisation membership - maximum FOUR tickets and QMusic Band membership - maximum FOUR tickets. If you haven’t already, you can obtain your QMusic membership at qmusic.com.au.

The membership categories that entitle you to more than one discounted delegate pass are QMusic Business / Organisation membership - maximum FOUR delegate passes, and QMusic Band membership - maximum FOUR delegate passes. You can find more information on the QMusic website.

If you’re a member of a music organisation that hasn’t been mentioned, complete your BIGSOUND contact form before proceeding with delegate registration.

Does BIGSOUND give discounts to students?

Yes, BIGSOUND provides a student discount on Delegate passes. However, BIGSOUND is a strictly 18+ event, so anyone purchasing a Student Pass must be 18 as of Tuesday, 3 September 2024. Student IDs must be valid to 6 September 2024.

When students collect their tickets at BIGSOUND, their Student IDS must be presented. You won’t be able to collect a ticket without your ID.

BIGSOUND notes, “If your student ID is no longer valid at the time of the event, you will be required to pay an additional fee to claim your pass ticket. The fee will be the difference between the current ticket price and what you paid.”

What does my BIGSOUND delegate pass get me into?

Your BIGSOUND delegate pass gets you entry to all conference sessions, access to official delegate networking and industry events, entry to all showcase events (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights), and entry to BIGSOUND events and afterparties—all subject to capacity restrictions.

What happens if I lose my delegate pass?

Lost or stolen tickets (including Delegate lanyards) won’t be replaced.

If you lose your ticket, you’ll need to purchase a new ticket at the full rate for continued access to the event.

How do I get into the music showcase venues?

Everyone must always wear their showcase wristbands to enter official showcase venues.

When collecting their delegates' passes, delegates will receive three-night showcase wristbands, which they must wear as BIGSOUND continues. Music Showcase ticketholders also have to wear their BIGSOUND showcase wristbands at all times.

BIGSOUND advises punters to treat wristbands like cash. It takes no responsibility for wristbands that are removed before the end of the event and will not be replaced. While your wristband will allow you entry into the venues, the spaces are still subject to capacity considerations.

How do I contact other BIGSOUND delegates?

You will receive login details to the BIGSOUND delegate portal close to the event, which you can find on the front page of the BIGSOUND website. The portal will allow you to contact other delegates attending the event so you can plan meetings ahead of time.

If you can’t find your delegate login details, you can complete the BIGSOUND contact form.

When should I arrive in Brisbane? I need to book my flights and hotel.

To best plan your trip, you can find the overview of the BIGSOUND program in Event Information. It shows when things are happening throughout BIGSOUND week, and you can make your travel plans based on this overview.

How do I apply for media accreditation?

Media accreditation is now closed for BIGSOUND 2024.

Can I get a refund for my delegate pass?

Refunds were available on a case-by-case basis until Friday, 2 August. After that, BIGSOUND registrations are not refundable.

Is there a discount for group bookings?

BIGSOUND does indeed offer a special rate for group bookings of eight people or more.

The discounted rate is the current member price ($479 to 31 July / $579 after 31 July).

Tickets will be pre-invoiced. Once paid, you will receive access to the Delegate portal. If tickets are not paid within 14 days, the discount request will be cancelled.

25 & UNDER $25 1-NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS

With rising costs getting in the way of the persistent need to boogie, BIGSOUND is offering $25 one-night Music Festival tickets for music lovers aged 25 years and under this year.

Anyone purchasing a 25 & under $25 ticket must be 18-25 years of age at the time of pick-up of their ticket.