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Julia Jacklin, trials & King Gizzard Members Join BIGSOUND 2026's Artists In Conversation Line-up

Tyler Jenke

BIGSOUND have unveiled a batch of local names for its Artists In Conversation series, alongside an impressive roster of international representatives.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Julia Jacklin & trials
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Julia Jacklin & trials(Credit: Kate Arnott; Izzie Austin; Supplied)
More King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard

We’re three months out from the 2026 edition of BIGSOUND, and while the official artist announcement hasn’t dropped yet, organisers are increasing excitement with the addition of new international guests, and local artists in conversation.

Today, the long-running music conference – which celebrates its 25th anniversary in September – has detailed a group of artists who will be taking part in their Artist In Conversation series.

This year’s line-up is undoubtedly headlined by Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood, founding members of Melbourne’s King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, who will discuss their prolific career over the past 16 years.

Additionally, world-beating Aussie export (and recent 4AD signee) Julia Jacklin will join the series, as will Ngarrindjeri hip hop producer, composer, and innovator trials.

Alongside this selection of local creatives, BIGSOUND have also shared its second batch international guests, which includes high-profile representatives from the likes of Bonnaroo (C3 Presents) (US), Pitchfork (US), MOJO (NL), and India International Music Week (IN), among others.

Representatives announced today include:  

  • Bryan Benson (Music Exec, Talent Buyer), Bonnaroo (C3 Presents) (US)

  • Yuta Nomura (Founder & Organiser), CUEW/One Music Camp/Arifuji Weekenders (JP)

  • Rafael Pereira, India International Music Week (IN)

  • Puck Stoelinga (Artist Booker), MOJO (NL)

  • Thaddeus Rudd (Co-Owner), Mom+Pop Records (US)

  • Nina Corcoran (Associate Staff Writer), Pitchfork (US)

  • Chris Fraser (Head of A&R), Partisan Records (UK)

  • Jessica Moss (Music Programming), Soho House (UK)

  • Kyle Kernohan (Agent), TBA Agency (US)

“BIGSOUND has always been a place where real connections happen, and this year we’re focused on creating even more opportunities for Australian and New Zealand artists and industry to connect with each other and the global market,” says Interim CEO of QMusic, Kristy Ellis.

“The program focuses on the conversations the industry is having right now — how the business is changing, how we stay ahead, and how Australian and New Zealand artists continue to grow on the global stage.”

This fresh batch of international representatives join an already-announced group of industry figures, including Bandcamp Daily's Mariana Timony, Carpark Records Label Manager Steph Salas, Dev Sherlock of SXSW, and Christie Medina-Gonzalez of Hellfest, among others.

BIGSOUND 2026 will be taking place from September 1st through the 4th in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Showcasing artists will be announced soon, while early bird delegate tickets are on sale now, with the offer lasting until June 30th.