The Music Writer's Lab Set To Return At BIGSOUND

The Music Writer’s Lab is returning to BIGSOUND this year for its third year.

Since debuting at the multi-day Brisbane conference and music festival in September 2022, The Music Writer’s Lab has connected emerging writers with some of the country’s most established names in the industry.

Last year, the program moved to South Australia during WOMADelaide, and at BIGSOUND 2023, it held its first-ever international special guest, Brittany Spanos, from the US edition of Rolling Stone. Spanos also appeared in a conversation with The Music Writer’s Lab’s project facilitator, Sosefina Fuamoli.

So far, the program has seen writers from Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria connect with other professionals and gain insights into their pathways as professional music journalists.

Applications for this year’s Music Writer’s Lab are now open and will close at 5 pm AEST next Tuesday, 27 August. Successful applicants will receive funding for airfares, accommodation, and participation in the BIGSOUND-centric program, which runs from 3 to 5 September. 

You can submit your application to participate in this year’s program here.

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, described the program's impact on her career.

“This intimate lab was a turning point in my career as a music journalist,” Hamilton said. “Up until taking part, I was not sure whether I would be able to pursue music journalism as a career, but the mentorship I received changed my perceptions.

“Not only were the mentors able to impart relevant knowledge, but their lived experiences were a huge inspiration. Since The Music Writer’s Lab, I have been working as a freelance music journalist.

“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.”