BIGSOUND Bands Pick Their Must-See Conference Gigs
Who they plan on seeing perform and where they'll be partying
DAMN TERRAN
Name: Lachlan Ewbank.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Twin Beasts.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Touring Tips & The Live Music Environment.
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Where can we catch you for a drink?: Wednesday 11 September - X Marks the Mess party, Thursday 12 - Rics Bar, Fri 13 - Rics Bar, Black Bear Lodge.
WE THE GHOSTS
Name: Alex Tomlins.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: MTNS. We all really love their debut single.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Keynote Q&A with John Watson.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: After our gig at the CMC stage Thursday night.
GOSSLING
Gossling.
Name: Helen Croome.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: I'd love to catch Cub Sport, Eagle and the Worm, Grey Ghost or The Trouble with Templeton.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Unfortunately I won't be able to catch any of the conference this time around.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: We're playing at Black Bear Lodge on the 12th, so we'll be hanging around there for a drink afterwards.
BREAKING ORBIT
Name: Mark Tyson.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: There's two I hold on an equal footing - Little Bastard and Gay Paris. Their live shows are in my opinion the best in the country for their respective genres.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Artists On The Other Side Of The Stage. Will be a great insight into the modern music industry all-rounder.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Artisan beer and design market.
FEELINGS
Name: Simon Berckelman.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Megan Washington, because she disappeared to London ages ago and has either been slacking off or gone away and written the greatest thing ever!
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Michael Chugg. Lent him $20 at the Courthouse Hotel in Sydney 3 years ago - hasn't returned my calls since.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Coniston Lane on Wednesday, or after at Alhambra where some very close friends of ours have a secret show.
SIMONE AND GIRLFUNKLE
Name: Bridget Turner.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Willow for her amazing voice and because we are playing with them the following Sunday for the first time.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Keynote Q&A with Simon Raymonde because I bet he'd have some stories.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: At the WA at BIGSOUND showcase Thursday from 5-8pm at the Alhambra Lounge. We'll be around the whole time just holla.
BUCHANAN
Buchanan.
Name: Josh Simons.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Regurgitator, although they're on at the same time as us!
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: John Watson.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Somewhere in The Valley - probably Black Bear Lodge.
RIDE INTO THE SUN
Name: Adam Vanderwerf.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard or The Demon Parade.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Touring Tips & The Live Music Environment.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: We go with the flow....
BED WETTIN' BAD BOYS
Name: Nic Warnock
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Was going to say Mama Kin but turns out they aren't an early Aerosmith tribute band. Ummmm... Robert Forster.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: The one I'm on "DIY Life". Looking forward to talking about the difference between doing-it-yourself-cause-noone-will-give-you-a-record-deal and actual DIY Music Culture!
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Somewhere quite away from the cultural careerists, Deadshits Motel or someone from Blank Realm's house.
HEY GERONIMO
Name: Pete Kilroy.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Hanging out to see Eagle And The Worm again. Great band.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Artists On The Other Side Of The Stage sounds pretty interesting!
Where can we catch you for a drink?: At The Beat Megaclub with our manager, Andrew Stone.
SPIT SYNDICATE
Spit Syndicate.
Name: Nick Lupi.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Jones Jnr - love the music these fellas are making and curious to see how it translates live. Way of the Eagle, for similar reasons. Also, Jackie Onassis - never get tired of seeing them.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I've been told that it would criminal to miss seeing Billy Bragg speak, by Mum and our legendary engineer.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Leaving all options open but can rarely go past Bowler Bar and Alhambra Lounge.
SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH
Name: Saidah Baba Talibah.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: I'm really excited to see Spender, I've been playing his EP for a while now.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I need to see Amanda Fucking Palmer, period.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: I'd say anywhere there's a good Sauvignon Blanc. Am I allowed to drink on the beach?
BLOODS
Name: M C.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Really psyched to see Regurgitator! Also super keen to see Damn Terran, Major Leagues, New Brutalists, Bad//Dreems, King Giz, The Delta Riggs, Jones Jnr... man, we're gonna be so exhausted by the end.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Looking forward to hearing the mighty Nick Cave and Regurgitator impart their pearls of wisdom unto us.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Wednesday 11 September, 8pm, drinking our stage fright away before our set at Electric Playground!
BEC AND BEN
Name: Rebecca Callander.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Money for Rope, Ginger and The Ghost, New Brutalists, Little Bastard, Damn Terran, Thelma Plum, The Walking Who, Jeremy Neale (have to catch him between songs), King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizar.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Indie Labels 2013 Style, Opening Keynote: Q&A with Amanda Palmer.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Electric Playground, Thursday night 11.00pm or at Rics at any time of the day.
SHEPPARD
Sheppard.
Name: George Sheppard.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: We're looking forward to catching Hey Geronimo! Very catchy music, and we've never seen them live before.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: The Future of Australian Music! They are all great speakers, and I'm sure it'll be an interesting hour.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Black Bear Lodge! Amazing music, very cool atmosphere.
JONES JNR
Name: Ev Jones.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Gay Paris cuz they are our dance instructors.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Gotta be Billy Ray Cyrus's Twerk class for the elderly.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Most likely Ill be stuck behind one of the bars trying to teach them how to actually make a Manhattan.
RAINY DAY WOMEN
Name: Tom Allison.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: It would be Feelings but they are in the same showcase as us. Second is Eagle and the Worm. Unfortunately we are playing at the same bloody time.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: The Q&A and performance by Gurrumul. Would love to hear what he has to say about music.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Come to the WAM Presents WA at BIGSOUND partayy. In my completely biased opinion WA is showcasing some sweet talent.
VILLAINY
Name: Neill Fraser.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: We don't hear a lot of Aussie tunes down in NZ so I'll really keen just to soak up as many bands as I can over the days we're there.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Nick Cave followed closely by Amanda Palmer, complete luminaries both as artists and people.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: We'll be drinking where we're playing (Black Bear Lodge on the 11th, Tempo Hotel on the 12th).
JACKIE ONASSIS
Name: Raphael Dixon.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Spit Syndicate! And also Jeremy Neale AKA Jay Nizzle.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Does "Bloody Marys" count? Seriously though, we throw an event in Sydney so we'll be getting advice at "Festival (Hypotheticals)".
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Probably anywhere that there's someone playing! We plan on catching as much live music as possible - can't get enough!
TWIN BEASTS
Name: Dan Hawkins.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Adalita; loved her last album and looking forward to hearing some of her new tunes.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Nick Cave; I'm a fanboy.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Blackbear Lodge, that place has a nice vibe.
GAY PARIS
Gay Paris.
Name: WH Monks.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Born Lion - because I'm almost certain all of their songs are about how great Gay Paris is as a band/are as people. Also, they sound awesome.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: We're checking out Amanda Palmer and asking her to give us some money.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Alhambra lounge - buy us drinks. Give us money. If not, the sidewalk. Buy us drinks.
DARREN MIDDLETON
Name: Darren Middleton.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Davey Lane
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Publishing and Sync
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Many venues I'm afraid...The Zoo, Black Bear Lodge...your place?
THE GRISWOLDS
Name: Christopher Whitehall.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Thats a toughy, we're really keen to catch as many bands as possible, but I'm probs most keen to see Eagle and the Worm or Rainy Day Women .
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I reckon Chuggi would be interesting to see, he must know a shit load about the Australian music scene.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: We'll probably hang around and have a few bevvys at Alhambra or Ric's into the wee hours of the morning.
LIME CORDIALE
Name: Oliver Leimbach.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Probably King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard. I saw them in Sydney a few weeks ago but I was a little hammered. Maybe I won't be this time? But I remember it was good.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I'd like to hear Amanda Palmer talk. She has an amazing relationship with her fans and works with them.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: My birthday's on the Thursday. Side of the stage with a cake after our show is probably the best bet.
THE MIDDLE NAMES
Name: Ben Wells.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Bad//Dreems. Their EP Badlands is rad!!
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I need to see Nick Cave speak. I NEED TO!
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Regurgitator show, Rics Bar at 2 in the morning, Alhambra lounge at 8.20.
KINGSWOOD
Name: Fergus Linacre.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: The Love Junkies from Perth, great band. Also Jeremy Neale, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. And Thelma Plum to chill out. And heaps more. Not Kingswood they are not very good at music.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Nick Cave's key note speech is a must. We are all very much looking forward to being there for that.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Cocktails at Black Bear Lodge early in the night. Then who knows, Alhambra is a good place to end up.
ELIZABETH ROSE
Elizabeth Rose.
Name: Elizabeth Maniscalco.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Willow Beats!
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I'm interested in listening to John Watson speak and also the Q & A with Regurgitator!
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Well I'm still learning my way around the Valley...but my fave hangout is Flamingo on Winn Lane!
AERIALS
Name: Brendan Chu.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Calling All Cars. I'm a big fan of their previous albums and am really interested to see how their new material comes across in their live set.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I would probably have to say Designing For Music.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: In no particular order: The Hideaway, my garage or The Tempo Hotel on Thursday 12 September around 11.30pm *wink wink*.
BAD//DREEMS
Name: Alex Cameron.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Bed Wettin' Bad Boys, Bloods, Mining Boom, Robert Forster. I'm sure there are heaps of amazing bands performing but these are some of my faves.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Ummm...Media - How to Give a Good Interview
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Anywhere and everywhere I'd imagine.
LAKYN
Name: Lakyn Heperi.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: I'm looking forward to The Griswolds and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I'm not sure, I've read a lot about BIGSOUND but I don't know too much about all of these events.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Anywhere where thirst is easily quenched.
BORED NOTHING
Bored Nothing.
Name: Ferg Miller.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: We are pretty into the Surge EP by Cosmo's Midnight, so we are pretty pumped to see those kids kick out the jams. Also Billy Bragg obviously, because I have two ears and a heart.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Nick Cave, on what hair products he uses.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: We'll be chugging beers on Thursday at Oh Hello! and watching triple j Unearthed bands all night!
LITTLE BASTARD
Name: Captain James Took.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Gay Paris. We played with them in Melbourne at Cherry Rock. They go mental.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Gurrumul Yunupingu. So sick.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: 633 Ann St @ 9.30pm Wednesday 11th or seeing Gay Paris, Dune Rats, Bloods...etc.
CHANCE WATERS
Name: Luke Girgis.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: The Griswolds.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Exporting Artists.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Google 360 Presentation.
MT WARNING
Name: Mikey Bee.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Ah man, there are so many great friends and great bands playing!! For fear of being chased down the street and losing drinking partners, I'm declining to answer.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: It's a toss up between Billy Bragg and Nick Cave. Both massive inspirations.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Most places.
SURECUT KIDS
Name: Mike Perry.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Very excited to see Willow Beats. I love those guys, been meaning to catch a live show for a while now!
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: So many to choose from! I'm interested to hear what Nick Findlay from Triple J has to say.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: The Rev, on Thursday night. We're playing last so catch us for a drink before our set!
THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS
The John Steel Singers.
Name: Ross Chandler.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Songs! A lot of bands are new to me so I will attend their show on band name alone: Bed Wettin' Bad Boys, She Rex and The Lazys if I can be bothered.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I'd like to attend the Festival (Hypotheticals) Conference and dream big.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Black Bear Lodge or a restaurant in China Town.
FUN MACHINE
Name: Chris Endrey.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Only one? Mmmmmmm...Elizabeth Rose. No. Mustered Courage. Fuck. Can I swear here? Zeahorse. The Trouble With Templeton. Who wouldn't say Billy Bragg? Bloods.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Elliott Wheeler talking about doing the Gatsby soundtrack.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Out on the front steps, catching the morning sun. Or at The Zoo on Thursday night. We can dance.
THE SINKING TEETH
The Sinking Teeth.
Name: Nick Manuell.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Born Lion & Damn Terran. Born Lion should be the biggest punk band in Australia and Damn Terran kill it.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: I'm an avid fan of photography so I'm actually really keen to listen to Kane Hibberd's talk.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Rics Bar on Thursday night! Damn Terran house party on Wednesday arvo! Jim Laurie's show. We'll be around. I'll be wearing...
THE DEMON PARADE
Name: Michael Badger.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: I'm looking forward to seeing Davey Lane... I used to go and watch his band The Pictures when I was still in high school and apparently he's got the old Pictures' drummer on drums now!
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Nick Cave.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: We always stay at Bunk Backpackers in the Valley so we'll be loitering in the bar downstairs.
BORN LION
Name: Andrew Phipps.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Gay Paris. If you get a chance to see them, make sure you take an extra pair of underwear. You'll know what I mean...
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Billy Bragg. I would like to find out how I can maintain my quiff in my 50's.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Boost Juice - Fortitude Valley. I wanna get messed-up on wheatgrass shots.
EDEN MULLHOLLAND
Name: Eden Mulholland.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Mining Boom. There's something brilliant about these guys. I've only heard a couple of their songs but it reminds me of a trashier, Aussie version of The Strokes meets Springsteen.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Gotta be Billy Bragg's opening Keynote. Surely?!
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Black Bear Lodge on Wednesday at 5pm - NZ party! Then Thursday at Alhambra Lounge at 9pm.
SONGS
Songs.
Name: Ela Stiles.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Robert Forster & Billy Bragg.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Q & A with Billy Bragg.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Everywhere.
JESS RIBEIRO
Name: Jess Ribeiro.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Adalita.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: The free lunch in the green room.
Where can we catch you for a drink?: In the park.
THE LAZYS
Name: Leon Harrison.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Tumbleweed @ the Oztix party!! Gonna be awesome to see 'em back in action.
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Keen to see John Watson speak! Plenty to take in from a guy who's seen and done it all!
Where can we catch you for a drink?: Alhambra Lounge Wednesday 11th @ 8.20pm and the Oztix party on Bakery Lane Thursday 12th @ 5.20pm.
LANTERNS
Name: Ross James.
Which act are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND (outside of your own showcase)?: Tigertown, Willow Beats, Jackie Onassis, The Trouble With Templetown, Megan Washington, Thelma Plum, Ginger and The Ghost, Griswolds and Way of the Eagle (brass).
What's the one panel or conference you need to see?: Toooo many! But probably The DIY Life because I'm all about DIY. Would love to hear from Grimur Atlason too...
Where can we catch you for a drink?: I'll be at the Rev heaps, Oh Hello! and Alhambra.
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