The Australian Music scene is continuously receiving blow after blow and now, COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of BIGSOUND, the Southern Hemisphere's biggest music industry gathering.
Melbourne’s snap lockdown, the extension of Greater Sydney’s lockdown, the growing COVID outbreaks, and increasing restrictions that are in effect across Australia have made it painfully clear the much-loved conference and new music festival cannot responsibly take to the stage.
“Without our music mates in New South Wales and Victoria and no certain timeline as to when domestic borders will remain open, BIGSOUND 2021 wouldn’t be able to deliver on its promise to reunite the music community for three extraordinary days of connection, conversation, and music discovery,” said QMusic CEO, Kris Stewart.
“As 2021 marks BIGSOUND’s 20th anniversary, we are committed to coming through the unpredictable and relentless nature of COVID to celebrate this significant milestone with something special later this year, so watch this space for more to be revealed in the coming months.”
Despite the bad news, Little BLAKSOUND, a 100% First Nations youth music conference will still proceed on the 6th of September. the program will showcase Blak excellence and provide a much-needed space for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and arts leaders.
Image via Loose Tooth
Words by PARRY TRITSINIOTIS
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