Think BIGSOUND 2017 Can't Get Any Better? Wait 'Til You See The Second Speaker Line-up

If you thought names like Tina Arena, Archie Roach and multi award-nominated music supervisor Mary Ramos joining BIGSOUND 2017 was as big as it gets, wait until you see the utterly-epic second speaker line-up. 

The annual Brisbane-based conference has locked in two massive keynote speakers in Kenny Gates and Sadie Dupuis. 

Gates is the co-founder of one of the world's biggest indie labels, [PIAS], founded in 1983 in Belgium, which currently reps the likes of Pixies, Enter Shikari, Lord Huron, Ghostpoet, Roisin Murphy and Songhoy Blues.

Meanwhile, Dupuis is best known as the vocalist of US buzz band, Speedy Ortiz. The band have released three studio albums since their formation in 2011, which originally started as a solo project for the multi-instrumentalist and poet. 

As always, BIGSOUND have doubled down with industry names, today announcing over 40 new additions to the line-up, including Pitchfork writer Jillian Mapes, UK Vevo talent manager Carl Young, ARIA CEO Dan Rosen, C3 Management's Joe Greenwald, US booking powerhouse Paradigm Talent Agency's Jackie Nalpant and Marshall Betts and US label Captured Tracks' A&R, Mike Sniper.

But that's not all. BIGSOUND 2017 will also be graced with the presence of UK author and ex-manager of acts like Wham! and Marc Bolan, Simon Napier-Bell, Head of Entertainment at Twitter, Jennie Sager, Singapore's Slate Entertainment founder and CEO, Keith Tan, Director of Media Licensing at APRA AMCOS, David Sheils and Triple M and TV personality, Jane Gazzo.

Not only has BIGSOUND set the benchmark for speakers and music this year, but the 2017 event will also introduce the Music Tech Showcase, giving the opportunity for ten tech innovators to present their work at the event. 

Selected applicants will participate in a day-long workshop alongside some key industry leaders and start-up mentors to pitch and get feedback on their innovation and prepare to showcase their product at a special event on Wednesday, 6 September.

Mentors for the program include Mentors for the program include Joel Connolly (Blackbird Ventures), Colin Kinner (Startup Onramp), Murray Galbraith (Myriad), Shelli Trung (QUT Creative Enterprise), Peta Ellis (River City Labs) and Tom Larkin (SIGNAL Artist Development Accelerator, VVV MGT and artist).

Entries for the Music Tech Showcase are open now on the BIGSOUND website and close on 15 July. 

Meanwhile, BIGSOUND partner Virgin Australia is giving two punters the journey of the year, with the offer of two return economy class airfares to Coachella, Auckland City Limits or FYF Fest. All you have to do to be in the running is book your flight to the festival via the BIGSOUND website.

And finally, if you're after the ultimate BIGSOUND experience this year, special rate prices for the Purple passes are available now until 31 July, which give access to all festival venues and conference events, closing night party and all official parties.

Passes have sold out in advance every year since 2010 so head to the BIGSOUND website to register now so you don't miss out!

The 16th BIGSOUND Festival returns to Brisbane's Fortitude Valley precinct from 5-8 September; see the website for more information.