Top Five Reasons You Must Go To BIGSOUND

Industry types and BIGSOUND Live veterans already know how to squeeze the most out of the three-day event, but for the fresh-faced promoter or street-level punter, the experience can prove a little overwhelming. Don’t worry though – we’ve felt that before, so here are the top five reasons you’ve got to get your wristband on and get amongst the action.

With the ridiculous amount of live showcases being held under the BIGSOUND banner, you might feel the pinch after a few long nights of constant live shows. Do not listen to the pleas of your body or mind. Turn your partying levels up to 11 by heading off the map to one of the myriad unofficial parties that are held pre-, post- and during BIGSOUND.

There are events like Mucho Bravado’s The Night Before BIGSOUND (September 9, Black Bear Lodge ft Ayla, The Jensens (pictured), Little Odessa, Waax), that have become almost as expected as the conference itself. Other shindigs, meanwhile, such as Cool Party II (September 12, Alhambra Lounge ft Anthony ‘The Needle Drop’ Fantano, Oscar Key Sung, UV Boi) look to keep the fun time flag flying after the official program has finished.

If you can’t find some great music and a room full of revellers during and around BIGSOUND, then go home, you’re drunk. Actually, hang on, what are we saying? Stay out, stay out... You get it.

It’s easy to plan your adventure simply based on your preferred musical style, but we all know that’s not how you do BIGSOUND.

Seek out new genres – the band that will leave the strongest impression on you will almost always be the one that you least expect.

A fan of folk music? Have your face melted by A Million Dead Birds Laughing (pictured). Fancy your electronica? Strip it back with the raw sounds of Karl S. Williams. There is so much on that there’s practically no excuse to stay comfortable.

Treat BIGSOUND like a musical buffet – you wouldn’t go to Sizzler (probably at all, but for a second imagine you would) and just eat fruit all night, so don’t only flow on what you know.

And if you try something fresh and after a few songs you decide you don’t like it – guess what? There’s another 13 venues all within a short walk!

Although there’s always a welcomed international contingent to BIGSOUND each year, the biggest music conference in the Southern Hemisphere is more about showing off our fine domestic product. But for all the established names that litter the bill – familiar faces like Ash Grunwald, The Church, Seekae and Kingswood – it’s really about checking out the new crop.

This year the triple j Unearthed slots have been taken out by stylish pop foursome The Furrs and indie-punks Waax, but the new breed doesn’t just stop there.

You’ll be able to see why there’s so much fuss surrounding Sydney rock chavs DMA’s and songstress Thelma Plum (pictured), while the likes of Rolls Bayce, Avaberée and Lucianblomkamp will all be looking to get you on side.

Past BIGSOUND sets from Flume, Violent Soho and DZ Deathrays are already spoken about in revered tones. There’s only one way you’re going to get the jump on the next big thing.

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re at or how long you’ve been in the game – we’re all fanboys and girls at heart. This fact makes BIGSOUND even more exciting. Over the course of BIGSOUND Live’s two nights, at a pre- or after-party, or just moving through the Valley Entertainment Precinct, you are guaranteed to sidle up to a legit musician who makes legitimate music that you probably love, at least once.

Whether you want to play it all James Dean like they’re not even there, or send your smart phone operating system into a meltdown after you shoot 20 selfies in a minute, that’s entirely up to you. We’re merely telling you that if you go to BIGSOUND, you will see rock stars. And, if you’re not a complete Rick James super freak, you’ll probably be able to have a beer and a laugh with them too. (Pic: John Stubbs)

Perhaps the best thing about BIGSOUND though is the fact that you, smartly styled music lover, pretty much get free rein of Fortitude Valley without having to deal with the donks and dolls that clog up the mall on the weekend.

Now, don’t take this the wrong way – we’re definitely not telling you to run naked through the streets, swing from light poles or Schumacher cars with champagne – if you do any of those things you will still find yourself in lockup. Instead, savour a couple of nights where you can explore and experience the best of what the Valley has to offer, surrounded by like-minded folk who enjoy quality live music just as much as you.

For more BIGSOUND news and information, check our dedicated event page.