BIGSOUND returns for its 12th year in 2013 and tonight, they have revealed the first lot of artists and industry professionals set to perform and speak at the music conference in Brisbane later in the year. The September 11-13 event will be represented by some of the best in the international and local market, with the following artists set to perform, with more still to be announced:

Xavier Rudd
Washington
The John Steel Singers
Bleeding Knees Club
Stonefield

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2013 closes out Day 5 with another stellar lineup that includes Ben Howard, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Bonnie Raitt (pictured above), The Music Maker Blues Revue, Xavier Rudd, Paul Simon, The Lumineers, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and The Bamboos.

Following up on what was a huge opening night for Byron Bay’s Bluesfest, Day Two’s program offered another fantastic line-up. Jumping between a variety of folk, blues, rock and soul acts whilst trying to avoid the downpours of rain across the night, Thursday was certainly an eventful day for the festival. From quality local acts including the lovely Skipping Girl Vinegar to special international Bluesfest regulars such as Ben Harper, the program presented us with endless opportunities to enjoy a superb array of musicians.

In this Issue:Big Day Out have some exciting news, Kimbra sings alongside an Australian favourite (and no, it’s not Gotye), Fun announce sideshows and much more!

This year’s Pyramid Rock Festival on Phillip Island in Victoria will be remembered by me not only as a paddock full of beer cans and flocks of seagulls. It will instead be remembered as the New Years Eve that someone threw a basketball at Dominic Simper of Tame Impala’s face. But let’s go back to the beginning, a time of sobriety and a lot less violence.

The first local and New Zealand artist line up for the Byron Bluesfest has finally landed! Joining the already killer line up that features Jimmy Cliff, Ben Harper and Robert Plant are the following:

THE CAT EMPIRE

FAT FREDDY’S DROP

XAVIER RUDD

ROCKWIZ LIVE

THE BREAK
Feat. Members of Midnight Oil, Violent Femmes, Hunters & Collectors

BEASTS OF BOURBON

KARISE EDEN

THE BAMBOOS

The nominations for the 2012 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards have been announced, with Chet Faker leading the pack with five nominantions! The Jagermeister Independent Music Awards is returning for its seventh year in 2012, acknowledging Australia's brightest emerging artists alongside established and well-respected performers. Check out the full list of nominations below!

2012 JAGERMEISTER INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES

Xavier Rudd's spirit bird flew in to the Enmore Theatre this weekend to create an almost theatrical and thoroughly moving experience.

Pictured: Xavier Rudd.

Turning nine years old this year, the Pyramid Rock Festival is once again bringing a killer line up of bands and DJs to Philip Island to help you ring in the New Year! With a line up dominated by Australian talent, which is always great to see, Pyramid Rock is going to be a dream festival this year, with so many different sounds being set against the awesome back drop of the ocean.

The line up is as follows!

360
All The Colours
Anti-Flag
Blood Red Shoes

In this week's (embarrassingly late) State of Affairs, we look at many competitions that see you be showcased at either the Sydney Fringe Festival and over in Hollywood. We look at yet another streaming service for Australians and further lineup announcements for the industry party that is BIGSOUND.

Xavier Rudd has announced a mammoth Australian tour; his biggest yet! Spanning 28 various cities and regional centers, Rudd will be exciting audiences with songs from his new release Spirit Bird, released on the 8th of June.

Check out the tour dates below; tickets are available through Rudd's website.

Wednesday 22 August
Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns QLD

A bigger release this week with some big names in here including Xavier Rudd, Damien Leith, Nelly Furtado and Linkin Park. Also finally the release from indie duo Best Coast!