BIGSOUND, the largest music industry event in the Southern Hemisphere, is preparing for another incredible showcase and presentation for its 25th anniversary from 1-4 September. Running for four days and three nights in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, it creates a welcome space for connections and conversations between the artists and the business where many dreams are realised under sunshine and neon lights.
Drawing some of the biggest names in the game as well as emerging local talent, the legendary networking event is a must-do for anybody already inside or looking to enter the industry. Artists of all styles and stages in their careers will have the opportunity to perform before managers, agents and labels at a number of live venues across the city.
So, after 25 years of leading the charge for independent music discovery and professional development, what is BIGSOUND doing differently for its quarter-century milestone?
First of all is the introduction of the Ideas & Innovation Hub as a dedicated conference space, partnering with CAST (Centre for Arts, Sports and Technology) to program the Technology Stream – a discussion featuring guest speakers exploring the impact of technology on the music industry. Emmy Award-winning producer Lucas Cantor Santiago was recently announced as the first, who is the Founder and General Partner of Mindset Music Tech, with more to come.
The team is also partnering with AMPLIFY Music Education to program the Education Stream, which is the first of its kind at BIGSOUND. Involving music educators will demonstrate how innovation begins in the classroom and allow the Australian government to collaborate with industry professionals in developing better access to the sector.
Applications are now open for the Music Start Up Tech Showcase, which saw more than 50 startups from around the world apply last year. This provides a platform for companies and organisations that are supporting artists and venues to change how music is made, shared, and experienced. Startups have until 12pm AEST on 24 July to try for a live pitch and must have a CAST profile to apply.
It was announced this week that 2026’s Artists in Conversation will include Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Julia Jacklin, and trials, with a slew of international guests joining them. The BIGSOUND 100 will showcase a diverse mix of artists curated by programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne performing at 15 venues across the live music precinct from 1-4 September.
Just some of the names who will be taking to the stage with exciting new sets include NGAIIRE, Jem Cassar-Daley, Daily J, Sam Fischer, and Ladyhawke. On top of the already stacked lineup will be representatives from the likes of Bandcamp, Carpark Records, and DMT Law Firm for a wide range of important and interesting conversations.
The full BIGSOUND program will launch in July, with early bird festival tickets and delegate passes on sale now.
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