This year's BIGSOUND is already levelling up with the first round of international speakers featuring some of the music industry's biggest hitters.
The place to host those big conversations while having your mind expanded with new artist discoveries, BIGSOUND is the Southern Hemisphere's biggest celebration of emerging music.2023 will welcome Co-President of JAY-Z's ROC Nation Omar Grant (who was the A&R behind Rhianna's globally acclaimed album 'ANTI'), alongside A&R Coordinator for Interscope, Geffen and A&M Records Michele Ronzon and Australian-born London-based VP of Music Intelligence at Soundcloud Hazel Savage.
"Australia is at an exciting place right now musically and I can't wait to head down under to discover some great new artists," Grant says.
"Some of the most innovative artistry in the world comes from Australia and in an industry that's often so caught up online these days, getting in a room with passionate music people and discovering real talent performing live is a true privilege."
Other confirmed attendees at BIGSOUND 2023 are Flighthouse CEO Ash Stahl (one of the biggest TikTok agencies in the world) and royalties technology expert and co-founder of The Orchard, JKBX’s Scott Cohen.
BIGSOUND will also host a number of key decision makers in US film and television sync: Andy Kalyvas (Netflix), Vanessa Palmer (Paramount Television Studios), and Cabrea Casey (Downtown Music Publishing).
"BIGSOUND is known around the world's music industry as being the place where business is done in Australia," Hazel Savage says. "When I started my career in Australia, BIGSOUND was the place I came to learn, then before heading overseas I was lucky enough to be a speaker in 2013.
"Fast forward a decade and while I've certainly grown and BIGSOUND has too, it's exciting to come home to an event so warmly held in everyone’s hearts."
The initial announcement is just the first in what is expected to be over 100 international and national buyers, agents, music supervisors, bookers and industry decision makers.
"We approached this year's BIGSOUND with a singular vision: deals mean meals," programmer Tom Larkin says.
"Every person we are bringing to Australia can further an artist's career immeasurably. Whether that's formalising a global partnership or simply giving them a piece of advice that could transform their ability to create a sustainable career. BIGSOUND's focus is to provide real results for Australian artists."
After the recent injection of a $3.8 million funding uplift from the Palaszczuk Queensland Government, BIGSOUND have announced the Artist Support Package, which allows showcasing acts to apply for funds to assist with transportation and accommodation costs to attend.
An additional pool of $30,000 will be accessible via application by First Nations-identified artists, artists living with disability and artists from regional and remote areas for travel to showcase at the international event.
Artist applications are been extended until 2 May. Early Bird delegate passes on sale from 6am Wednesday 26 April. More information.
BIGSOUND 2023 takes place in Fortitude Valley (Brisbane) 5-8 September.
BIGSOUND 2023 Speakers
Andy Kalyvas (Netflix)Ash Stahl (Flighthouse)
Cabrea Casey (Downtown Music)
Hazel Savage (Soundcloud)
Michele Ronzon (Interscope)
Omar Grant (ROC Nation)
Scott Cohen (JKBX)
Vanessa Palmer (Paramount)
Plus much more
