2016 will mark the 15th anniversary of BIGSOUND: the southern hemisphere’s biggest new music festival and music industry conference.
With industry names like Courtney Barnett, Flume, Rufus, Seth Sentry, Kingswood, The Temper Trap, Megan Washington, DZ Deathrays, Ball Park Music and many, many more having launched their careers at BIGSOUND, the event returns to Brisbane on 7-9 September.
From its humble beginnings as a gathering in a Brisbane pub, BIGSOUND’s three giant days and nights will this year deliver 150 bands across 15 Fortitude Valley venues. It's a time for music discovery, community, cutting edge discussion, welcoming the public to party alongside the global music industry, and for the next batch of artists to launch their careers.
Ella Thompson performing at BIGSOUND 2015“We are excited about where music is in general right now and feel privileged to curate a tasteful line-up of the most respected and burgeoning artists from a wide range of genres and formats, as well as a conference that meaningfully explores what the industry currently faces,” says new co-programmer Maggie Collins, who has joined outgoing programmer Nick O’Byrne in the creation of a provocative and joyful BIGSOUND 2016.
“Just as important is the sense of fun and celebration that comes with BIGSOUND. It's the best party of the year, and we want to create life-highlights for everyone involved that can only be topped by coming back the next year.”
A limited number of specially discounted early bird tickets are now available, as is access to the artist registration process. So begins a journey for the thousands of Australian bands vying for the rare chance to showcase their wares in front of an international music industry audience.
“2016 is a turning point in BIGSOUND’s history,” QMusic Executive Officer Joel Edmondson says. “Although we’re focused on adding new dimensions to the BIGSOUND experience, it’s also important that we look back on our roots and celebrate just how far we’ve come.
“The BIGSOUND alumni list is a who’s who of Australian music. That BIGSOUND is a place where a public audience can share in the birth of those careers is something truly unique and special. The relationships that are formed during BIGSOUND just couldn’t happen anywhere else in the country.”
