Excitement fills the air as BIGSOUND takes over Brisbane's Fortitude Valley for another year, showcasing the best and brightest upcoming artists at the largest industry event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Incredible performances await at every turn, with a lively audience passionate about the future of Australian music. BIGSOUND has firmly established itself as an event to remember, standing as a pillar of the Australian music scene and a major highlight of the year.
The Tullamarines kicked off night one (2 September) with a bang at The Alligator Club, and the personable, energetic indie-pop band showed exactly why they are so loved, with a set characterised by catchy guitar riffs, smooth harmonies, and three-part vocals.
Joking with the audience from the start, the small venue quickly filled with people waving their hands in the air as they played a mix of older tracks and new songs from their upcoming EP, 'Safety Blanket'.
A key aspect of their performance was the connection they shared – both with the audience and with each other. The band works effortlessly together to deliver a high-energy set of genuine, sun-kissed indie rock that strikes a deep chord with the crowd.
The joy and energy exchanged between the band and the audience was unmistakable. From the very first song, the packed room was fully immersed in the set, waving their hands along to the beat and jumping up and down to 'Idiot', after the band jokingly announced they'd quit music forever if the crowd failed to dance along.
There's A Tuesday - image © KealiJoan Studios
Outside at the Brunswick Street Mall Stage, There's A Tuesday captivated the crowd with their dreamy indie rock from Aotearoa. Under the bright night sky, the floating, earnest harmonies of dual front women Nat Hutton and Minnie Robberds wove a magical and intricate feeling through the audience.
'Girl At Night' was a standout moment of the set. The heartfelt song explores the female experience, and the crowd was silent as the emotional lyrics and the quiet strength with which they were delivered washed over us.
Throughout their set, a discernible push and pull was evident as they balanced energy with intimacy. The band supported each other as they played, creating powerful full-band moments while also allowing individual members to shine, drawing the crowd in with this intimacy.
An onstage sign language interpreter enhanced the emotional experience by delivering an outstanding performance and reinforcing the message that music is for everyone.
Sunsick Daisy - image © Bill Prendergast
Back at The Alligator Club, Adelaide-based indie rock band Sunsick Daisy took the stage to a packed crowd. Their sound features dreamy vocals and gritty guitars that blend into a distinct, emotional mix.
The set subtly shifted between shoegaze influences and more traditional indie rock, incorporating textured instrumental sections and explosive drumming. Despite some sound issues, the band delivered a stellar performance, solidifying their reputation as one to watch.
Inside Eclipse, Western Sydney songstress Ama captivated a passionate crowd with her beautiful voice and relatable lyricism. Her latest EP received a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
The EP's title track, 'Julie's House', was the highlight of the set, with everyone either singing along or recording it to relive it repeatedly. It's a beautiful song about a long-distance relationship and the what-ifs of building a life together.
Ama's flawless vocals were supported by a subtly powerful drum performance and emotive guitar melodies, building to a breathtaking emotional climax. Her set felt as intimate as reading someone's diary and as personal as having a debrief with your best friend.
The lyrics are vulnerable, relatable, and have already touched the hearts of many in the crowd. Her energy was absolutely delightful. The joy and passion she radiates when performing shone through, making this a standout performance of the night.
Charlie Needs Braces - image © Bill Prendergast
At The Goolwal Garden, Guringai sisters Charlie and Miri mesmerised as Charlie Needs Braces, delivering a dazzling, live-looping set with an eclectic mix of brass instruments, sound boards, and atmospheric animal calls, fully immersing the audience in their world and storytelling.
Their songs are politically relevant and wholeheartedly authentic, covering everything from powerful messages about land back in 'This Land' to the joy of seeing native species returning to a garden in the blissfully extravagant 'Wompoo'.
The joy and immersion experienced by the crowd were tangible, solidifying Charlie Needs Braces as another standout at BIGSOUND.
Over at Ric's Backyard, Lucky delivered a powerful mix of '90s grunge and alternative rock, delighting the large outdoor crowd. The energetic set made the most of their 30 minutes, and I was truly impressed by how smoothly the band collaborated and communicated onstage.
Lucky's debut release 'Never Know' came out less than a year ago, but judging by the crowd she attracted and the songs she performed, she's destined to become a huge star of the alt-rock scene.
Alongside her band, she exudes effortless cool, singing with a husky, velvety voice that contrasts beautifully with the gritty guitars and punchy drums. Inside Enigma, we switched up the vibe with a multi-layered DJ mix from rising producer 1NN3R53LF to cap off an incredible night of music.
In a dim club, swirling with immersive lights and pulsing visuals, he commanded the crowd from high up in the DJ booth and delivered a bass-heavy set that had everyone dancing from the start, ending the night on a perfect note.
BIGSOUND night one delivered an absolutely incredible mix of artists, stories, and genres to the stage, and once again, I was blown away by the depth, passion, and variety of talent within the Australian music scene.
I'm already eagerly looking forward to night two, when I'll hit the Valley once more and do it all again.
More photos from night one.
