BIGSOUND drops full program, adds 90 more speakers, lifts lid on showcases and after-parties

In the run-up to its opening on September 5, BIGSOUND has dropped its full program and announced 90 more speakers.

The conference program covers an array of topics including race, culture, gender, identity and mental health, export, technology, touring, release strategies, Australian content and crisis management.

Panels will look at how to export to Asia, how Brexit could affect exporting to the UK, getting compositions into film, TV and theatre, and why A1 is getting the industry excited.

Among the latest speakers are rapper 360, Brett Cottle (APRA AMCOS), Monique Bour (MTV Australia), Chris Scaddan (ABC Radio), Michelle Johnson (Super Music Vision US), Dave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus/journalist), Brian Turner (WFMU US) and singer-songwriter Bec Sandridge.

There are also keynotes and advice from Tina Arena, Archie Roach, UK-based veteran entrepreneur Simon Napier-Bell, American film and TV music supervisor Mary Ramos and UK-based Worldwide Independent Network’s CEO Alison Wenham.

Latest additions to the 152 showcases in 18 venues over four nights are Oh Mercy, Abbe May and Sløtface. 

A new announcement from BIGSOUND revealed the music tech businesses who will be attending to show off their technical innovations and receive mentoring from tech and music influencers. 

This year the event welcomes SamplerBox, LoveBusk, OpenLIVE, Muzeroom, Audeara, Prysim, VibeWire, Mish Guru, Maven Music and Royalty Tracks. 

Additions to the list of visual artists who will be adding their touches through the Fortitude Valley precinct are Catriona Drummond, Alinta, Helena Papageorgiou, Ward Squires, Phoebe Paradise, Blair Foley, Niqui Toldi and Sam McKenzie. 

Tuesday brings the Women in Music afternoon and Social State Welcome Party.

Wednesday serves up lunchtime parties from CAAMA Music and Music Tasmania; the afternoon progresses with Cattleyard, Hub Digital Distribution’s launch, Levi’s Music Prize launch party and Red Bull Sound Select.

Thursday begins with Bacon and Bangers at Music Industry College for breakfast then BEMAC, Gold Coast Showcase, Parlour, Made in Adelaide, Sounds From Chile, the Oztix BIGSOUND party, the Home Indigenous showcase and Brisbane City Council QUBE Effect showcase. 

The Secret Sounds/TheMusic afterparty kicks off after midnight on Thursday. 

Friday delivers the official Mountain Goat Beer closing party with another huge lineup of live music to wrap up.

Full details at https://www.bigsound.org.au.