Artist applications open for BIGSOUND

BIGSOUND - the southern hemisphere’s biggest new music festival and music industry conference - has fired the starting gun for its 15^th Anniversary year. BIGSOUND 2016 will take place September 7 - 9.  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.

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 fifteen Fortitude Valley venues. As we light the candles on the cake, we salute fifteen years of music discovery, fifteen years of community, fifteen years of cutting edge discussion, fifteen years of welcoming the public to party alongside the global music industry, and fifteen years of artists that have used the event to launch their careers: Courtney Barnett, Flume, Rufus, Seth Sentry, Gang of Youths, DMA’s, Kingswood, The Temper Trap, Megan Washington, DZ Deathrays,Ball Park Music, San Cisco, Boy & Bear, Kimbra, The Jezabels, The Naked & Famous, Bertie Blackman, Methyl Ethel and many more. 

“2016 is a turning point in BIGSOUND’s history. 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,” said QMusic Executive Officer Joel Edmondson. “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.”

With a program of surprises already on the drawing board, new co-programmer Maggie Collins has joined outgoing programmer Nick O’Byrne in the creation of a provocative and joyful BIGSOUND 2016.

“I feel quite privileged to be working alongside Nick in such an auspicious year for BIGSOUND. It truly is the only event of its kind in Australia where you can have the small venue intimate musical experience while still being part of a huge festival,” said Maggie. “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. 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.”

BIGSOUND tickets are now on sale with early bird conference tickets from just $350.

Artist applications are open now with artists and managers encouraged to visit www.bigsound.org.au to nominate.