BIGSOUND Unveils Massive 2023 Artist Showcase Lineup
More than 140 artists will descend upon Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley for the largest and most important music industry event in the Southern Hemisphere this September!
With over 1300 applicants from artists across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, BIGSOUND bookers have made the seemingly impossible task of whittling down the record-breaking list of requests to 141 of the most buzz-worthy acts currently generating huge amounts of hype around the country.
Bigsound Co-Programming Lead and Sunroom Co-Director Ruby-Jean McCabe says curating the showcasing lineup was no small feat, “Once again this year we had the unenviable task of reading, listening to and enjoying several thousand BIGSOUND applications from all over the country and world. While this is definitely our favourite time of the year, because we get to listen to so much amazing music, it can be our least favourite as well. As bookers we have to make the hard decision of whittling down these acts which felt like an impossible task given the talent in front of us!
“We feel this year’s lineup is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen showcase at BIGSOUND, which makes the task harder than ever before. The future of music in Australia is continuing on its upward trajectory and with this lineup, it’s obvious it will continue to do so.”
Now in its 22nd year, BIGSOUND has left no stone unturned in its quest to showcase the crème de la crème of emerging acts, with all states and territories represented, as well artists flocking in from regional areas, remote communities and across the pond.
In 2023, BIGSOUND will also place an even brighter spotlight on Australia’s First Nations talent, with showcases from 27 of the country’s best new artists, including - but not limited to - Melbourne/Naarm hip hop act Miss Kaninna, rising country act Loren Ryan, the smooth as butter sounds of Dean Brady, The Merindas, J-MILLA, CLOE TERARE, Tjaka, Kobie Dee and the most isolated heavy metal band in the world Southeast Desert Metal.
With previous iterations of BIGSOUND churning out countless success stories, including Sycco, dameeeela, Tasman Keith, Budjerah, Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, Ziggy Ramo, King Stingray, JK-47, Electric Fields, Alice Skye, Jem Cassar Daley, Dallas Woods, DOBBY as members of the alumni, the event will once again prove why it’s one of the most important launching pads for First Nations talent in Australia.
There’s also a huge array of artists to watch from some of the nations’ capital cities including Perth/Boorloo’s DICE and Siobhan Cotchin and Melbourne/Naarm’s, Moaning Lisa and The Slingers. From Sydney/Warrang comes Moss and Little Green.
BIGSOUND’s home of Brisbane/Meanjin will see Full Flower Moon Band, Zheani, FELIVAND and Baby Prince take to the stage while Adelaide/Tarndanya will showcase the likes of aleksiah, The Empty Threats and more, and from across the waters to New Zealand/Aotearoa will be Reb Fountain and SWIDT, as well as Casey Lowry and MF Tomlinson flying in from the UK.
In 2023 the lineup sees important representation across the board, with 27 percent of artists as LGBTQIA+ identifying, 18 percent First Nations, and 50 percent female or gender non-conforming.
With more than 300 artist showcases across 18 official BIGSOUND venues, BIGSOUND and QMusic CEO Kris Stewart says BIGSOUND will once again live up to its reputation as the most important music industry event in the southern hemisphere.
“At its core, BIGSOUND needs to work for artists. It’s a global music market and in 2023 we’ve gone far and wide to attract speakers and buyers from around the world to ensure international relationships are forged and deals are made.
“Our definitive goal is to create a rising tide for everyone. At the end of the week, we want everyone to leave with something - someone new they’ve met, a deal they’ve made or new insight to grow their careers. We remain proactive in finding new ways to do this and can’t wait for people to discover a whole stack of amazing artists from the showcase lineup.”
For almost a quarter of a century BIGSOUND has been dedicated to highlighting and nurturing the monumental talent embedded within Australia. Over 22 years, more than 1500 artists have showcased their music to more than 25,000 of the world’s most important and influential music industry figures, with artists like Tones & I, Flume, Tash Sultana, Courtney Barnett, Gang of Youths, HOLY HOLY, Rufus du Sol, DMA’s, A.B. Original, Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Northeast Party House and countless others using the event as an important springboard in their career.
EARLY BIRD MUSIC SHOWCASE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
A BIGSOUND Three Night Showcase Pass gives you access to all performances: 140+ artists, across 18 venues, with just one wristband.
BIGSOUND 3-NIGHT SHOWCASE TICKET
Early Bird: $89 +bf (on sale until 31 July, or until sold out / Full price $99 +bf)
BIGSOUND 1-NIGHT SHOWCASE TICKET
$49 +bf
BIGSOUND DELEGATE PASS
This is your ticket to access the full conference, three-nights of showcase events, industry events and workshops.
Early Bird: $579 / Members: $479 / Students: $379
