Out of all showcase events and music industry gatherings worldwide, I reckon three are especially worth your while.
In Europe, the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg always has my attention. States-side, Austin’s SXSW doesn’t need any introduction. And when it comes to Asia Pacific, it’s definitely BIGSOUND in Brisbane.
That last one is kicking off in less than a week with a programme that speaks volumes about the thriving local music scene. So here are my picks for the sessions and gigs to check out.
PART 195 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
Time flies.
The first time I posted about BIGSOUND on this blog was in 2020. Due to the “extenuating circumstances” we all experienced that year, connecting online was the only way to participate in the event.
In 2021, and still in the virtual world, Aboriginal music and artists were given the spotlight. So I reported on BLAKSOUND – the 100% First Nations youth-led gathering that replaced BIGSOUND that year.
Since then, Australia’s biggest music conference and showcase reverted to its original face-to-face modus operandi. Rightfully so because the music business is very much a people’s business. You can get heaps done by shaking the right person’s hand IRL.
Source: BIGSOUND FB
Sadly, I haven’t been able to return to the Land Down Under in the last few years. I have to rely on the programming to tell me what’s currently hot in the Aussie music scene instead.
So I’ve taken the liberty to pick five conference events and five artists showcasing in Fortitude Valley that I’d definitely put into my delegate agenda if I attended BIGSOUND 2024.
THE FESTIVAL SIDE
Just to give you a bit of context. The festival/conference is organised over 4 days in the first week of September, two of which are really full-on. The 2024 edition will see 120 artists performing in 18 venues. So, if you want to get a hang of the Aussie scene, this is IT.
Historically speaking, several acts that appeared at BIGSOUND events at some stage in their careers have later become successful locally and internationally.
The Temper Trap was showcased in Brisbane in 2008. A year later, “Sweet Disposition” took the world by storm. Flume had to wait a little longer after his BIGSOUND performance in 2012. “Never Be Like You” reigned on Aussie playlists four years later, but look where he is now. In 2015, Tash Sultana played one of the Fortitude Valley stages. And who could have known that – six months later – she’d drop the groundbreaking recording of “Jungle” from her bedroom, and nothing would be the same ever again.
But enough of the history.
The 2024 line-up was crazy good, so it took me forever to narrow the list down to five acts only. Interestingly, the names of my “ones to watch” landed on my music radar before the conference announced them as showcase acts this year. And that tells me it’s a good time to start following their careers a bit more closely.
A country artist from Mackay, OLD
This year I’ve been posting about country music heaps on my channels. And for a good reason – this underestimated (in my view) music genre is reclaiming its place in the music business and (re)conquering fans’ hearts worldwide. Do I need to mention that influential artists like Beyoncé and – most recently – Post Malone – have been dropping records heavily influenced by the country aesthetic?
Coincidentally, there’ll also be a panel at BIGSOUND entitled: BOTH KINDS OF MUSIC: WHY COUNTRY IS THE BIGGEST GENRE RIGHT NOW. And that should really be enough to justify including Bella Mackenzie on this list.
She’s still very young (19!). But she’s also very talented and has already dropped five well-received singles since streaming platforms heard from her for the first time in 2021. So sign me up to your press list, Bella. I want to be the first one to know when you’re headlining the Tamworth Festival.
Metal reps from Wollongong, NSW
Another sound that’s made an unexpected but welcome comeback in the last few years belongs to the heavy music department. And in my humble view, Australia is still slightly behind in giving it the attention it deserves. I know for a fact that scores of metalcore and hard rock outfits from Oz rely on their American and European fandom instead.
I reckon this year is a wake-up call for Aussie fans and the local music industry. I’m sure the RAGE AGAINST THE MARKETING MACHINE: SELLING ROCK; PUNK & METAL IN THE 2020S panel at BIGSOUND will focus on that as well. And I’m stoked to see bands like FLOW KOBRA emerge to prove my point.
Not only are they bringing the “sexy” back to the heavier scene by throwing trap, hip-hop and punk into their original mix, but their sound also acknowledges the genre greats and its innovators. They mention Spiritbox, Incubus, and Limp Bizkit and – closer to home – Alpha Wolf, Ocean Grove, and Thornhill among their influences. So I’m definitely a fan!
Electronic music spinners from Sydney, NSW
The last few years have been a bit unusual when it comes to my music choices – I’ve been really getting into electronic, dance and techno vibes. Australia surely has an array of incredible DJs and producers who’ve been gracing the stages at festivals around the world, so I’ve been giving this scene considerable attention.
But nothing could have prepared me for Hellcat Speedracer when I heard one of their songs on a playlist a few weeks ago. I mean, let’s start with their band name. That could totally be my rave moniker. And have you heard their banger “Daybreak” with DZ Deathrays? If not, turn up the volume because that tune slaaaaaaaays!
So I’m devo I can’t be at BIGSOUND 2024 – I’m sure Hellcat Speedracer is going to put on a hell of a party. Please send footage if you make it to the duo’s showcase.
An R&B/soul singer from Coorparoo, QLD
I discovered Miiesha in the first lockdown when I had more than enough time on my hands to search for new music.
And it seemed that those were good times for the First Nations artist. Like, she released heaps of music between 2020 and 2022. She won an ARIA in 2020 for Best Soul/R&B Release for her album Nyaaringu. She also did a cool rendition of Beyoncé’s “Freedom” for Like A Version. And then, she disappeared.
Until now, that is. And because I believe every artist needs time to re-evaluate their career, regroup and reset, I’m sure Miiesha is gearing up to return with a bang. I can’t wait to hear new music when she’s ready to drop it.
A rapper from Melbourne, VIC
You need some street cred to break through as a hip-hop artist in Australia. But if you incorporate a funky vibe, pop beats, the R&B aesthetic and even some jazz in your style (think Anderson. Paak or Mac Miller), that can totally help you stand out from the crowd of rap hopefuls.
So, everyone – meet Squid The Kid, who’s been making music since at least 2019. His career highlights so far include a showcase at the inaugural SXSW in Sydney last year and supporting The Jungle Giants in 2024.
And if his music adventure to date and catchy rhymes are anything to go by, this showcase might finally launch his Australian hip-hop gig for good. Keeping my fingers crossed!
THE CONFERENCE SIDE
If you think the BIGSOUND line-up is awesome, wait to see their conference programming.
The organisers started dropping the first round of (huuuuuuge) speaker names in May. Suffice it to say it included Elijah – an artist, writer and thought leader who specialises in Black British culture. That would have already convinced me to jet off to Brisbane if I were on that side of the world.
But it got even better from that point on. It turns out Tones And I is going to deliver a keynote as well, for example. She already spoke at the virtual BIGSOUND 2020. But since then, her career has reached a completely new level, so I’m sure she has some thoughts on that.
Again, it was a challenge to shortlist five sessions from BIGSOUND’s generous offering, addressing many aspects of the music business. So I went with the topics I’m currently invested in, too.
WHO GIVES A F*CK ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC?
Wednesday, 4th September – panel
Well, for starters: I do. I give a f*ck about it. After all, my channels’ humble mission is to give the music from the Land Down Under the recognition it deserves overseas. So this session seems to be tailor-made for me.
The panellists are a diverse group of Aussie music industry heavyweights: from economists to music managers and artist marketing strategists. I’ll just mention Jaddan Comerford – UNIFIED Music Group’s CEO (and privately, my industry role model) and Jess Keeley, who’s worked with Shania Twain, Lykke Li and Arcade Fire.
The discussion will focus on finding the answer to questions that have been bugging me for a while as well: “What [is the local market] missing? Is this just a season [of decline] or do we protect the future of [Aussie] artists?” If the speakers find a solution, please share it with me.
AMY TAYLOR: U SHOULD NOT BE DOING THAT
Wednesday, 4th September – keynote
In case you still don’t know, Amy Taylor is the charismatic singer of the pub punk band from Melbourne, Amyl and The Sniffers. I’ve covered them numerous times on this blog because of their music and because Amy is one of the most authentic and colourful personalities the Aussie industry has “produced” in the last decade. Dave Grohl seems to agree with me on that last point.
I saw the band live last year in Edinburgh. And I can confidently say Amy is not only a great performer. She’s got strong opinions on a few topics related to the band’s activities and what’s going on in Australia and the world.
I’m sure she’s got tons of stories of encounters with other music celebs after performing at the iconic Glastonbury or Roskilde festivals in Europe, for example. So if I were you, I’d defo put that keynote in my calendar.
AUM PRESENTS INCUBATED
Wednesday, 4th September – partner showcase
I have a personal connection to this one, so I’m absolutely gutted I won’t be able to witness it.
This awesome showcase is put on by AUM MGMT + PR, whose founder, Chryss Carr, was a guest on my podcast last year. We spoke about First Nations music precisely, and she introduced me to some artists who’ll perform in Brisbane.
Chryss has also recently been interviewed by Poppy Reid from The Music Network on Elevating First Nations Voices at BIGSOUND. Because, apart from this session, two rappers from Darwin she manages, brothers J-MILLA and Yung Milla, will appear together for ‘Same Blood’ – “the hip hop party of 2024.”
ARIA STATE OF PLAY ADDRESS
Thursday, 5th September – keynote
If you’re into numbers in the music industry, this session is for you. And if there’s an Australian music organisation that has access to valuable insights, like chart stats, it’s ARIA.
The CEO, Annabelle Herd, will deliver this keynote that might shed some light on other topics discussed throughout the conference, related to the position of the Aussie scene in the global music industry game.
Very likely, this speech is going to be an eye-opener, requiring focus and attention. So I just have one complaint, dear organisers. Why would you schedule it at this ungodly hour??? Music industry people are not necessarily famous for being early birds 😉
NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET – GREEN MUSIC AUSTRALIA MEET-UP
Thursday, 5th September – meet-up
‘No Music On A Dead Planet’ is a campaign started by Music Declares Emergency – a UK-based charity that brings together musicians and music lovers willing to take action on climate. They have branches in various countries worldwide. Green Music Australia is the body that reps the Land Down Under.
The idea for this session is simple: “If you are an artist or music industry professional with an interest in supporting advocacy for climate, come and meet your Australian and international industry peers in this informal and friendly mixer.” I doubt there are many people from the business who can consciously say “no” to this invite. So I’d expect quite a turnout.
Green Music Australia also has more informative sessions planned in Brisbane. And you should definitely check out the projects they run for the Aussie music industry, like ‘Sound Country’ that I’ve covered on this blog.
BIGSOUND 2024 is taking place between 3-6 September in Fortitude Valley. If any of you, readers, make it there, hit me up on socials to tell me about your takeaways.
Find out about more Australian music industry events:
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