BIGSOUND 2026 Reveals New Industry Guests & Extra Artist Support
New speakers include Maggie Collins, Nicholas Di Lorenzo, David Cook, Lucy Buckeridge and more.
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This year marks the 25th anniversary of BIGSOUND, with the stacked program reflecting the current Australian live music space.
Taking over Fortitude Valley in Magandjin/Brisbane from Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 September, this year’s program, which was meticulously built by programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne, features a huge list of national and international speakers and performers
Highlights of this year’s BIGSOUND 100 showcase include Ngaiire, Jem Cassar-Daley, Daily J, Sam Fischer, Ladyhawke, Jack Botts, Any Young Mechanic, Public Figures, Akosia, Zach Stephenson, Lara Buchanan and many more.
On the speaker front, the likes of Partisan Records Head of A&R Chris Fraser, Mom+Pop Music Co-Owner Thaddeus Rudd, Pitchfork Associate Staff Writer Nina Corcoran and Bonnaroo Music Executive and Talent Buyer Bryan Benson will be joined by Maggie Collins, Nicholas Di Lorenzo, David Cook, Lucy Buckeridge and more.
This year’s series of conferences are built around the theme Creatives in Conversation, while Goolwal Goolwal returns with a fresh spot, the same songlines, and big conversations throughout the conference, with 12 of the deadliest First Nations-led acts showcasing as part of the BIGSOUND 100.
Interim CEO of QMusic, Kristy Ellis, said BIGSOUND's 25th anniversary program reflects the event’s continued evolution as both a launchpad for artists and a driving force for the Australian music industry.
“For 25 years, BIGSOUND has helped accelerate careers, create opportunities, and shape the future of Australian music. This year’s BIGSOUND is about celebrating that legacy while continuing to invest in what’s next.
“We’re showcasing the next generation of artists, providing more support than ever before, continuing the important work of the Goolwal Goolwal program to elevate First Nations voices, and creating new opportunities for meaningful industry connections. Whether you’re an artist, industry professional or music fan, BIGSOUND 2026 offers an experience unlike anything else in Australia, and we’re excited to have a few special surprises in store as part of the celebrations.”
READ MORE: Froth & Fury Fest Confirms 2027 Adelaide Return But Pulls Out of Perth
For the first time in BIGSOUND history, QMusic are offering additional support to showcase artists, with the artist support package consisting of three key elements:
Travel contribution available to all acts performing at BIGSOUND
A new QR code payment system that lets patrons directly support the artists they enjoy
Additional free conference delegate pass and increased access to conference sessions.
“These initiatives are a step in the right direction and recognise the commitment across our industry to supporting Australian and New Zealand artists,” said Ellis. “We’re proud to be providing more support to showcasing artists than ever before, and we’ll be sharing the details with all 100 acts from today.
“The additional travel funds available this year were made possible by the ongoing foundation support from our government partners and generous philanthropic support of the Harding Foundation, Hutchinsons Builders, the Apostolos Family, and the Shepherd Foundation. Our valued partner Oztix has also funded the new ‘Stage Drive’ initiative, allowing audiences to directly donate to their favourite showcase artists.”
BIGSOUND is held at Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley precinct and runs from Tuesday 1 September to Friday 4 September. Ticketing and lineup information available at bigsound.org.au.
BIGSOUND 2026
BIGSOUND 2026 | 1 - 4 September Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD
New Industry Guest
Dan Woolston, Tom Brain, Sean Walker, Ngaire (Ngaiire) Joseph, Nathan Birdz, SAM Fischer, Marcelo Godoy, Carol Gesser, Edvard Hakansson, Angela Pulvirenti, Nicholas Di Lorenzo, Pa777ience, Joseph Clarke, David Cook, Victoria Kozbanis, Ari Pascual, Kaleena Smith, Eli WAN, Jordan Royal, Emma Bosworth, Dina Bassile, Natasha Pinto, Marcus Walkom, Maggie Collins, Jade Nazareth, Lorrae McKenna, Ali Tomoana, Briony Kent, Chris Brearley, Lucy Blomkamp, Becki Whitton, Tasman Keith, Kobie Dee, Pia Del Mastro, Roydon Bangera, Rafael Pereira, Tara Kumar, Marie Robinson, Lucy Buckeridge
Bigsound 100
(Alphabetical Order)
AKOSIA
Ally Row
And Beyond
Any Young Mechanic
BALA RONTU
belac
Betty
Birdland
blinder
blue diner.
Blush'ko and The Lazy Boys
CATPISS
Clancy
Daily J
DC Maxwell
DeepFaith
Denvah
Deva Mahal
Divers
Djawarray and Mayi Wunba Dancers
dœgægé
DRIZZZ
Dumbhead
Dugong Jr
eli wan
Erika Ever
Fletcher Kent
Gloam
Grace Chia
Greatsouth
HARLEY GIRL
Hayley Jensen
Indigo Blaze
Jaal
Jack Botts
JALMAR
Jem Cassar-Daley
Jett Blyton
JIMI THE KWEEN
JJ Vacant
Kaikobad
Kidskin
Kiz
koady
Kyla Belle
L.O.W
Ladyhawke
LamBros.
Lara Buchanan
Late June
Lazy Haze
Lightyears
LIQUID ZOO
Local the Neighbour
Loosie Grind
Lover
Maybe Hugo
Mertas
Milly Strange
Mim Jensen
MOKOMOKAI
Ngaiire
nightdive
PA777IENCE
PASH
Peach Fuzz
Piper Butcher
Polly
PRETTY BLEAK
Public Figures
Queenie
Ricky Neil Jr.
Rromarin
Ruby Mae
RubyHoo
Salty
Sam Fischer
Say True God?
Scratching
Sidney
Sidney Phillips
Silky Roads
Special Features
Stimpies
SUPERNEW
Sweatbaby
TANISHA
Tear Drive
TEENS
THE BROWNS
The Cheaks
THEADORE
Tori Darke
Toy Shaw
TRAVIS COLLINS
Tusekah
Wild Gloriosa
WIN BIG
Zach Stephenson
Zipporah
