The southern hemisphere’s biggest music industry gathering, and Australia’s longest-running and most influential music market BIGSOUND has officially unveiled their first round of speakers and buyers today, with a trove of heavy hitters and industry leaders set to land in Brisbane from 5 – 8 September.
Coming off the back of being named in Time Magazine’s ‘world’s greatest places’ list, the annual event will once again return to Brisbane’s one-of-a-kind Fortitude Valley music precinct, and will bring together the world’s music decision-makers for four days of music discovery and important discussions around the development of art and commerce in one of the world’s largest music markets.
Following the Queensland government’s recent investment of $3.8m into the event, BIGSOUND is doubling down on the topics and leaders that matter to Australian artists, with a spotlight on First Nations artists and speakers.
Leading BIGSOUND’s first announcement is American music industry juggernaut Omar Grant. Once the road manager for Destiny’s Child, and now Co-President of JAY-Z’s ROC Nation and A&R genius behind Rhianna’s globally acclaimed eighth album ANTI, influential music industry leader Omar Grant will be making his BIGSOUND debut.
“Australia is at an exciting place right now musically and I can’t wait to head down under to discover some great new artists,” said ROC Nation Records co-president Omar Grant. “Some of the most innovative artistry in the world comes from Australia and in an industry that’s often so caught up online these days, getting in a room with passionate music people and discovering real talent performing live is a true privilege.”
Michele Ronzon, A&R Coordinator for Interscope / Geffen / A&M Records, who’s time in the industry has seen her overseeing an A&R roster that includes Machine Gun Kelly, YUNGBLUD, and Alesso, as well as a management roster including producers Ian Fitchuk (Kacey Musgraves, Stephen Sanchez, Maggie Rogers) and Chris Greatti (YUNGBLUD, WILLOW) will also set down in Australia for the conference. Hazel Savage, the Australian-born London-based visionary behind music AI company Musiio and now VP of Music Intelligence at Soundcloud joins the BIGSOUND roster alongside CEO of one of the biggest TikTok agencies in the world, Ash Stahl (Flighthouse) and royalties technology expert and co-founder of The Orchard, JKBX’s Scott Cohen.
After many lucrative synchronization and TV deals for past BIGSOUND participants, BIGSOUND also welcome some of the key decision makers in US film and television, including Netflix’s Manager, Soundtracks, Strategy & Operations Andy Kalyvas (who’s recent accolades include the multi-award winning film All Quiet on the Western Front), Paramount Television Studios’ vice president of music Vanessa Palmer and Downtown Music Publishing’s director of sync and A&R, Cabrea Casey.
“We approached this year’s BIGSOUND with a singular vision : deals mean meals,” said programmer Tom Larkin. “Every person we are bringing to Australia can further an artist’s career immeasurably. Whether that’s formalising a global partnership or simply giving them a piece of advice that could transform their ability to create a sustainable career. BIGSOUND ‘s focus is to provide real results for Australian artists.”
The initial announcement is just the first in what is expected to be over 100 international and national buyers, agents, music supervisors, bookers and industry decision makers. Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is proud to support QMusic and continue to invest in its annual international event, BIGSOUND.
“The careers of hundreds of artists have benefitted by taking part in this iconic event and BIGSOUND 2023 promises to deliver another hugely successful program,” Minister Enoch said. “Each year, BIGSOUND draws a vibrant collection of industry leaders, speakers, buyers, and musicians from the local and international music community.
“The recently announced increase in funding from the Queensland Government will further boost
BIGSOUND’s global reputation and programming to include the best talent and industry leaders from around the world, showcasing the incredible First Nations arts and established and emerging artists that Queensland has to offer.
“The Queensland Government’s support for QMusic through Arts Queensland is part of our ongoing commitment to the state’s live music industry and strengthening our offering in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Enoch said.
“BIGSOUND is known around the world’s music industry as being the place where business is done in Australia,” said Soundcloud’s Hazel Savage. “When I started my career in Australia, BIGSOUND was the place I came to learn, then before heading overseas I was lucky enough to be a speaker in 2013. Fast forward a decade and while I’ve certainly grown and BIGSOUND has too, it’s exciting to come home to an event so warmly held in everyone’s hearts.”
The first speaker announcement follows the recent news of BIGSOUND’s Artist Support Package, which allows showcasing acts to apply for funds to assist with transportation and accommodation costs to attend. An additional pool of $30,000 will be accessible via application by First Nations-identified artists, artists living with disability and artists from regional and remote areas for travel to showcase at the international event.
In addition, the Support Package will support a dedicated Artist Green Room, which will give artists a respite from the bustling conference precinct and support their wellbeing at BIGSOUND. BIGSOUND recognises that artists are at the heart of the music community. While the barriers faced by many musicians can be prohibitive, the opportunity to showcase in front of the music industry’s key players and dealmakers can be instrumental to their career progression.
EARLYBIRD DELEGATE PASSES ON SALE WEDNESDAY 26 APRIL, 9AM
This is the ticket to access the full conference, three-nights of showcase events, parties and workshops.
Festival-only tickets will go on sale in July.
Early Bird Offer General: $579 / Students, QMusic Members: $479
Full Price Tickets General: $679 / Students, QMusic Members: $579
Artist applications for BIGSOUND 2023 are now open via: bigsound.org.au/music-festival/apply – Applications close 02 May 2023 –