Australian artists are being given a rare chance to showcase their music to the world at the BIG SOUND music event in Brisbane later this year. Taking over Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley from September 8-10, the event will see more than 50 of the country’s most exciting acts hit the stage across two nights.
Not only has BIG SOUND Live emerged as one of the city’s unique public events, it provides local artists with an opportunity to showcase their music to some of the world’s most influential industry figures, in town for the three day conference.
In 2008, it was Melbourne’s The Temper Trap that used BIG SOUND to set up their global assault. Last year saw bands like The Middle East, Last Dinosaurs, Hungry Kids of Hungary and Philadelphia Grand Jury walk away from BIG SOUND with everything from record and management deals, to overseas radio airplay and touring opportunities.
With this years showcase submission closing May 31, artists keen to make the most of this opportunity better move quick – full details online now at www.bigsound.org.au
More Speakers Announced
The final call for showcases comes as BIG SOUND announces yet more national and international speakers.
Leading off the next wave is Morgan Lebus – A&R Manager for the US office of Domino Recordings and Publishing. One of the world’s most exciting labels Domino is home to Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Clinic, Animal Collective and The Kills.
He will be joined by Tom Windish, owner of the powerhouse US booking agency The Windish Agency. With offices across the States, the company looks after more than 300 artists from around the world, including Justice, Hot Chip, Girl Talk and The Presets.
Also heading to Brisbane this September is Johnny Beach from Bowery Presents, booker for some of New York’s finest venues including the Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge; Andy McGrath, A&R rep with respected US label ATO; New York publicist Chloe Walsh (Press Here Publicity) who has worked with everyone from Jack White to Depeche Mode and The Killers; and one of Australia’s most successful hip-hop artists Urthboy.
The new names add to the already impressive list of BIG SOUND speakers announced earlier this month including influential US music writer Michael Azzerad keynote speaker and industry icon John O’Donnell, and legendary artist Dave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus).
They’ll be joined by Living End, Gyroscope and Children Collide manager Rae Harvey and Peter Jesperson – Senior Vice-President of A&R at US label New West Records (Ben Lee, Steve Earle, John Hiatt, Kris Kristoffersen, Drive-By Truckers).
Yet more speakers will be announced over the coming months…
Early Bird tickets on sale now. Heavily-discounted “Early Bird” BIG SOUND passes are on sale now.
The passes offer delegates full access to all conference sessions, workshops, networking events and entry to the BIG SOUND showcase concerts featuring more than 50 acts spread across Fortitude Valley.
Those keen to secure their spot at BIG SOUND better be quick with the Early Bird offer ending May 31.
Full ticketing and registration details online now at www.bigsound.org.au