The Five Best Things to See at BIGSOUND 2015

Get stuck into the music conference to end all music conferences.

For three days every September, Brisbane becomes the centre of the music industry. At least that’s how it feels when BIGSOUND, the annual music conference to end all music conferences, comes to town.

In 2015, Australia's answer to South by Southwest sees Fortitude Valley pumping with events, including keynotes, panels, discussions, seminars and live gigs showcasing 150 bands across 15 venues. Everyone from former Federal Arts minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett and rapper and activist Brother Ali to Katy Steele, Major Leagues, Muscles and Stonefield will be there — and that really is only the beginning.

Of course, the official program is just part of the fun, with events happening around the main attraction always proving equally as exciting. To help you plan for what's certain to be a big few days, here are our picks of the five BIGSOUND events you should schedule into your diary.

• 5

  

  Ric's Big Backyard BIGSOUND Blow Out

  Ric's, Fortitude Valley

  Ric's, Fortitude Valley

  11 September

  At the Valley mall mainstay that is Ric’s, there’s only one way to get into the BIGSOUND spirit. That’d be throwing the biggest shindig they can in the bar’s backyard; when under the sunny Brisbane skies, and all that. From 4pm on Friday until whenever you wander out before closing time on Saturday morning, this blow-out has you covered. The Stiffys, The Durries, Baskervillain, The Flangipanis and Cordeaux will take care of the tunes, while Ric’s will take care of the mood, leaving you with the simple task of showing up and having fun.

   

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• 4

  

  BIGSOUND Official Closing Party

  The Triffid, Newstead

  The Triffid, Newstead

  11 September

  Like Highlander, when it comes to formally wrapping up this year’s BIGSOUND, there can be only one. Official closing party, that is, which the Triffid is taking care of. They’ve enlisted Born Lion, Dorsal Fins, The John Steel Singers, Fraser A Gorman, Ben Salter, Ngaiire, Caitlin Park, All Our Exes Live In Texas and Robbie Miller to provide live performances from 4pm until after midnight; however anyone with a spare afternoon can hang out in the beer garden from midday. Sure, you’re probably supposed to be doing something else — but did someone say unofficial long weekend?

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• 3

  

  Spunk Vs Rice Is Nice BIGSOUND Pre-Party

  Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley

  Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley

  8 September

  There ain’t no party like a BIGSOUND party — and there ain’t no party like a free BIGSOUND party, either. As a warm up to the real deal, indie record labels Spunk and Rice is Nice are teaming up to throw one heck of a free-for-all. Not only will walking in the door cost you zilch, but enjoying a beer won’t bother your wallet either. For those more concerned about the music, get excited about a lineup that features Angie, Aldous Harding, Darts, Donny Benet, Gold Class, The Ocean Party, Shining Bird and Us The Band.

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• 2

  

  The Dew Process Annual BIGSOUND Party

  Heya Bar, Fortitude Valley

  Heya Bar, Fortitude Valley

  9 September

  What’s a conference without some late night hijinks? Boring, that’s what — so thank goodness for Brisbane based independent record label Dew Process and their annual BIGSOUND party. After the first day of proceedings, stay up until just before midnight rolls around for a few live sets by Eves The Behavior and LK McKay, plus a bar tab and snacks. It’s the only place to be, other than perhaps getting some sleep for the next few days of activities — but who’d want to do something sensible like that?

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• 1

  

  The Night Before BIGSOUND

  The Foundry Brisbane, Fortitude Valley

  The Foundry Brisbane, Fortitude Valley

  8 September

  Whether you work in the industry, or you’re just obsessed with everything about it, BIGSOUND is just like a Brisbane-based music lovers version of Christmas. The Foundry clearly feel the same way, which is why their pre-event party comes with a serving of festive spirit. Grinches, don’t despair — it’s just the name and the night-before levels of excitement they’re aping, with the rest filled to the brim with indie vibes and a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere. Given that Katy Steele, I Know Leopard, Ayla, Waax, Lanks and Machine Age are in charge of the evening’s music, it’s safe to say it’s going to be a kick-ass event overflowing with good cheer.

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