Overview
BIGSOUND is the gold star on Brisbane’s music calendar. Bands far and wide land in Fortitude Valley so you can spend two glorious evenings skipping between your favourite bars and music venues, seeing as many sets as your festival shoes will allow. To help you kick start your BIGSOUND experience, we’re sharing our picks of the line up – follow our suggestions, and you’ll have yourself one very sweet little timetable.
DAY ONE
Patrick James
Patrick James has been a busy lad of late. Besides supporting Josh Pyke on tour and releasing a stellar EP, Patrick has been perfecting the art of the heart-breaking harmony. In a rare, and possibility time-limited opportunity, he will be performing in the intimate Ric’s Bar, assumedly acoustic, and definitely moving. In fact, if you’re a fan of Josh Pyke, do yourself a favour and introduce your ears to this man that is making waves.
BLOODS
Their recently released debut EP ‘Golden Fangs’ is receiving big love, and so Bloods are sure to be bringing their best to BIGSOUND. They’re your pick for a big attitude, high energy set, perhaps serving as a not-so-subtle reminder to those with sensitive eardrums to pack the plugs; in other words, what live music is all about. Noise, erratic dancing, long-haired head bangs, contagious garage rock sounds are sure to fill Electric Playground. Be prepared.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Besides being one of the best-named bands on the bill, King Gizzard will weave their psych magic upon your eardrums. Their ultra-cool blend of spaghetti western and heavy rock stylings will be a nice reprieve after the last busy-busy set, and introduce you to a new dimension of sound. Those who are acquainted with The Giz will know to appropriately warn newcomers of what’s in store; this set is sure to be the gallant sounds of triumph.
Robert Forster
Mr Forster is one of the heavyweights of this year’s BIGSOUND. Having established himself as one of Australia’s finest music craftsmen by way of esteemed locals The Go-Betweens, he has showed no signs of fading from the industry or from influence. Besides touring and writing for his solo career, Robert has been collaborating and assisting other BIGSOUND buds with their own releases. Rumour has it that his collaborations might even reach so far as Fortitude Valley stages. Hint: you won’t have to travel as far as Tangalooma to see it. Our lips are sealed!
Rainy Day Women
They have the dreamscapes of Fleetwood Mac, the catchy vibes of The Kooks, and they’re trekking all the way from WA to be here. This favoured foursome have a new delightful EP out this year, full of the groovers and swayers they’ve become known for, but your ears will be amongst the first to hear them. They’ve got the hazy sounds down pat, and Coniston Lane is sure to be abuzz throughout their keenly anticipated set. Their own strand of ultra-cruisy tunes is sure to be the ending to your day one that you’re pining for… besides hunting down muso delegates. They’re everywhere.
DAY TWO
The Delta Riggs
Melbourne ruffians The Delta Riggs are back in town surge you onto your feet for big night number two. They’ll be sure to let loose in The Zoo, where the stage is high, and so is the temperature. Arrive early to secure your spot at the front of the stage, and then hold on tight as the audience swirls around you. The music of the Riggs is that which you cannot stand still for. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes to see these crazy cats.
Yukon Blonde
You’ll have time to catch your breath, grab a cold beverage, and re-secure your place at the front of the stage, because you ain’t going nowhere. Yukon Blonde are next at The Zoo. These Vancouver-based gents are not just Tiger Talk, they’re all action. In keeping with those classic rock vibes, Yukon Blonde are so infectiously happy and life-affirming, their gorgeous voices will be worth the wait. This is a set in which you will make joyous friends and feel free to skip around in harmonious circles… or, keep holding on to that barrier. You’ve got the golden spot, remember.
Jackie Onassis
The Rev is where you will find the party trumpets and your concentrated dose of hip hop for BIGSOUND. Jackie Onassis are another of the most hotly anticipated acts of the conference, and will inevitably up the ante on your life-loving musical buzz.
The Trouble With Templeton
It’s been a big year for Thomas Calder and co so it comes as no surprise that they would be a part of this industry event. Their dynamic and transfixing EP will be a treat for live ears, and their performances are always sublime. To see them in a larger venue such as Oh Hello will give their sound a bit of room to stretch its legs – not to be missed.
Jonti
The end of your BIGSOUND blast should be cherished, and what better send off to the musical good times than with dreamy Jonti. You might find that his ethereal tracks are best listened to with closed eyes and open hearts; you won’t be disappointed. Take a deep breath, reflect on the nights past and immerse yourself in the haze of sound bound to envelope you. You deserve it.