BIGSOUND 2019

Overview

For one week each September, Brisbane becomes Australia's live music capital. When BIGSOUND hits the city, it seems like every venue in Fortitude Valley is packed to the rafters with bands, industry folks and music-loving punters, all enjoying the latest and greatest the country's music scene has to offer. And given this year's complete lineup, expect that to be the case once again.

This year, BIGSOUND will play host to 147 acts across 18 venues between September 3–6. As always, it's a hefty bunch. Mojo Juju, These New South Whales, Adrian Eagle and Cry Club join a bill that already includes the likes of Bad//Dreems, Electric Fields, SCABZ, Outright, Milan Ring, LOSER, Tones & I and Tasman Keith, plus EGOISM, Stevan, Laura Imbruglia and Concrete Surfers. Yes, the list goes on.

Attendees can expect to get cosy in smaller spaces including Black Bear Lodge and Heya Bar, tap their toes at big stages like The Zoo, The Brightside, and Crowbar, and enjoy the night air at outdoor spots such as The Valley Drive In, The Elephant Hotel and Ric's Big Backyard.

And, on the talking heads front, this year's guests include keynote speaker Terry McBride, CEO and co-founder of Nettwerk Music Group, which includes Canada's largest independent record label, artist management and music publishing company; British TV and radio presenter Abbie McCarthy, from BBC Music Introducing, Radio 1 & 4 Music, and Good Karma Club; and ultra dedicated Fyre Festival producer Andy King. This is a conference as well as a festival, after all — although, you can choose to hear wise words of wisdom, dance all night, or both.

Past BIGSOUNDs have showcased everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants, so its program is usually a very reliable bellwether of current and up-and-coming talent.

Even better — the festival's four-night $85 (plus booking fee) Rainbow Pass nabs you access to 270 music showcases at the 18 venues.

To view the full BIGSOUND 2019 lineup, visit the event's website.

BIGSOUND 2019 runs from September 3–6 at various venues around Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For further details, visit bigsound.org.au.

To discover what to do, see, eat and drink while visiting Brissie for the annual event, check out our weekender's guide to Brisbane during BIGSOUND.