BIGSOUND 2022

Overview

When it comes to showcasing up-and-coming Australian musical talents, and also celebrating the country's music industry in general, Brisbane's BIGSOUND has never held back. Going big is right there in its name, after all. So, with the event finally making its in-person return after a pandemic-afflicted couple of years — and also marking its 21st birthday — it should come as no surprise that it's hosting its biggest lineup ever.

Running from Tuesday, September 6–Friday, September 9, this year's event will pop up at 21 different venues, too — and with a whopping 182 bands and artists taking to its stages. That's 38 artists more than the last in-person event, in 2019, boasted — and they'll take to 23 stages at those Fortitude Valley spots.

Leading the charge: Adrian Dzvuke, Budjerah, flowerkid, Dallas Woods, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans, as well as Dulcie, Ghost Care, Ashwarya, Birdz, Jem Cassar-Daley, Concrete Surfers and VOIID. The list goes on, and also includes the event's first BIGSOUND Country lineup, spanning country The Buckleys, Hinterland, DARLINGHURST, Loren Ryan, Melanie Dyer, Taylor Moss and The Wolfe Brothers.

A contingent from New Zealand will head over as well, with JessB, Soaked Oats, Troy Kingi, TE KAAHU, Church & AP, MELODOWNZ and Jenny Mitchell making the trip.

Lachlan Douglas

Wondering which venues will be doing the honours? The list features everywhere from Black Bear Lodge and both inside and outdoors at The Brightside through to The Wickham and The Zoo.

If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know what all of this entails: jumping between as many spaces as possible, all teeming with as many bands, industry folks and music-loving punters as possible, and enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent that's on offer.

Expect 2022's iteration to be no different to usual — well, the pre-pandemic usual — although the vibe is set to jump up a few notches given that there's so much to celebrate.

This year's fest will also include 300 artist showcases and more than 20 parties, while the conference side of things will welcome in 150-plus speakers over 55 sessions (and more than 1500 delegates as well). Leading the conference bill so far: 'Friday' singer Rebecca Black; activist, author and #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke; Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski; and Jaguar Jonze and Example.

Bianca Holderness

BIGSOUND 2022 VENUES:

Black Bear Lodge
Blute's Bar
The Brightside
The Brightside Outdoors
EC Venue
Ivory Tusk
King Lear's Throne
La La Land
O'Skulligans
The Outpost
Press Club
The Prince Consort Hotel
Prohibition
Ric's Bar + Backyard
Stranded Bar
Summa House
Tomcat
The Warehouse
The Wickham
Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage
The Zoo

Top image: Jess Gleeson.