Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has once again come alive with the sound of discovery. BIGSOUND 2025 officially kicked off yesterday, Tuesday 2 September, marking the start of four days where the Australian music industry converges to talk business by day and discover new talent by night.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual showcase and conference is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest music industry gathering, drawing artists, managers, labels, promoters, and fans into the heart of Meanjin for a week of networking, discussion, and live performance.
Conference by Day
The daytime program is packed with more than 70 sessions and workshops, featuring over 100 speakers from around the world. This year’s topics dig into export strategies, future-facing technology, and pathways for emerging artists. Global names like Rene Contreras (Goldenvoice/Coachella), Andy Clayton (Creation Collective), and Blur’s Dave Rowntree share the spotlight with homegrown leaders including Tash Sultana, Briggs, and Mallrat.
Sessions are spread across venues including the Judith Wright Arts Centre, The Tivoli, and Fortitude Music Hall, creating a walking circuit of inspiration in the Valley.
Showcases by Night
When the sun goes down, the Valley transforms into a multi-venue festival. Across 18 stages, more than 130 performances highlight the diversity of Australia’s next wave. From polished pop and R&B to heavy metal and hip hop, the line-up features rising stars like Inkabee, The Southern River Band, and Dylan Wright alongside favourites such as Kaiit, Wafia, Hatchie, and Polish Club.
This mix of established and emerging acts makes BIGSOUND one of the most important places in the world to discover the next big thing before it breaks nationally and internationally.
What’s On at BIGSOUND 2025
Tuesday 2 September (Opening Night)
- Evening showcases begin across multiple Fortitude Valley venues from 8pm.
- Featured acts include Kaiit, Polish Club, and Hatchie.
- Official Opening Night Party sets the tone for the week ahead.
Wednesday 3 September (Day 2)
- Conference sessions from 9am across Judith Wright Arts Centre and Fortitude Music Hall.
- Industry panels with Annabelle Herd (ARIA), Richard Kingsmill (triple j), and Jessie Parker (Laneway Festival).
- Showcases kick off from 7:30pm at venues including The Zoo, Black Bear Lodge, and The Brightside. Expect sets from Wafia, Inkabee, Dylan Wright, and The Southern River Band.
Thursday 4 September (Day 3)
- Full day of workshops and networking lounges from 9am.
- Tech Showcase in partnership with CAST, spotlighting new startups and innovations.
- BIGSOUND River Cruise departs in the afternoon for delegates.
- Night showcases from 8pm, headlined by Azure Ryder and Bad Juju.
Friday 5 September (Closing Day & Night)
- Final morning of panels and keynote talks.
- Brunswick Mall Stage hosts free, all-ages outdoor performances.
- Evening showcases continue until late across Valley venues.
- The Official Closing Night Party at The Tivoli caps off the week with one of the biggest celebrations on the music calendar.
Beyond the Music
BIGSOUND isn’t just about the music on stage. Delegates can step away from panels to take part in countless mixers and networking events celebrating genres, regions, and communities. The Oztix Delegate Hub at Fortitude Music Hall offers a relaxed space with free coffee vouchers for connecting and recharging.
The addition of the Tech Showcase this year reinforces BIGSOUND’s role as more than a music conference — it’s increasingly a launchpad for innovation in how artists and fans connect.
The Unearthed Edge
Triple j Unearthed has once again partnered with BIGSOUND to bring fresh talent to the stage. Local acts from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast were selected through a competition and now share the spotlight with showcase artists. It’s the same platform that has previously helped launch the careers of Flume, Tash Sultana, and Tones and I — a reminder of BIGSOUND’s influence in shaping the future of Australian music.
Why It Matters
As BIGSOUND rolls into its second day, it’s already clear why the event remains essential. For artists, it’s a launchpad to global audiences. For the industry, it’s a place to discover what’s next. And for Brisbane, it’s a celebration of music culture that transforms the city into a hub of creativity and connection.
BIGSOUND 2025 runs until Friday 5 September across multiple venues in Fortitude Valley.
