The Southern Hemisphere’s largest music industry event, BIGSOUND, has officially kicked off its 25th-anniversary celebrations by unveiling a powerhouse lineup of international delegates for 2026.
Industry leaders from the UK, US, France, Germany, and Hungary will descend on Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley from September 1–4, 2026, marking what is set to be the most influential week for Australian music trade this year.
Global Giants Touching Down in the Valley
The first wave of international guests represents the pinnacle of retail, editorial, sync, and festival booking, including:
Nigel House (Rough Trade, UK): The “OG” of independent record retail, representing the legendary 50-year-old institution.
Mariana Timony (Bandcamp Daily, US): The Senior Editor will notably be penning a Brisbane Scene Report during the event to spotlight local culture.
Christie Medina-Gonzalez (Hellfest, FR): Representing one of the world’s premier heavy music festivals.
Carole Ann Vetter (Low Profile, US): A sync powerhouse connecting artists with brands like Apple, Nike, and Netflix.
Márk Bóna (Sziget Festival, HU): A key booker for one of Europe’s largest multi-genre festivals.
Other confirmed representatives include delegates from SXSW (US), The Great Escape (UK), Reeperbahn (GER), Carpark Records (US), and True Panther (US).
Artist Applications Extended
In a crucial update for emerging talent, BIGSOUND has announced an extension for artist applications. Musicians now have until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to apply for a spot in the BIGSOUND 100.
Selected artists will gain access to the Artist Hub, Content House, and tailored mentoring sessions designed to bridge the gap between local talent and global markets.
What to Expect for 2026
QMusic & BIGSOUND CEO Kris Stewart emphasized that the 2026 event is focused on long-term career building. “We want people to leave BIGSOUND with relationships that support them across their entire career,” Stewart said.
The 2026 program will see the return of:
Goolwal Goolwal: The First Nations-led cultural and music program.
Roundtables & Conversation Corners: Direct access to industry decision-makers.
Expanded Tech Showcase: A new program set to launch in the coming months.
Key Dates & Ticketing
Artist Applications Close: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Early Bird Tickets On Sale: May 2026
Full Program Reveal: July 2026
Event Dates: September 1–4, 2026
Early Bird Pricing: Full Delegate passes start at $649 ($599 for QMusic members), while 3-day Festival passes for the public start at $85.
For more information or to subscribe for ticket alerts, visit www.bigsound.org.au.
