Industry figureheads Lutz Leichsenring and Lyndsey Havens are among those speaking at the conference, while Miiesha, Alayna, and Dear Sunday lead the second wave of BIGSOUND 2024 showcasing artists.
BIGSOUND has announced its second wave of showcase artists and over 25 conference speakers and buyers set to join the bill for its 2024 event. Among those heading to Brisbane this September to share invaluable knowledge are Lutz Leichsenring (VibeLab), Lyndsey Havens (Billboard), Josh Simons (Vinyl Group & Vampr), and Mark Davyd (Music Venue Trust).
This year’s conference will reflect on the ongoing disruptions within the music industry, providing a platform for innovative conversations and creative breakthroughs.
BIGSOUND 2024
• 3-6 September 2024
• Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Read all the latest product & music industry news here.
The first announcement of conference panels includes Aged out: what does Australian music mean to youth?, which will explore how young people discover and engage with music in an increasingly digital world; Night fever: creative capitals make creative capital, wherein one of the 100 most important minds of Berlin’s economy Lutz Leichsenring will offer valuable perspectives on creating sustainable music ecosystems; and the question on everybody’s lips: Who gives a fuck about Australian music?, which will critically examine the growing positive global perception of Australian music while also exploring the veracity of our own local engagement.
Also among the speakers heading down under in September is deputy editor of global publication Billboard, Lyndsey Havens, who has written cover stories on superstars like Billie Eilish, Post Malone, and Lil Yachty. She regularly covers music management, launching the annual managers to watch list in 2022, and will share her thoughts on leadership and authenticity in the current landscape.
Havens joins the conference lineup for this year’s BIGSOUND alongside Josh Simons, chief executive officer of Australia’s only ASX-listed music business, Vinyl Group, and founder of Vampr. Vinyl Group is home to Jaxsta, the Brag Media, Vampr, and Vinyl.com. A visionary entrepreneur, Simons has raised $20 million historically for his technology startups from various sources. Before working in tech, he ran a record label and was the lead singer of Australian indie rock band Buchanan, sharing writing credits with Travis Scott, Troye Sivan, and Kanye West.
Also bringing their knowledge to BIGSOUND this year is Kamran Haq, who joined Live Nation in 2017 and works as senior national promoter and senior booker for Europe’s Download Festival, representing a roster of national touring acts including Sleep Token, Maneskin, Sum 41, Architects, Parkway Drive, Ghost, Neck Deep, Good Charlotte, Shinedown, and Gojira. Founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust, Mark Davyd, whose fundraising and relationships with governments, media, major cultural institutions, and the music industry, have been instrumental in leading a report to help solve the current UK music venues crisis by instigating a per-ticket charge on commercial stadium events that is reinvested into small venues across the UK, will also be speaking.
Meet the speakers
But with business comes pleasure, as BIGSOUND is also announcing another round of artists to perform at this year’s music festival.
With more than 50 names being added to a lineup already dripping with talent, including proud Anangu/Torres Strait Islander woman Miiesha, known for a powerful voice that earned her critical acclaim on her debut record Nyaaringu in 2020; Alayna, an Aotearoa singer-songwriter who has collaborated with Finneas Eilish, had her debut album featured as Rolling Stone’s Album of the Week in July 2023; and indie-pop sensation and dynamic duo Dear Sunday, who’ve already had one of their breakout singles Wanna stay with Aussie DJ Luude achieve ARIA gold-certified status.
The lineup also features Tiffi, a rising star known for her unique sound and compelling presence who has accrued over 50 million streams globally; Armlock, a duo blending introspective lyrics with dreamy soundscapes; and Bean Magazine, the iconic, genre-defying Meanjin act known for their eclectic style and energetic performances.
Quickly earning global notoriety, standout artist from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Georgia Lines, joins the festival alongside Hannah Brewer, a multi-talented musician and versatile artist with tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Same Blood, aka J-MILLA x Yung Milla, will showcase their powerful collaboration, raw talent, and cultural pride. The Marranunggu brothers’ explosive live collaboration promises to be the hip-hop party of the year.
Stella Bridie, an emotive performer who writes music for the long walk home from the party, will also show us what she’s got. Finally, Adelaide sweethearts Towns will bring infectious, blistering, high-energy, head-banger energy to the lineup.
This year, BIGSOUND offers $25 one-night music festival tickets for music lovers under 25 years of age, and $75 three-night music festival tickets for those that get in early and purchase before 31 July. These tickets are on sale now, alongside all-access delegate passes via BIGSOUND.org.au.
Secure your tickets now at BIGSOUND.
