Global heavyweights from C2C Festival, Wasserman, Reading & Leeds Festival and more set to discover the next wave of Australian talent.
BIGSOUND 2025 has announced its first speakers, with industry powerhouses flying in from around the world for the September event in Fortitude Valley.
The premier Australian music industry conference and showcase festival is focusing on connection that counts this year, bringing together artists and industry leaders to shape the next chapter of Australian music. With new conference programmers Cathy Oates and Niriko McLure at the helm, BIGSOUND 2025 aims to provide export opportunities for showcasing artists while addressing the unique challenges facing Australian musicians.
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According to Oates, the Australian music industry landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with consumer habits changing forever. She highlights that while gatekeepers may not be as influential as they once were, there are fewer barriers to entry than ever before.
BIGSOUND 2025
- 2-5 September 2025
- Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Among the high-profile speakers announced is Darcus Beese OBE from Darco Artist Partnerships, the first Black President of a UK major label (Island Records UK) and the only Black British CEO of Island Records US. Described as one of the great A&R people of his or any other generation, Beese signed Amy Winehouse during his time at Island Records UK and was responsible for signing Sabrina Carpenter in the US.
Anne Booty from SixtyFour Music brings over 20 years of industry experience, having worked as both an artist and in music supervision. Her impressive client list includes major brands like Aldi, Jaguar, Adidas and Nike, as well as film work with director Yorgos Lanthimos on Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness and the upcoming Bugonia.
The speaker lineup also features Ariana Morgenstern, Executive Producer and Music Curator at KCRW, who works with the Music Team to book artists for Live Music Sessions and co-curates Summer Nights.
Rounding out the first announcement is Deb Grant from BBC 6, a Dublin-born DJ, broadcaster and writer based in Manchester. With over two decades of global record-hunting experience, Grant is known for her eclectic live sets, monthly music column for the Big Issue, and daily radio show on BBC Radio 6 Music that spotlights the best in new underground music across all genres.
All-Access Early Bird tickets for BIGSOUND 2025 go on sale Friday 16 May at 10am.
For more information, ticketing and the growing list of speakers, keep reading here.
