BIGSOUND has previewed its 2026 program, marking 25 years of Australia’s leading music industry gathering with significant growth in its support of artists in the event’s history. Announced at the official launch at The Brightside, every act selected for the BIGSOUND 100 will receive increased financial support.
Interim CEO of QMusic, Kristy Ellis, said BIGSOUND’s 25th anniversary program reflects the event’s continued evolution as both a launchpad for artists and a driving force for the Australian music industry. “For 25 years, BIGSOUND has helped accelerate careers, create opportunities, and shape the future of Australian music,” she said.
“This year’s BIGSOUND is about celebrating that legacy while continuing to invest in what’s next. We’re showcasing the next generation of artists, providing more support than ever before, continuing the important work of the Goolwal Goolwal program to elevate First Nations voices, and creating new opportunities for meaningful industry connections.”
“Whether you’re an artist, industry professional or music fan, BIGSOUND 2026 offers an experience unlike anything else in Australia, and we’re excited to have a few special surprises in store as part of the celebrations,” said Ms Ellis.
ARTIST SUPPORT:
For the first time, every showcasing act will receive additional support. The artist support package this year has three core elements:
- Travel contribution available to all acts performing at BIGSOUND
- A new QR code payment system that lets patrons directly support the artists they enjoy
- Additional free conference delegate pass and increased access to conference sessions.
Kristy Ellis said the new initiatives demonstrate what can be achieved when government, philanthropy, industry partners and the broader music community come together behind a shared goal.
“These initiatives are a step in the right direction and recognize the commitment across our industry to supporting Australian and New Zealand artists. We’re proud to be providing more support to showcasing artists than ever before, and we’ll be sharing the details with all 100 acts from today,” said Ms Ellis.
“The additional travel funds available this year were made possible by the ongoing foundation support from our government partners and generous philanthropic support of the Harding Foundation, Hutchinsons Builders, the Apostolos Family, and the Shepherd Foundation.”
“Our valued partner Oztix has also funded the new ‘Stage Drive’ initiative, allowing audiences to directly donate to their favourite showcase artists.” said Ms Ellis.
Oztix CEO Stuart Field said the long-standing partnership with BIGSOUND had always been driven by a shared commitment to supporting Australian artists.
“We’ve used our technology to build a simple way for fans to back the artists they love, right at the point of the performance. As a proud Brisbane company and long-time partner of QMusic and BIGSOUND, putting money directly into artists’ hands is exactly the kind of support Australia’s live music scene needs,” said Mr Field.
CONFERENCE:
From 1–4 September, BIGSOUND will once again take over iconic venues across Fortitude Valley, bringing together artists, managers, labels, publishers, promoters, media, technology companies and music businesses from Australia and around the world.
Built around the theme Creatives in Conversation, this year’s Conference explores the ideas shaping the future of Australian music. From artist wellbeing to international export, creative identity, fan engagement, the challenges and opportunities of AI and the growing crossover between music, sport and live experiences, the program brings together the people leading change across the industry. It will also explore the opportunities Brisbane 2032 presents for creative industries and the Australian music sector.
BIGSOUND Conference Programmers Cathy Oates and Niriko McLure said the 2026 conference has been designed to reflect the conversations the industry needs to have today while inspiring the opportunities of tomorrow.
“Working alongside QMusic, this year Cathy and I have intentionally put Australian stories at the centre of the conference, with our international guests here to engage with those conversations rather than lead them,” said Niriko McLure.
“We are introducing dedicated networking sessions that make those conversations more accessible. By bringing buyers, rights holders, media, and brands together in networking sessions, we’re making it easier for delegates to connect with the people who can help shape the next stage of their careers.” said Cathy Oates.
Further fostering these creative connections, we’re thrilled to welcome the return of long-time supporters of BIGSOUND, Triple J, who will again be hosting their servicing sessions, and taking over the Brightside on Wednesday, and once again offering their opening spots to Triple J unearthed competition winners.
AMRAP listening sessions will also be back at BIGSOUND this year, connecting artists directly with the people behind music programming of some of Australia’s most beloved community stations.
GOOLWAL CONFERENCE INITIATIVES:
Goolwal Goolwal returns with a fresh spot, the same songlines, and big conversations throughout the conference, with twelve of the deadliest First Nations-led acts showcasing as part of the BIGSOUND 100.
In celebrating 25 years of BIGSOUND, QMusic First Nations Project Officer Natalie Lingwoodock said “the 2026 Goolwal Goolwal Program is all about celebrating, elevating, and being proud of what Mob have contributed to the music industry here in Australia,”
The program will also include conversations on connecting with the regions, empowering young people, and connecting storytelling with sync opportunities. Delegates will also connect and network with First Nations industry representatives from Australia and across the globe through the Sharing Songlines series, including with Support Act’s First Nations team, to discuss the First Nations Music Industry Review.
Curated by the Goolwal Goolwal Advisory, including Elder in Residence Uncle Joe Geia, and representatives from each state and territory, and delivered by QMusic’s First Nations Producer Patrice Soward, alongside Natalie Lingwoodock, “this year’s program is stacked with Blak Excellence,” said Lingwoodock.
FESTIVAL:
With the BIGSOUND 100 already revealed, music fans can now start planning their ultimate festival experience, with the full showcase program officially live at www.bigsound.org.au. Featuring 100 of the most exciting emerging and established artists performing across multiple Fortitude Valley venues over three unforgettable nights, the program details exactly who is playing, where and when.
Nothing compares to BIGSOUND. For a few electric nights, an entire precinct comes alive with the sounds of the next generation of great Australian and international artists.
Kristy Ellis said the release of the full showcase program marks an exciting milestone as BIGSOUND prepares to bring Fortitude Valley to life this September: “BIGSOUND has always been about discovery, and this year’s showcase program gives music fans the chance to experience 100 incredible artists across three unforgettable nights in the heart of Fortitude Valley,” said Ms Ellis.
“With the full schedule now live, fans can start mapping out their festival journey and uncovering the next generation of Australian and New Zealand music talent. We’re also planning a few special surprises along the way, with some exciting guest appearances set to make this year’s BIGSOUND even more memorable. There really is nothing else like it.”
BIGSOUND 2026 runs 1 – 4 September. For more information and full program, visit: www.bigsound.org.au for details.
Images: Stimpies (supplied) | WIN BIG (supplied) | Ngaiire (supplied) | Kyla Belle (supplied) | Silky Roads (supplied)