Qmusic Launches Bigsound 2026
MARKS 25th ANNIVERSARY WITH EXCITING LINE UP AND INCREASE IN SUPPORT TO ARTISTS
ARTIST SUPPORT
For the first time, every showcasing act will receive additional support. The artist support package this year has three core elements:
1. Travel contribution available to all acts performing at BIGSOUND
2. A new QR code payment system that lets patrons directly support the artists they enjoy
3. Additional free conference delegate pass and increased access to conference sessions.
Interim CEO QMusic, 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.”
"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." Ms Ellis said.
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,” Mr Field said.
Brisbane Magandjin, Queensland – BIGSOUND tonight previews 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. Announcing 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. 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,” Ms Ellis said.
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,” Niriko McLure explained.
“It's not about hearing from people you already know; it's about giving a microphone to people doing incredible work that you might not have discovered yet, and hopefully inspiring someone else to see a different path for themselves. So much of what we do comes down to gut instinct. There isn't a blueprint, and that's what makes creative businesses so exciting. I'm also an unapologetic member of the sad girl music club, so having Julia Jacklin join us this year is a personal highlight.”
“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.” Cathy Oates added.
“We've seen lives change because the right people met at the right moment. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is one of the many incredible stories we are proud to celebrate as BIGSOUND hits 25 years. Returning this year for an ‘Artist In Conversation’, the band first showcased at BIGSOUND in 2013 and have since built one of Australia's most remarkable international success stories.”
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,"
"We're proud to welcome Ngarrindjeri artist and producer trials, who joins us to share his wisdom and knowledge as part of the ‘Artists in Conversation’ series, and to showcase his artwork in the Goolwal Gallery in Hey Chica. BIGSOUND delegates will also get to hear Kobie Dee and Tasman Keith share how they drive collective change in their communities, while forging their own individual paths as MCs,” Natalie Lingwoodock said.
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," Natalie Lingwoodock said.
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 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.
Interim CEO of QMusic, 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. 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.”
“Also, thanks to our partners Up Bank and Monster Children, BIGSOUND artists will also have the chance to win a $20,000 cash prize to support touring, recording, and the next chapter of their career. Five finalists will perform at the Up x Monster Children Showcase during BIGSOUND 2026, with one artist taking home the grand prize. All acts will be sent a link this week to apply”, Ms Ellis said.
PARTNERS
Minister for Education and Arts John-Paul Langbroek said QMusic’s BIGSOUND will grow the state’s creative economy, strengthen careers and celebrate Queensland’s music talent.
“For its milestone 25th anniversary, BIGSOUND is ‘turning it up to eleven’—fostering industry connections and amplifying opportunities for new artists,” Minister Langbroek said.
“There’s nowhere quite like Brisbane during BIGSOUND—with the event activating live music venues, attracting music professionals from Australia and around the world, and generating economic impacts for Queensland.
“The Crisafulli Government’s support for QMusic and BIGSOUND delivers on our 10-year arts and culture strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine, backing our talented creative workforce and boosting Queensland’s reputation as a creative powerhouse.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, the Honourable Andrew Powell MP said BIGSOUND delivered significant benefits for Brisbane and Queensland’s visitor economy.
“Queensland is the home of great events, and BIGSOUND continues to deliver for our visitor economy,”
“It draws thousands of visitors to Brisbane, supports local businesses, and shines a spotlight on everything our city and state have to offer. This year’s event is expected to inject more than $4.4 million into the economy, driving visitation, supporting jobs and helping cement Queensland as Australia’s events capital.” Minister Powell said.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said BIGSOUND continued to cement Brisbane's reputation as Australia's lifestyle capital and a global destination for live music and culture.
"We’re committed to making Brisbane's lifestyle even better by backing world-class events like BIGSOUND," Cr Schrinner said.
"BIGSOUND attracts artists, industry leaders and music fans from across Australia and around the world to Brisbane’s beating heart of live music, showcasing our city as a thriving hub for culture, creativity and innovation.
"It creates more to see and do while putting local talent on the global stage - backing the jobs, venues and businesses that keep our city thriving.
“It’s one of the many reasons why Brisbane remains one of the nation's leading destinations for live music and major events."
ABOUT BIGSOUND
Celebrating its 25th year, BIGSOUND remains Australia’s premier music industry gathering and the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the past quarter of a century, it has helped launch the careers of artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I and Courtney Barnett, while continuing to connect Australian artists with the people and opportunities that shape successful careers.
BIGSOUND is proudly supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, together with Presenting Partner Oztix and other valued industry and commercial partners.
For four days each September, Fortitude Valley becomes the meeting place for the Australian music industry where artists are discovered, careers are accelerated, partnerships are formed and the future of Australian music is shaped.
For the program and tickets, visit www.bigsound.org.au.
BIGSOUND 2026 | 1–4 September, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Early bird tickets on sale now.
QMusic is the not-for-profit music industry peak body and development association for Queensland. The work of QMusic is critical to the success and development of Queensland’s music economy. It is the only significant and established not-for-profit organisation in Queensland dedicated to delivering sector and talent development, and recognition and capacity building initiatives including Industry Connect, the QMAs, and BIGSOUND.
For more information on BIGSOUND 2026 visit www.bigsound.org.au
