ONE WEEK TO GO: BIGSOUND SET TO TAKE OVER FORTITUDE VALLEY
Brisbane Magandjin, Queensland – In just one week, Fortitude Valley will become the epicentre of Australian music as BIGSOUND returns from 1-4 September, bringing together hundreds of artists, industry leaders and music fans for four days of showcases, conferences and career-defining moments.
For 25 years, BIGSOUND has been the launchpad for artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I and Courtney Barnett, while helping connect emerging talent with who they need to build successful careers be that record labels, artist management or international festivals.
With special event line ups dropping daily and the likes of rockers SLOWLY SLOWLY, MAY-A and Sunshine Coast locals FRANK & LOUIS joining as partner showcase acts for 2026 - Delegates and Festival-goers alike are encouraged to head to the official BIGSOUND website to build their personalised schedules and RSVPs to popular sessions like the annual Roundtables by Xelon Digital now.
QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis said that BIGSOUND has always been about what happens when great artists and great ideas come together.
“Every conversation, showcase, and unexpected connection has the potential to shape someone’s career, and that’s what keeps people coming back year after year,” Ellis said.
“As we celebrate 25 years of BIGSOUND, we’re looking forward to welcoming the industry and the wider community into Fortitude Valley for another unforgettable conference and festival,” she said.
Queensland’s Night-Life Economy Commissioner, John ‘JC’ Collins has said that BIGSOUND’s impact on the wider economy in Queensland is proof of what can be possible when support is poured into the arts and entertainment.
“BIGSOUND is proof of what’s possible when you back a precinct like Fortitude Valley, with its edgy, vibrant and unique character, and the protections a Special Entertainment Precinct provides to support live music venues in a walkable precinct.” Collins said.
“It’s the heartbeat of entertainment in Brisbane and a real-world example of the vibrant, safe and business-friendly nightlife economy we should be building across Queensland as we get match fit for 2032. More than $20 million in economic impact in 2025 shows this isn’t just good for the Valley, it’s good for jobs, businesses and the wider Queensland economy.”
For locals, the FREE LIVE MUSIC program returns to the BIGSOUND Mall Stage presented by Amazon Music (Brunswick St Mall) with beats sounding till 10pm daily. Program highlights include the Hunting Ground Publishing Showcase introducing two of the team’s first signings, JUNGAJI and HOLYSTONE - all live on Wednesday, from Noon; as well as a host of all ages programming including showcase performances by Pash, Zipporah and Salty on Tuesday; BIRDLAND, DEVA MAHAL, LAMBROS on Wednesday; and LARA BUCHANAN, NGAIIRE and SILKY ROADS on Thursday evening.
The return of Brisbane City Council’s QUBE Effect initiative which highlights and nurtures emerging Brisbane artists sees the QUBE EFFECT Live at BIGSOUND, featuring Brisbane locals BADPOSTURE will take over Brunswick Street Mall on Thursday afternoon (4.40pm).
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said BIGSOUND turned an ordinary week in Fortitude Valley into the biggest week on the Australian music calendar.
"Brisbane is Australia's lifestyle capital and BIGSOUND brings the Valley alive with live music, emerging artists and plenty to see and do," Cr Schrinner said.
"The best part is, so much is free which gives residents another great reason to get out and enjoy Brisbane.
"We are bringing the QUBE Effect to BIGSOUND for the first time, with local band BAD POSTURE taking over Brunswick Street Mall on Thursday afternoon.
"Backing Brisbane talent and creating more great experiences like this is all part of making our city an even better place to live."
