In 2016 BISOUND organisers announced what has to be their biggest live calendar to date. Featuring mainly local talent with a sprinkle of international visitors, the annual Brisbane music conference features a whopping 150 artists who will perform across 15 venues.
The event sees Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley play host to two nights of non-stop music from September 7-9, giving tastemakers, industry members, and the general public one of Australia’s most unique festival experiences.
With so many incredible acts and only two nights to cram it all in, it can all seem a little overwhelming – so we’ve decided to put together a little cheat sheet / guide featuring an assortment of both emerging and more established acts we think will be making waves next week at BIGSOUND.
30/70
Delivering one of the most diverse mixes of genres on the BIGSOUND lineup, 30/70’s soul, blues, rock, hip-hop and acoustic sounds make 30/70 one of BIGSOUND’s must-see artists. The Melbourne collective’s groove-based sound is going to make for one of the biggest parties you’ll see at the event this year.
A.B. Original
A group that need no introduction, A.B. Original have been making waves for all the right reasons lately. Alongside bringing much needed attention to the issues of race and indigenous rights in Australia, A.B. Original are continuously pumping out socially conscious tunes that are a perfect mix of politics and Aussie hip-hop.
Alex Lahey
Alex Lahey has been ticking all the boxes lately, from getting a glowing review from Pitchfork, to appearing at Splendour In The Grass, and to being the third recipient of the Josk Pyke Partnership. This Melbourne musician is impressing all the right people at the moment, and with a debut EP in the works, she is sure to become a new favourite for many after her appearance at BIGSOUND.
BUOY
Charmian Kingston, better known as BUOY, is making some of the most inventive and innovative electronic music in Australia right now. With BUOY’s tracks being a huge mix of samples, synths, and haunting vocals, these seriously intense soundscapes are sure to capture the attention of all in attendance at BIGSOUND.
Ceres
Hard-hitting, genuine, fun, but with an air of darkness, Ceres are making one of Australia’s most unique brands of alternative rock at the moment. With a refreshing approach to their music and their highly popular live shows, Ceres have been gaining legions of fans all over Australia, a trend that is sure to continue worldwide soon enough.
Columbus
Describing themselves as a hybrid mixture of punk, emo, and hardcore, you can almost expect what you’ll get with Columbus’ music, but the chances are good that you’d be way off. With clear influences from the early days of punk, and the lyrical content of early emo music, Columbus are taking these established genres and making their own hybrid that will draw you in and definitely make you a fan.
Dorsal Fins
Dorsal Fins have been kicking goals all over the place lately, with their debut album receiving glowing reviews from everyone, and their Like A Version cover being one of the most fun performances of 2015. The Melbourne 10-piece have been winning fans all over the country with their genre-exploring party vibes, and with a BIGSOUND appearance imminent, who knows how many more fans they’re about to make.
HABITS
For a band who describing themselves as purveyors of ‘sad goth party jams’, you already know that HABITS are going to be some fun. The best part is that they deliver on this promise by providing some of the kookiest and enjoyable tracks that you’ve heard in a while. If you’re a fan of good times, good tunes, and a lot of fun mixed into your music, HABITS are definitely going to be on your list at BIGSOUND this year.
Hot Spoke
Indie rock groups can occasionally be rather forgettable as they blend into the background. This is not even close to being the case with Sydney’s Hot Spoke. This four-piece cites bands such as The Smiths and Fairport Convention as their influences, and with a fragile, haunting sound that is reminiscent of bands such as Cowboy Junkies, this group is certain to take you on an emotional ride with every performance.
Mallrat
Mallrat’s been making music for a little while now, and for someone who’s worked with a producer like Tigerilla, cites Allday as an influence, and makes mention to INXS in her tunes, you know that you can expect nothing but bangers. The Brisbane 17 year old is getting attention from all over the place recently, and with BIGSOUND looming, you know that she’s bound to go from strength to strength after her performance.
Mosquito Coast
After winning triple j’s Unearthed High competition last year, Mosquito Coast have been a little on the quiet side; touring here and there, but clearly working up to something big. Now, with a BIGSOUND appearance in the middle of their single tour, this is the perfect opportunity to catch this Perth duo while they’re still on the rise.
MOSSY
I Oh You’s latest signee, MOSSY is providing us with some of the most riveting tunes heard for a while. With a background in acting, MOSSY clearly has a knack for the theatrical, and that’s exactly what he’s putting forward in his music. Inspired by the likes of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits, MOSSY will be laying with a live band at BIGSOUND, providing a rare opportunity to see some of the most seductive, enthralling vocals in Australia performed live.
Oh Pep!
Oh Pep! have been together for seven years now, and the Melbourne duo have been making some glorious folk music in that time. After gaining glowing reviews from outlets such as The New York Times and NPR Music, Oh Pep! released their debut album in June of this year. The band has been impressing fans all over the world with their unique blend of folk, pop and indie-rock sensibilities, making them an act definitely not to be missed.
Polish Club
Polish Club describe themselves as writing pop songs fifty years too late at twice the speed, and frankly, not much more needs to be said. With one of the most intriguing, and most fitting, voices in blues-rock, Polish Club are one of the finest indie rock groups out at the moment. If blues music done the right way is something you’re a fan of, then Polish Club are surely going to give you one of the most enjoyable experiences at Bigsound this year.
Rebel Yell
The solo project from Brisbane’s Grace Stevenson (one half of electro-pop duo 100%), Rebel Yell sees her veer sharply into fantastically dark, industrial techno. Grace has just dropped an excellent debut EP in Mother of Millions and, having already shared the stage with the likes of Lucy Cliché and Pillow Pro, she’s primed for an unmissable set on her hometown stage.
Sampa The Great
The last year or so has seen the Australian hip hop scene blessed by one of the best gifts it could have asked for in Sydney’s Sampa The Great. Since announcing herself in 2015 with her stunningly fresh ‘The Great Mixtape’, Sampa has gone from strength to strength, dropping great tunes with Remi and supporting giants like Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat and Hiatus Kaiyote. Backed by the equally-talented guitar man and producer Godriguez, Sampa is on track to be a giant herself.
Tash Sultana
There will be few acts at BIGSOUND this year with more buzz than Tash Sultana. Starting out busking on the streets of Melbourne and streaming her music from her home, she’s grabbed eyeballs from across the country and the world with her undeniable multi-instrumental talent. Having already casually sold out a world tour and three consecutive shows at her hometown venue The Corner, you don’t need us to tell you that she’s one to watch – but good luck squeezing into the venue.
Tkay Maidza
Tkay Maidza is easily one of the biggest names in Australian music at the moment. Not bad for someone who is yet to release her debut album. Fresh from a couple of years of releasing huge tunes, collaborating with artists such as Martin Solveig and Troye Sivan, and coming straight from playing festivals like Pukkelpop in Belgium, Reading & Leeds in the UK, Tkay is becoming huge worldwide. Her performance at Bigsound may be one of your last chances to see her before she’s headlining festivals all over.
Vera Blue
It’s been a rapid ascension for Sydney’s alt-folk gem Vera Blue, selling out an array of venues across the country off the strength of her debut EP and Matt Corby support slots. Not one to rest, she’s jumped back into the fray with another national tour, but the eager industry hub of BIGSOUND will be the ideal place to catch her – if you’re one of the few who hasn’t already.
Young Tapz
Young Tapz may only be 19 years old, but he’s already going places. Born in Zimbabwe before relocating to New Zeland at 8 years old, his self-produced and self-released single ‘Killa’ has amassed more than 1.25 million plays on Spotify and he’s just inked a tripartite global management deal with G.O.O.D Management, Control Music, and Winterman & Goldstein.
