BIGSOUND Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Epic Showcase Line-Up

BIGSOUND today debuts their expertly programmed showcase via the BIGSOUND 100: a thoughtful  curation of the best export-ready talent shaping the sound of Australia.

From September 1-4 2026, Fortitude Valley will play host to incredible talent from Australia and beyond, with the entire precinct becoming a playground for local and visiting music industry professionals looking to amplify and unearth music’s next wave of stars, curated and programmed in an exciting, choose-your-own-adventure style festival.

The showcase line-up for 2026 represents a rich, diverse roster of names from around the country and New Zealand; from rock to hip hop; pop and electronic, to heavy and alternative influences, the BIGSOUND 100 has been meticulously built by programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne, in with consultation an expert board of artists and music professionals representing different corners of the Australian industry.

Acclaimed musician, visual artist, creator and now, facilitator, NGAIIRE returns to Brisbane with a brand new set of music that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary and traditional neo-soul influences. Formerly Sydney-based but now living in the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, NGAIIRE has long been considered one of Australia’s most important voices, producing music that has drawn multiple ARIA nominations and National Live Music Award and FBi Radio SMAC Award wins. Her tapestry weaves stories of ancestral power with explorations of womanhood, identity and strength, and her new music (led by the impactful new single Afar) hints at an exciting new arc ahead.

Rising indie pop artist JEM CASSAR-DALEY has continued blazing her own trail in recent years, releasing music that has captivated audiences around the country. The proud Gumbaynggirr / Bundjalung woman has flourished beautifully as a performer since breaking out onto the scene in 2021; her vocals, powerful and soulful, with a songwriting talent that feels as natural as it does warm and inviting. A nominee for APRA’s Emerging Songwriter of the Year award in 2025, the trajectory Cassar-Daley is on for 2026 is an electric one. 

Fast rising indie-psych band DAILY J have grown exponentially in recent years, becoming one of Aotearoa’s most exciting names to watch. Based in T?maki Makaurau / Auckland, the four-piece offer an oasis of escape for their listeners; an opportunity to get lost in waves of warm and expansive sounds. Subtle hints of pop and electronica fuse with groove and synth-laced melodies, creating a realm of music that is easy to immerse oneself in. Developing an audience that has become fiercely loyal, with over 2 million streams and counting, DAILY J arrives at BIGSOUND with new music to share.

London-based Australian singer songwriter SAM FISCHER has earned rightful international success for his solo work and collaborations with the likes of Demi Lovato, Sabrina Claudio, Ciara and Jessie J. Releasing his debut album ‘I Love You, Please Don’t Hate Me’ in 2023, Fischer has cemented his place as one of Australia’s best pop songwriters while on the road, his evocative and impactful live shows have seen him share stages with artists including Lewis Capaldi and Guy Sebastian. 

One of the signature voices of the late-2000s indie-pop wave, LADYHAWKE has kept a stronghold on a devoted global following across the last two decades; producing work that has explored different chapters of her life with a balance of fantasy and realism woven through each song. A multi-instrumentalist whose hybrid mix of guitar and electro-pop in itself, pioneered a revival of such a sound throughout Aotearoa and Australia, LADYHAWKE’s songwriting has continued to bend and expand with new influences. Recent collaborations with PNAU and Bec Sandridge serve as poignant reminders of her talent while also offering an insight into the creativity LADYHAWKE is currently enjoying.

Hailing from the Northern Rivers region surf-folk songwriter JACK BOTTS is one of the East Coast’s endearing and charismatic voices to watch. Cutting his teeth on the busking scene before developing into one of Australia’s fastest growing artists as a love for touring became a full-time endeavour, Botts’ music has resonated with audiences right around the country. Soulful, laidback and emotional, Botts’ sound translates brilliantly to the live stage – BIGSOUND being the perfect space for him to bring this energy to new and longtime fans alike.

The BIGSOUND 100 features some of Australia’s most buzzed about artists, many of whom have been making waves overseas. From Adelaide’s ANY YOUNG MECHANIC, who landed as one of the best on ground at The Great Escape, to uncompromising Melbourne punk outfit PUBLIC FIGURES; Melbourne EDM / pop multi-hyphenate AKOSIA; Windang, NSW original, indie artist ZACH STEPHENSON and 19 year old pop force LARA BUCHANAN, the list represents some of the best emerging talent who are right on the cusp of breaking open a huge new chapter of success.

“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s line-up. We were, yet again, blown away by the quality of applications and we believe the artists selected reflect the creativity, ambition and world-class talent emerging from Australia and New Zealand. This year’s program is packed with artists pushing boundaries, building real momentum, and creating the kind of moments BIGSOUND is known for. As this marks our final year as programmers, we couldn’t imagine a better group of artists to finish on,” said BIGSOUND Programmers, Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne.

This year, Spotify will power the BIGSOUND 100 backline, helping cover the often-overlooked costs of live performance, from amps and drum kits to the essential equipment that supports artists on stage. 

Today’s showcase line-up announcement follows on from BIGSOUND’s latest wave of international conference guests and Artist In Conversation sessions, speaking to this year’s theme ‘Creativity In Conversation’. 

Focusing on programming that amplifies the central idea that creativity, in many forms, extends beyond the stage, BIGSOUND is setting the stage to celebrate those people who turn their myriad ideas into an exciting reality. 

Recently announced Artists In Conversation include Australian heavyweight artists Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood (King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard), Julia Jacklin and trials – all of which are set to deliver unmissable Artist In Conversation sessions. They join international industry players from around the world including Partisan Records, Pitchfork, Soho House London, Bonnaroo and more.

In its 25th year, BIGSOUND continues to be the major architect of music discovery, industry connection and global relationship building between Australian and global music markets. Attracting an audience in the thousands every year, BIGSOUND has become more than a music industry event: it has certified its place as a cultural hub for artists, tastemakers and a music-loving public. 

Queenland Minister for Education and Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said BIGSOUND’s 25th anniversary is a testament to the power of music in bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and building connections.   

“For two and a half decades, BIGSOUND has been a driving force behind the discovery of new talent, the growth of our music industry and showcasing Queensland as a vibrant cultural destination,” Minister Langbroek said.

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support QMusic in presenting BIGSOUND as a key connector of artists to markets, to industry leaders and to music lovers from across the globe.

Through our 10-year Queensland’s Time to Shine strategy we are committed to growing the state’s creative economy and ensuring Queensland music is the soundtrack to 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.”

Generating $20 million in economic impact for Queensland in 2025, BIGSOUND has proven time and again its status as one of the country’s most important cultural events, and heading into 2026, the sights and ambition are only set higher. With over 200 music industry delegates from all over the world gathering in Brisbane, BIGSOUND is the place to be seen and heard. 

The full BIGSOUND program will launch in July, with early bird festival passes on sale now – make sure you are subscribed and staying tuned to all official updates via the BIGSOUND website: www.bigsound.org.au/subscribe

BIGSOUND is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland; and by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts funding and advisory body. 

BIGSOUND 2026
1 – 4 September – Fortitude Valley Brisbane, QLD

DELEGATE PASS – ON SALE FROM 4 JUNE
Full Price: $899 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $849

EARLY BIRD PRICING (UNTIL 30 JUNE 2026)
$699 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $649

SECOND RELEASE PRICING (1 JULY – 31 JULY)
$799 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $749

Student and concession pricing available, see bigsound.org.au for more information.

FESTIVAL PASS – ON SALE FROM 15 JUNE

3-Night Festival including afterparties
Full Price: $129 / Early Bird Pricing (until 31 July): $100

1-Night Festival
Full Price: $69 / Early Bird Pricing (until 31 July): $50
Youth (25 and under) and Concession Pricing: $30

BIGSOUND 100 – FESTIVAL SHOWCASE LINEUP

(Alphabetical Order)

AKOSIA
Ally Row
And Beyond
Any Young Mechanic
BALA RONTU
belac
Betty
Birdland
blinder
blue diner.
Blush’ko and The Lazy Boys
CATPISS
Clancy
Daily J
DC Maxwell
DeepFaith
Denvah
Deva Mahal
Divers
Djawarray and Mayi Wunba Dancers
dœgægé
DRIZZZ
Dumbhead
Dugong Jr
eli wan
Erika Ever
Fletcher Kent
Gloam
Grace Chia
Greatsouth
HARLEY GIRL
Hayley Jensen
Indigo Blaze
Jaal
Jack Botts
JALMAR
Jem Cassar-Daley
Jett Blyton
JIMI THE KWEEN
JJ Vacant
Kaikobad
Kidskin
Kiz
koady
Kyla Belle
L.O.W
Ladyhawke
LamBros.
Lara Buchanan
Late June
Lazy Haze
Lightyears
LIQUID ZOO
Local the Neighbour
Loosie Grind
Lover
Maybe Hugo
Mertas
Milly Strange
Mim Jensen
MOKOMOKAI
Ngaiire
nightdive
PA777IENCE
PASH
Peach Fuzz
Piper Butcher
Polly
PRETTY BLEAK
Public Figures
Queenie
Ricky Neil Jr.
Rromarin
Ruby Mae
RubyHoo
Salty
Sam Fischer
Say True God?
Scratching
Sidney
Sidney Phillips
Silky Roads
Special Features
Stimpies
SUPERNEW
Sweatbaby
TANISHA
Tear Drive
TEENS
THE BROWNS
The Cheaks
THEADORE
Tori Darke
Toy Shaw
TRAVIS COLLINS
Tusekah
Wild Gloriosa
WIN BIG
Zach Stephenson
Zipporah

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With thanks to Beehive PR