Bigsound 2022 Expands Speakers Line-up with Che Pope, Tricia Holloway, Ali Harnell and More

Grammy Award-winning U.S. record producer Che Pope and leading music supervisor Tricia Holloway are the latest speakers confirmed for Bigsound 2022, which returns early next month in Brisbane.

Pope, the U.S.-based CEO / founder of WRKSHP Media and former, COO of GOOD Music, will share his insights into how to “Get Sh*t Done”.

He speaks with considerable experience.

As a label executive and producer, Pope has worked on some of hip-hop’s pivotal albums, including The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Kanye West’s Bound 2.

Meanwhile, Holloway, the Los Angeles-based, Australia-born global head of music with Walt Disney Imagineering, will stop by for a digital presentation and conversation on the entertainment giant and how music fits into her world.

After skipping the 2021 edition due to the pandemic, and hosting a “virtual” event in 2020, Bigsound 2022 is taking shape as an in-person pow-wow, with a loaded daytime program and a “biggest ever” night time showcase lineup with more than 180 acts.

Additional keynote speakers, announced today (Aug. 11), include Yanyuwa/Wardaman songwoman Shellie Morris, Uncle Joe Geia, Carissa Nyalu and JK-47, artists Montaigne and Woodes, broadcaster Tim Shiel, all of whom will take centre stage alongside previously-announced VIPs Tarana Burke, the #MeToo movement founder; Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski; artist and advocate Jaguar Jonze; and British-born, Brisbane-based hitmaker Example.

Also confirmed as speakers are Ali Harnell, Live Nation Women president & chief strategy officer; Annabelle Herd, ARIA and PPCA CEO; Dr Guy Morrow and Maggie Collins, executive director of Association of Artist Managers.

This year’s industry gathering incorporates Bigsound Country, a country-focused spotlight that organisers say should blend seamlessly into the discussions and live performances.

As part of that new thread, Nashville-based Milly Olykan, international relations and development of the Country Music Association, will “reflect on the growth of country music” and curate a special edition of SongHubs In The Round, featuring ARIA and AIR Award-winning artist Fanny Lumsden and songwriter-for-the-stars, Shy Carter.

Paul Bowker’s Brick Lane Brewing will present the official opening event, while a smattering of “Label Happy Hour” sessions will get the parties cranking, presented by The Operatives and Grand Trine Management, Mushroom Management, [PIAS] Australia and Inertia Music, and Sony Music Australia.

Delegates can swing into industry events hosted by Spotify, Live Nation, Music NZ, Made in SA, Ivy League, CADA and UNIFIED x Lonely Lands, and featuring performances from AKOSIA, Press Club, merci, mercy, Jesswar and KANADA THE LOOP, and many more.

Paul Piticco’s homegrown music company Dew Process will celebrate its 20th birthday during this year’s event, with Secret Sounds delivering the closing party.

Launched in 2002 and produced by trade body QMusic, Bigsound is expected to gather 1,700 conference delegates and an aggregate festival attendance of over 16,000.

This year’s event runs Sept. 6-9 in the Fortitude Valley.

Visit BIGSOUND for more.