BIGSOUND 2024 Reports ‘Hugely Successful Year,’ 40% Spike in Festival Attendance

Despite the myriad problems facing event organisers, from the cost-of-living crisis to new and existing competition, BIGSOUND 2024 was a “hugely successful event,” its producers say.

The volume of festival attendees lifted 40% year-on-year, while more than 1,500 delegates took part.

“It was a hugely successful year, which is incredible given the challenges faced by our industry in recent times,” comments Kris Stewart, CEO of QMusic, producers of BIGSOUND. “As importantly, it was a really strong year for the number of new collaborations and business outcomes that were initiated at BIGSOUND, and we’ll see the successes of these moving forward.”

This year, BIGSOUND Festival was unlocked for music fans for as little as $25 (plus booking fee) for a single night ticket, with the three-night pass giving access to every night and venue for $89 (plus fees).

Keynote speakers at this years’ event included Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers; Kelis; Tones & I; and Josh Simons, CEO of Vinyl Group.

BIGSOUND was presented Sept. 3 to 6. For the first time, the Brick Lane People’s Choice Award was presented to Gold Coast-based new-comer Lyric, who performed on triple j’s Unearthed Stage.

This inaugural, publicly-voted award “lets the audience shine a spotlight on their favourite acts, offering well-deserved recognition to an up-and-coming musician,” comments Paul Bowker, managing director of Brick Lane Brewing, sponsors of the annual conference and showcase extravaganza.

“Our heartfelt congratulations to the winner, Lyric, and to all of the artists who picked up votes. In a lineup packed with such incredible talent, every vote speaks volumes.”

Also presented for the first time, the JBL Industry Prize. Through the prize, $1,000 cash was distributed to each of five winners: Bean Magazine, Armlock, Sex Mask, Miles Nautu, and Lucy Sugerman, who were selected by a panel of judges comprised of domestic and international industry professionals.

Also, JBL selected Miles Nautu to receive an additional $2,000 of professional audio equipment to help progress his career.

As previously reported, Cathy Oates (Original Matters) and Niriko McLure (Third Person Management) will lead the daytime agenda as conference programmers from 2025, succeeding Tom Larkin after seven years.