News August 17, 2018

QMusic announces BIGSOUND Bursary winners and new songwriting retreat

Today QMusic has announced the six emerging Queensland music industry practicioners who have won the BIGSOUND Bursary. For a second year, the Bursary will cover flights, accomodation, and entry to the event for these six artists, giving them a massive opportunity to network and learn more about Australia’s thriving music industry.

Dylan Lindquist (Clawmachine), Laura Bamford (Laura Louise), Rob Bryant (Big Foot Mafia), Sam Krzewina, Tom Gillespie (Venice on Fire), and Victoria Jenkins (Fragile Animals) are all part of the professional development program Industry Connect. Now they will be given the chance to develop and network further at one of the biggest industry events of the year.

BIGSOUND will take place September 4-7 and will see over 270 showcases, as well as plenty of international speakers and discussions during the day. On winning the Bursary, Tom Gillespie said “On top of the obvious tyranny of distance, you have to work twice as hard to network, befriend and otherwise insert yourself into industry and social circles. You’re constantly behind the eight ball, so this is a magnificent chance to rise above that. It will offer me a chance to meet professionals I would otherwise have no access to”.

Watch: BIGSOUND 2018

On top of announcing the winners of the Bursary, QMusic also announced a new songwriting retreat, AMPLIFY. Held in the mountains of Buderim at Heliport Studios, AMPLIFY is a one of a kind songwriting and development opportunity. Focused on creating interactions and learning from Australian songwriters and producers from major labels and publishing houses.

The retreat will give emerging and developing artist an opportunity to co-write, collaborate, connect and learn. Using the massive Heliport Studios property, artists will also get the opportunity to participate in masterclasses on topics such as mental health, royalties and mindsets for success.

How do you get involved?

Applications are now open for participants of the Industry Connect program from 2017 & 2018 across Queensland. Successful applicants will need to get themselves to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast but QMusic will cover, accommodation, food, transportation to and from the studio and snacks.

Apply here before September 12 for your chance to get involved in the retreat!