Kelis Named as Keynote Speaker For Bigsound 2024
Kelis’ milkshakes are renowned, she can cook up a storm on stage, in-studio and in the kitchen, and her keynote skills will be in full-glory at this year’s Bigsound conference.
The U.S. R&B star will deliver a keynote address on Thursday, Sept. 5 in Brisbane, for what organisers say will be an honest conversation on the importance of being authentic and her fearless approach to transformation.
Kelis’ career blew up with her Neptunes-produced debut 1999 single “Caught Out There,” from the Kaleidoscope album. That no-nonsense cut (“I hate you so much right now”) led into Tasty and a string of bangers, including “Trick Me,” “Milkshake” and “Bossy,” all a musical world away from that first release.
A multi-hyphenate talent, Kelis has gone on to train as a Le Cordon Bleu chef, penned the cookbook “My Life on a Plate,” and fronted several cooking specials on Netflix.
Bigsound and Queensland Music Trails have partnered on bringing-out the Harlem-born, by teaming for her keynote speech and a performance at Sweet Relief! festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, details of which will be announced in due course.
“Bigsound lights up the heart of the Fortitude Valley each year with a flurry of music lovers, brilliant minds and world class performers,” comments QMusic and Bigsound CEO Kris Stewart.
“It’s a pleasure to get to partner with QLD Music Trails to bring to the city someone who encompasses all these things and more, Kelis, for what will undoubtedly be an incredible keynote
speech and festival performance.”
Kelis joins Amyl & The Sniffers’ lethal lead Amy Taylor as a Bigsound keynote speaker. As previously reported, international speakers at the annual music industry gathering include A&R legend and Mushroom Group stalwart Korda Marshall, fellow Brit creative Elijah (co-founder of Butterz), Casper Mills (4AD), Elliott Lefko (vice president of AEG/Goldenvoice Concerts), Naomie Abergel (musician, FKA Mark Johns) and more.
Bigsound 2024 will once against storm the Fortitude Valley across three days and three nights from Sept. 3 – 6, with a combination of presentations and panel discussions and a heaving bill of live performances.
Earlybird delegate passes are now on sale, priced at $629 (general), $529 (QMusic members) and $379 (students).
Bigsound is produced by QMusic, presented by Brick Lane and Oztix, and is partnered with Queensland Government, Creative Australia and other organisations.