QMusic unveil new venue and entrepreneurial theme for BIGSOUND 2019 conference

This year’s BIGSOUND in Brisbane (September 3—6) has found a new home for its conference hub.

It has outgrown the 300-capacity Judith Wright Centre, where it’s been since it was set up in 2002 by Queensland music association QMusic.

The event has been growing since, but took a 40% leap in patron numbers two years ago to nearly 14,000, injecting $2.79 million into the Brisbane economy.

This year it is moving to the larger Cloudland in Fortitude Valley, organisers announced this morning.

Cloudland is a conference, meetings and cocktail party set-up with eight different function spaces, the largest holding 700 people.

“Over the years, BIGSOUND has changed, with networking, workshops and other events becoming far more integral to the event,” says executive programmer Maggie Collins.

“So making the move to Cloudland will give more programming flexibility as well as bringing the conference events closer to the live music that is at the heart of BIGSOUND.”

As revealed by TMN last spring, Collins is joined by an extended programmer line-up this year.

Tom Larkin (Shihad, record producer, mentor, VVV Management) is assisting with the conference events.

Artist and PR manager Melody Forghani (Twnty Three) and Tim Shiel (director of artist-run Melbourne label Spirit Level and Double J presenter) join the live music team.

This year’s theme is ‘The Artist As The CEO’, reflecting the new music industry landscape that puts the artist in the centre of activity.

Artist applications for three nights of showcases featuring 150 acts also open today.

Last year saw 1,000 applications from across the country (along with excellent mullets, denim jackets & foot massages).

BIGSOUND now has a reputation similar to the UK’s The Great Escape where industry executives from around the world come together to check export-ready acts looking for the next career step.

Flume, Gang of Youths, Courtney Barnett, Tash Sultana and Rufus Du Sol are just some who signed early international deals here.

READ: TMN‘s Guide To BIGSOUND Etiquette

Last month BIGSOUND threw a brunch at SXSW in Austin at the Aussie hub Australia House, and showcased Amanu Tribe, Rachael Fahim, Mojo Juju, Gabriella Cohen, FEELS, Two People, The Gooch Palms, Golden Vessel, Angie McMahon and Kwame.

An expanded ‘BIGSOUND Tech’ is extended to the length of the conference, giving tech entrepreneurs the ability to showcase to the wider conference as well as gain access to greater market feedback, training and support.

The ‘Hook Up’ sessions are also extended, to provide opportunities for artists and industry to connect through one-on-one face time.