The countdown is down for Australia’s biggest annual music conference and showcase event, Bigsound.

Industry figures and artists alike are jam-packing their calendars before they make the pilgrimage to Fortitude Valley on September 4; and with daytime conference numbers increasing 10% on last year to 1,500, the live programme has also expanded to feature more acts and more venues.

In the words of Linkin Park, time is a valuable thing. So, we asked a few Bigsound delegates including Paul Harris (Sony Music), Claire Collins (Bossy), Dave Parker (Universal Music) and Mardi Caught (The Annex) who their ‘must-see’ showcasing acts are.

Charlie Collins and Atlas Franklin Alexander

CXLOE

“I am hands down, sorry not sorry, borderline obsessed with CXLOE. If she is not the next biggest Aussie breakout star, then I’ll shout the bar at BIGSOUND.”
– Van Picken, Comes With Fries

Stream CXLOE’s track ‘Show You’ below:

Triple One

“The most intense, sweaty, visceral and intimidating live show you’ll see all week. And I mean all of that in a good way.”
– Paul Harris, Sony Music

Watch Triple One’s video for ‘Tarlo’ below:

Erthlings

Watch Erthlings’ video for ‘Bridges’ below:

Adrian Eagle

Watch Adrian Eagle’s clip for ’17 Again’ below:

Gravemind

“Gravemind are one of the most CLEVER marketers of their own music out there AND they are 100% the HEAVIEST thing that is likely to have ever played at Bigsound, so I can’t wait for that.”
– Tim Price, Collision Course PR

Watch Gravemind’s clip for ‘Lifelike’ below:

KIAN

“Right now, like right now, there’s no emerging artist hotter than triple j Unearthed High competition winner KIAN. The whole industry is coming to check him out.”
– Chryss Carr, co-manager

Watch KIAN’s video for ‘Waiting’ below:

Imogen Clark

“Imogen Clark is a must see. An authentic singer-songwriter who crosses genres.”
– Dave Parker, Universal Music Australia

Watch Imogen Clark’s clip for ‘Collide’ below:

G-Flip

“I haven’t seen her live yet. She’s got such an awesome voice and songs. Singer, writer and producer – love a triple threat!”
– Viv Fantin, Fantin Comes Alive

“I’m going to keep pursuing my current G Flip obsession so that’s the top of the list.”
– Mardi Caught, The Annex

Watch G-Flip’s video for ‘About You’ below:

The Beths

“Guitar indie rock songs with sunny pop melodies performed with a wonderful sense of fun. The best thing to come out of the Auckland Uni Jazz School.”
– Jeff Newton, NZ On Air

Watch The Beths’ video for ‘You Wouldn’t Like Me’ below:

The Merindas 

“Warrior queens, synths, pop, joy and fearlessness. All my favourite things in music right now AND they are looking for management.”
– Leanne De Souza, AAM

Listen to The Merindas’ ‘We Sing Until Sunrise’ below:

Didirri

“How could I possibly choose when there are amazing acts like Didirri and Slowly Slowly performing. I can’t wait to see all of the incredible talent Bigsound has to offer this year”
– Jaddan Comerford, UNIFIED Music Group

“Having heard him for the first time at BS 17 and then followed him around at various events and seeing him play at SXSW this year, it’s been a pleasure to see the success flow with him.”
– Stuart Watters, Nightlife Music

Watch Didirri’s video for ‘I Can’t Get Last Night Out Of My Head’ below:

Oh Pep!

“Double J’s showcase will bring some of Australia’s most talented women to the front. Thando, Gabriella Cohen and Nardean have already released impressive music this year so I’m most excited to see indie folk duo Oh Pep! road test their new songs.”
– Dorothy Markek, Double J Music Director

Watch Oh Pep!’s video for ‘What’s The Deal With David?’ below:

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

“PPC’s live set is off the hook, loud, loose and full of face melting goodness. Do not miss this band!”
– Sammie Anschau, Beehive PR

Watch Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ video for ‘Cornflake’ below:

Samsaruh

Listen to Samsaruh’s track ‘Speaking Fire’ below:

Good Doogs

Watch Good Doogs’ clip for ‘So Dumb’ below:

Cry Club

“They’re one of the most exciting acts to watch live and one of the most important new bands in Australia. I doubt you’ll be able to see them in a small venue for long! (PS. I also think people should come watch me but I think that goes without saying!)”
– Rachel Maria Cox

Stream Cry Club’s ‘Walk Away’ below:

Rachel Maria Cox

“The UK scene hasn’t taken a risk on a guitar bands in ages and I’m extremely excited for an emo fix!”
– Chris Carey, FastForward

Watch Rachel Maria Cox’s clip for ‘Untidy’ below:

Merpire, Eliott, JEFFE, and Georgia Mulligan

Watch Georgia Mulligan’s clip for ‘The Dark’ below:

Beatrice

Stream Beatrice’s track ‘Grid’ below:

:: Bigsound 2018 is just around the corner. Here’s the TIO checklist

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.