Be the Future of Music
Showcase at BIGSOUND
September 7-9
#Applications now closed for 2021
Australian artists have the rare chance to perform in front of some of the most influential figures in music by showcasing at BIGSOUND, the southern hemisphere's largest new music festival and conference.
Back to its spiritual home in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct Tuesday 7 - Thursday 9 September, BIGSOUND 2021 is the showcase opportunity that puts artists in front of leading music industry delegates, with some of the biggest names in Australian music getting their start at BIGSOUND, including Flume, Rufus du Sol, Gang of Youths, The Temper Trap, Lime Cordiale, Tash Sultana, DMA’s, Courtney Barnett, The Teskey Brothers, The Jezabels and many more.
This year's event will welcome tastemakers from across the country including media, A&R, agents, promoters, music supervisors, buyers and so much more. And for national and international industry and delegates who cannot physically attend, BIGSOUND's digital doors will be open for business.
Also returning in 2021 is the Levi’s® Music Prize in partnership with BIGSOUND, an incredible initiative that enables Australian bands and artists to make the most of new opportunities on the way to the next stage of their careers with $15K up for grabs for three artists in the next round. All artists selected to showcase at BIGSOUND 2021 are eligible to WIN!
Now in its 20th year, BIGSOUND has grown to become the biggest annual new music event of its kind in Australia. Run across three game-changing days and three fun-filled nights, you can connect with, listen to and play in front of some of the most influential players in music.
With almost a thousand bands performing at BIGSOUND over its 20-year history – it's easy to see why BIGSOUND is the place people come to discover the future of music.
Be the future of music. Apply to showcase at BIGSOUND 2021.
Applications for BIGSOUND 2021 have now closed.
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#Selection Process
The core purpose of BIGSOUND is to create business outcomes for showcasing artists by exposing them to the best of the Australian and international music industry.
The BIGSOUND 2021 Festival programming team will assess applications by gauging what potential outcomes artists may achieve from showcasing and ensuring showcasing artists are capitalising on existing momentum. What have you achieved so far and what will you gain out of BIGSOUND 2021? This is important to keep in mind when applying.
BIGSOUND is unable to put every artist that applies on a stage, even though we wish we could! If you apply and you are unsuccessful, this is in no way a reflection of you or your music. When writing your application, reflect on the information above and make it the strongest it can be.
Good luck and we can’t wait to see you all in September at BIGSOUND 2021.
#Application FAQs
Key Dates
Wed 28th April: Applications open on the BIGSOUND website 11:59pm (AEST),
Fri 6 June: Artist applications CLOSE 11:59pm (AEST)
Late June: Successful applicants notified
Tues 7th – Thurs 9th September: BIGSOUND - acts must be available to be in Brisbane.
Eligibility + Travel Restrictions
Due to current travel restrictions, only Australian and New Zealand artists are eligible to apply at this time. This may be subject to change.
Who should apply to play?
Australian and New Zealand artists are encouraged to apply.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, First Nations people from countries that are not Australia and those residing in regional and remote communities are strongly encouraged to apply to play, and to also apply for financial support from funding bodies.
Is there an application fee to apply?
There is a small fee to apply to be a BIGSOUND showcasing artist. Please see Apply to Play page for prices.
How will my application be assessed?
Our aim for BIGSOUND 2021 is to assist showcasing artists with achieving their goals and taking their career to the next level. Whether that be growing your team, expanding your fanbase, or announcing your arrival, we want to foster these opportunities.
Now more than ever we need to focus on outcomes for our showcasing artists. This means the BIGSOUND 2021 Festival programming team will be assessing applications by gauging what potential outcomes artists may achieve from showcasing. We also want to ensure showcasing artists are capitalising on existing momentum. What have you achieved so far and what will you gain out of BIGSOUND 2021? This is important to keep in mind when applying.
Will I get feedback on my application?
The BIGSOUND team is lucky to receive a large number of applications each year and are privileged to listen to an array of diverse and talented artists from across Australia. We would love to be able to provide feedback on all applications, however, due to the capacity of the team, we can only provide feedback to successful applications. Unfortunately, the scope and diversity of applications means that it’s not practical or fair for the assessment panel to provide feedback on individual applications.
Is travel assistance available?
There is no travel assistance available from BIGSOUND and each band will be responsible for getting themselves to Brisbane.
Will successful acts receive passes?
Each performing individual will receive an artist wristband granting them access to all festival venues for official showcases, for the duration of the festival.
Individuals under 18 will have access to their showcasing venue for their performance only.
Can I get a refund if I purchase a delegate pass and am then announced as a showcasing artist?
Yes, the BIGSOUND team will assist in delivering refunds to showcasing artists.
Please contact info@qmusic.com.au or call (07) 3257 0013 for assistance.
