BIGSOUND_AU

At BIGSOUND 2024, we were lucky enough to receive crucial information about how we can improve the way we nurture local talent, the barriers young people face when attempting to engage in their local music scene, and the ways in which live events are evolving to adapt to an entirely new industry landscape. Explore the Reports and Data presented by Annabelle Herd, Bolster Group, Tixel, The Push, and Live Nation APAC at BIGSOUND, that'll help us build a stronger music community.

Following last week’s jam-packed schedule of exciting performances, insightful keynotes, and thought-provoking panels, BIGSOUND has added another incredibly successful event to the history books.   With the number of Festival attendees up by 40% from 2023, it’s evidently clear that Australians still crave an immersive live music experience.  Reflecting on this year’s event, QMusic CEO Kris Stewart says “It was so meaningful to see everyone from the music industry gather and focus on positives and how together, we can capitalise on a moment of change and make it an opportunity instead of a challenge.   “It was a hugely successful year, which is incredible given the challenges faced by our industry in recent times. As importantly, it was a really strong year for the number of new collaborations and business outcomes that were initiated at BIGSOUND, and we’ll see the successes of these moving forward.”   Read more about what the 1500+ delegates of BIGSOUND 2024 experienced here: https://lnkd.in/gedPz7xU

BIGSOUND and QMusic are excited to announce that Cathy Oates (Original Matters) and Niriko McLure (Third Person Management) will be taking over the prestigious joint role of BIGSOUND Conference Co-Programmers for the event from 2025, replacing Tom Larkin after his impressive seven-year tenure. “We are thrilled at BIGSOUND to welcome Niriko McLure and Cathy Oates to the team,” shared QMusic Director of Programming Mandi McIntyre. “The role of the BIGSOUND Conference programmer has an unbroken legacy of creating timely and pivotal conversations which reflect and translate the heartbeat of the music industry on an annual basis.   “Never has this been more important, and as such, Cathy and Niriko’s combined extensive global experience and networks, along with deep roots planted in our local industry arrive at BIGSOUND at the perfect juncture. We, the BIGSOUND team, are incredibly excited to work with Cathy and Niriko alongside our advisory groups and music co-programmers to help shape the future landscape of Australian music, both here and abroad.”  Of her new appointment, Oates says, “BIGSOUND has always been an essential date in the calendar for me, not only attending whilst my artists performed, but as a major networking event and a lot of condensed fun. To undertake this role with Niriko is an exciting proposition, each having different vaults within the music world to draw influence from. We both thrive on catching up with industry people from all walks of life, therefore the role is an extension of what we do already." McLure says of the new role, "I'm so excited to take on this role with Cathy. BIGSOUND provides access to knowledge and connection, which is so important to keep a dynamic and thriving music culture. Casey, Katie, the QMusic team and the music business community, I can’t wait to work with you next year as we help create spaces to exchange conversations and share ideas with all those making great music, unforgettable songs and experiences possible." A massive thank you to Tom Larkin for the work he has done within the BIGSOUND team over the years and welcome to the two new programmers, Cathy and Niriko.

Rounding out our Programming Advisory Group for BIGSOUND 2024 is Vyvienne Abla, an award-winning member of the Australian music community who we’re incredibly pleased to be working with.     Vyv is the Director and Founder of Vyva Entertainment, as well as an artist manager and executive producer who’s worked within the local and international creative industries for over two decades. Vyv has been invited to speak at many international events and her contribution to the Australian music industry has earned her numerous awards and nominations, including the 2023 NSW NLMA for Excellence in the Australian Live Music Industry, and the Western Sydney University’s Women of the West Business Award in 2022.    With a strong passion for facilitating positive change within the music industry, Vyv is an active member of various advisory boards and committees including Sound NSW, Riverside Theatre, Shock Therapy Arts, ARIA’s Hip Hop and R&B Committee, and the Community Music Commission for the International Society for Music Education.    With our Programming Advisory Group now added to her extensive list of advisory roles, we’re thrilled to be working with Vyv to build this year’s exciting BIGSOUND program.  

We’re extremely excited to be working with Ninakaye Taanetinorau, a member of this year’s BIGSOUND Programming Advisory Group, on our 2024 program.     Ninakaye Taane-Tinorau (Ngāti Maniapoto) is an executive member of the Maori Music Industry Coalition and Trustee of Soundcheck Aotearoa, a current Board Member and mentor for the Aotearoa Music Manager Forum, and older sister to award-winning New Zealand artist and producer Tiki Tanne, who she’s managed alongside his company Tiki Dub Productions, since 2007.    With a vast background spanning across public health, event management, film, TV, and fitness, Ninakaye likes to draw upon her life experiences for her work as a music manager and mentor. Outside of the music industry however, Ninakaye is a skilled MC, public speaker, and yoga instructor.    Ninakaye brings a wealth of life experience to the table, as well as in-dept knowledge of the New Zealand music community, and we’re so proud to be working with her on this year’s BIGSOUND program. 

BIGSOUND 2024 is almost here and one of the most exciting aspects of the southern hemisphere’s largest music industry gathering, are the insightful Keynote speakers we have each year. This time around, one of our most buzzed about Keynote sessions comes from Elijah, a London-based creative force challenging conventional narratives that currently exist within music. We reached out to Elijah to learn more about his perspective on the music industry and what he’s looking forward to experiencing at BIGSOUND.  

We’re honoured to welcome Nazlican Eren, a multifaceted rising force within the Australian music industry, as a member of BIGSOUND’s Programming Advisory Group in 2024. Naz is an artist manager, radio presenter, culture consultant, local tastemaker, facilitator, and connector within the local hip-hop and RnB scene.   Her show Sunset with Nazty Gurl, embodies her commitment to the scene and has featured artists such as 1300, Pania, Mali Jo$e, and BAYANG (the Bushranger), amongst many others. Her management work under One Day Entertainment operates in a similar realm, having facilitated the rise of disparate artists like tiffi alongside her own management arm, Cherub Artists. She also happens to be the co-founder of ONE OFF TRACKS, a writing camp for women and non-binary creatives that’s committed to boosting traditionally underrepresented creative voices. We’re thrilled to be working with Naz on this year’s BIGSOUND program, as she offers a fresh perspective that is genuinely devoted to platforming women and GNC voices in across all areas of the music industry.  

From the depths of Spotify's data to the forefront of music industry insights, nobody knows music like Glenn McDonald. With his revolutionary platform, Every Noise At Once, he's cracked the code on music genres. Join us for a deep dive into his new book and a forecast of Australia's music scene as he breaks down what people really want to hear in 2024. Book your BIGSOUND all-access Delegate Pass to catch Glenn + more this September here: https://lnkd.in/gs77EJiZ

We’re excited to welcome Matt Johnston to the BIGSOUND team in 2024 as a member of our incredibly knowledgeable Programming Advisory Group.    Matt is the promotor and curator of regional live music venue and events company, Dashville. He grew up in the bush of Wonnarua country (Hunter Valley), playing in country punk bands, before launching The Gum Ball in 2004, which evolved into Dashville over time.     Dashville has gone from strength to strength, hosting a number of boutique camping festivals and annual events including Dashville Skyline, Dashville Nights, PigSty in July, and Thrashville, whilst also providing artist services to a number of recording acts in the local Hunter Valley music scene.     Matt is passionate about helping regional acts thrive, which is why we’re honoured to have him with us to help develop BIGSOUND’s energetic 2024 program.  

We’re so pleased to be working with John Mullen, a very knowledgeable member of our Programming Advisory Group, on this year’s BIGSOUND program.    John is Head of A&R and Executive Producer at Dew Process Records, working with acts and bands like Mallrat, Old Mervs, Tkay Maidza, Allday, Sly Withers, Tyne-James Organ, and many others.     John also manages producer and mixer Dylan Adams (DMA’s, West Thebarton, Clews), and is currently on the QMusic board.    It’s a pleasure to be working with John and building this year’s BIGSOUND program with him and our other Programming Advisory Group members.