BIGSOUND 2026 Unveils King Gizzard, Julia Jacklin and trials for Landmark 25th Anniversary Program

Australia's biggest exports join Artist in Conversation series for BIGSOUND.

BIGSOUND is marking its 25th anniversary with a powerhouse first announcement, unveiling a new wave of international industry heavyweights alongside the first Artist in Conversation guests for the 2026 event.

Returning to Magandjin (Brisbane) from September 1–4, BIGSOUND continues to cement its status as the Southern Hemisphere’s premier music industry gathering, bringing together artists, executives, tastemakers and decision-makers from across the globe.

BIGSOUND 2026

When: 1 – 4 September

Where: Fortitude Valley Brisbane, QLD

INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY GUESTS – JUST ANNOUNCED

Bonnaroo (C3 Presents) – Bryan Benson (US)
CUEW / One Music Camp / Arifuji Weekenders – Yuta Nomura (JP)
India International Music Week – Rafael Pereira (IN)**
Mojo – Puck Stoelinga (NL)
Mom+Pop Music – Thaddeus Rudd (US)
Pitchfork – Nina Corcoran (US)
Partisan Records – Chris Fraser (UK)
Skillbox – Roydon Bangera (IN) **
Soho House – Jessica Moss (UK)
TBA Agency – Kyle Kernohan (US)

INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY GUESTS – ALREADY ANNOUNCED

Bandcamp – Mariana Timony (US)
Carpark Records – Steph Salas (US)
DMT Law Firm – David Telfer (US)
Hellfest – Christie Medina-Gonzalez (FR)
Low Profile – Carole Ann Vetter (US)
Reeperbahn – Patrick Daniel (GER)
ROAM Artists – Lucy Atkinson (UK)
Rough Trade Retail – Nigel House (UK)
Sziget – Márk Bónal (Hungary)
SXSW – Dev Sherlock (US)
The Great Escape – Marie Robinson (UK)
True Panther – Kelley Lin (US)

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BIGSOUND (@bigsound)

Leading the Artist in Conversation program are members of Australian psych-rock phenomenon King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood. More than a decade after their breakout BIGSOUND showcase in 2013, the Melbourne outfit has become one of the most influential and prolific bands of its generation, amassing more than 25 albums while cultivating a fiercely independent creative vision that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Their conversation promises a rare insight into the evolution of a band that has consistently defied convention while building an international career on its own terms.

Joining them is acclaimed singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin, whose deeply personal songwriting and magnetic live performances have established her as one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Since first appearing at BIGSOUND in 2016, just ahead of the release of her breakthrough debut Don’t Let The Kids Win, Jacklin has built a devoted global following through albums including Crushing and the ARIA-nominated PRE PLEASURE. Fresh from signing her first global record deal with 4AD, she returns to BIGSOUND at a pivotal moment in her career.

Also announced is award-winning Ngarrindjeri producer, composer and artist trials. Renowned for his work with Funkoars and the groundbreaking A.B. ORIGINAL alongside Briggs, trials has helped shape the sound of contemporary Australian hip hop for more than two decades. Following the release of his long-awaited debut solo album hendle, he arrives at BIGSOUND with a wealth of experience spanning music, film and cultural storytelling.

The conference has also confirmed an impressive roster of international guests, reinforcing its commitment to connecting Australian and New Zealand artists with global opportunities. Representatives from influential organisations including Partisan Records, Pitchfork, Bonnaroo, Mom+Pop Music, Soho House London, SXSW, The Great Escape, Reeperbahn Festival, Carpark Records and True Panther will join delegates in Brisbane, alongside agents, festival programmers, media figures, label executives and music business leaders from across the United States, Europe, Asia and the UK.

Among the notable names are Partisan Records Head of A&R Chris Fraser, Pitchfork Associate Staff Writer Nina Corcoran, Bonnaroo talent buyer Bryan Benson, Mom+Pop Music co-owner Thaddeus Rudd and Soho House London’s Jessica Moss, whose work spans more than 100 music events each month across the UK and Europe.

This year’s program places a strong emphasis on fostering meaningful connections, with an expanded networking offering designed to facilitate direct engagement between artists and industry professionals. Returning initiatives including Roundtables, Conversation Corners, curated meetings and networking mixers will provide delegates with more opportunities than ever to build relationships, explore international markets and navigate an evolving music landscape.

“BIGSOUND has always been a place where real connections happen, and this year we’re focused on creating even more opportunities for Australian and New Zealand artists and industry to connect with each other and the global market,” said QMusic Interim CEO Kristy Ellis. “The program focuses on the conversations the industry is having right now — how the business is changing, how we stay ahead, and how Australian and New Zealand artists continue to grow on the global stage.”

Alongside its conference program, BIGSOUND will once again present Goolwal Goolwal, its First Nations-led initiative delivering free cultural experiences by day and live performances by night, as well as the Artist Hub, Content House and Delegate Hub. An expanded technology and partner showcase program is also set to be unveiled in the coming months.

The full BIGSOUND 2026 program will be announced in July. Early bird delegate tickets are available now, with prices starting from $699 until June 30.

BIGSOUND runs from September 1–4, 2026, across Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

To find out more head here.