BIGSOUND 2026 kicks off in Brisbane tomorrow (September 1st), and if this year’s showcasing artists are anything to go by, there will be plenty of new music to discover across Fortitude Valley.
Ahead of the annual music industry gathering, Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with a number of artists heading to BIGSOUND to find out what they’re looking forward to, who they’re hoping to catch, and what they have planned for their own showcases – for most, it’s giving audiences an early taste of what’s coming next.
“I am notoriously always performing unreleased music as part of my set, and the BIGSOUND performances will be no exception to that,” R&B up-and-comer Tusekah – who has shared stages with PJ Morton, Olivia Dean, and Matt Corby – told us. The South African-born singer-songwriter, based in Auckland, will have her debut EP coming out later this year/early 2027.
Pop powerhouse Sam Fischer – who has worked with the likes of Demi Lovato and Meghan Trainor – said his new music is the “best stuff I’ve ever made”, while ARIA nominated soul/alt-pop queen Ngaiire described hers as her “most personal songs to date”.
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The excitement isn’t limited to what artists are bringing to their own stages. With musicians and industry figures descending on Brisbane from around Australia and beyond, several acts told Rolling Stone AU/NZ that discovering other artists remains one of BIGSOUND’s biggest drawcards.
“I am the most excited to see all the other acts play,” Melbourne-based pop star Lara Buchanan said. Jack Botts agreed, adding: “As always, I love discovering new bands and new artists. I think it’s really, really cool.”
Meanwhile, dance and rap up-and-comer Akosia, who recently released her EP Eat the Night, is looking forward to “being in rooms full of people who really care about Australian music”.
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Asked which artists they’re personally making time for, this year’s showcasing acts offered up plenty of recommendations of their own. Blush’ko earned praise for his live energy, vocals and songwriting, while Grace Chia was described as “the most charismatic and incredible artist”. Dumbhead, Lara Buchanan and Liquid Zoo also earned mentions, while Ladyhawke remains a must-see.
“Ladyhawke, I’ve been a fan of hers for a really, really long time,” Ngaiire said. “Now I finally get the opportunity to watch her live, and that’s pretty exciting.”
Millie Strange also received an emphatic recommendation from Public Figures: “Powerhouse vocals, the songs are amazing, keep an eye out.”
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Running from September 1st-4th, the annual music industry gathering will bring hundreds of artists and industry figures to the Valley for four days of showcases, conference sessions, networking events and free live music.
Beyond its ticketed showcases and conference program, BIGSOUND will again bring free live music to Brunswick Street Mall throughout the week. The BIGSOUND Mall Stage will feature Jungaji, Holystone, Ngaiire, Deva Mahal, Silky Roads, Pash, Zipporah and others, with music running until 10pm daily.
BIGSOUND 2026 runs from Tuesday, September 1st to Friday, September 4th across Fortitude Valley.
Check out the full BIGSOUND 2026 programme here.
