Official Artist FAQ

Congratulations on being a 2023 BIGSOUND Showcase Artist, use these tools to help guide your BIGSOUND journey

#Your Pass Collection

Delegate Pass Allocation

Each act is entitled to one (1) Delegate Pass per band.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide one pass per band member.

The pass can be used by a band member or someone else in your team. It's non-transferable.

With a BIGSOUND Delegate Pass you'll get access to our world class conference program including:

Access to 18 BIGSOUND Showcase venues (in conjunction with a showcase wristband)
BIGSOUND conference program including forums and official and secret events
Online delegate portal and networking tools.

Contant Meagan Babore for all registration enquiries: ticketing@qmusic.com.au

IMPORTANTDelegate Pass Collection

IMPORTANT:
Proof of identification must be shown when collecting your Delegate Pass.

Lost or stolen BIGSOUND delegate passes will not be replaced. A new one will need to be purchased at the full rate for continued access to BIGSOUND events, including showcases, parties and conference panels.

You can collect your Delegate pass during the following times from:

Monday 4 September - 10am to 4pm
FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL | 312-318 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6 September - 9am to 6pm
FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL | 312-318 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Thursday 7 September - 9am to 4pm
FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL | 312-318 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley


Note: proof of identification must be shown when collecting your pass.

Artist Pass Allocation

You get One (1) Artist wristband per performer for the whole event, and One (1) Guest wristband per performer, per showcase. If there are modifications on the number of performers, please email programming@qmusic.com.au immediately.

What does my wristband get me into?

Artist wristbands get you access to all showcase venues, including your own venue, on all nights (Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th Sept) between 7pm to late. You will also get access to the Artist Green Room, Amazon after dark events, the afterparty and the closing party.

IMPORTANTArtist Pass Collection

You must collect your artist packs from the BIGSOUND Artist Hub, located at Hey Chica - T11/14/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

BIGSOUND Artist Hub Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 10 am to 12am

The artist pack contains artist wristbands, crew wristbands, guest wristbands and additional BIGSOUND Showcase information. If you have any changes to your touring party or accreditation needs, contact programming@qmusic.com.au

International Artists (excluding NZ nationals)Australian Visas

Every international artist entering Australia for the purpose of performing at BIGSOUND and any other public shows (paid or unpaid) anywhere in Australia must have a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) for the period of stay in the country. It is the responsibility of the Artist and/or their representatives to apply for this visa for all members of the travelling group.

Due to recent visa changes QMusic is no longer eligible to apply for this visa on the artist's behalf.

Please contact Meagan Babore at ticketing@qmusic.com.au for more information.

#EXCLUSIVE EVENTS

Women and Gender Diverse Folk in Music

Tue, 5 Sep 2023, 10:00am

Opening Ceremony

Tue, 5 Sep 2023, 12:30pm

Mike Shinoda

Tue, 5 Sep 2023, 3:00pm

The LO-FI LANE

Tue, 5 Sep 2023, 5:00pm

Amazon Music After Hours: Pride

Tue, 5 Sep 2023, 11:00pm

Add it Up: A Financial Journey in Music

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 10:05am

MATE: Bystander Training

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 2:00pm

New Zealand at BIGSOUND 2023

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 4:30pm

Amazon Music After Hours: KIX Country

Wed, 6 Sep 2023, 11:00pm

TikTok 2023 and Beyond for Artists

Thu, 7 Sep 2023, 10:00am

Amrap Listening Sessions

Thu, 7 Sep 2023, 1:30pm

The Science of Rap

Thu, 7 Sep 2023, 2:05pm

Official BIGSOUND Closing Party

Thu, 7 Sep 2023, 11:30pm

Queenslander BBQ Brunch

Fri, 8 Sep 2023, 10:00am

#BIGSOUND Artist Hub

Located centrally at Hey Chica in the Fortitude Valley Mall, the BIGSOUND Artist Hub is an accessible, relaxing one-stop-shop for artists every day throughout the event. Here you can pick up your accreditation, find information about venues, your performances and special artist workshops and opportunities thanks to BIGSOUND’s Artist Liaison team. 

Features of the Artist Hub include free WIFI, complimentary non-alc beverages and snacks, discount meals, charging stations and the meeting point for instrument storage, photography, hair and make-up services. We’ve also tested the lounges- they are comfy… come on in!  

Too buzzy? Need a quiet space? Head across the Valley mall into the Fortitude for a designated quiet, low sensory environment to recharge. 

Artist Hub opening hours at Hey Chica:

Tuesday 5 September: 10am – 12:30am
Wednesday 6 September: 10am – 12:30am
Thursday 7 September: 10am – 12:30am 

#Artist Hub Services

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 dedicated music showcase and conference.  

BIGSOUND is committed to the growth of the Australian Music sector by providing the most valuable exchange for the time and effort of attending BIGSOUND whilst lowering barriers for artists and their teams to attend and participate to their best advantage throughout the event. 

Thanks to the Palaszczuk’s government, Artists were invited to apply for a travel assistance fund to contribute to the expenses of attending and Showcasing at BIGSOUND. Additional funds were made available on application for First Nations artists, artists with accessibility needs and artists based in regional and remote areas. 

In addition to having access to hundreds of influential music industry figures, BIGSOUND Showcase Artists are provided with the opportunity for excellent media exposure, with the event being covered by national and international media outlets and reaching an international audience of 24.6 million people.  

We’ve been working hard this year to improve our BIGSOUND experience for artists. From a comfy Artist Hub to some sweet extra services, we are pretty confident that artists will end up feeling like Fortitude Valley is a music-filled home-away-from-home. 

Sarah Smith - Make Me Over Artistry Hair and Makeup Services – Meet at Artist Hub

You might want to get show-ready, photography-ready or just simply need a good hype team to help you launch into your best BIGSOUND-self. A generous (but limited) number of free basic hair and makeup sessions are available to artists.

James CaswellArtist Photography Service – Meet at Artist Hub

Damn, you look GOOD and you’ll probably want to remember this! Freshen up your artist assets with a free mini professional photography session during BIGSOUND. A generous (but limited) number of sessions are available to artists.

Instrument Storage – Meet at Artist Hub

The Artist Liaison team will assist artists to securely store instruments and gear for free for a maximum period of 24 hours. Items stored are accessible for retrieval during Artist Hub Opening Hours.

Opportunities for Artists – Workshops and Mixers

This year at BIGSOUND, artists have a full dance card of workshops, masterclasses and mixers to meet other artists and industry folks, learn skills and hear new perspectives. Held at the Precinct in the TC Bierne Building (above Hey Chica), BIGSOUND workshops are free to attend and do not require booking. Lofi Lane is open for a chilled out start to Tuesday and Wednesday evening and keep an eye out throughout the program for free events (such as the Goolwal Feast for Unity on Thursday).

Artist Happy Hour! - Meet at Artist Hub

Join us from 4pm - 6pm on Tuesday 5th at Hey Chica for the BIGSOUND Artist Happy Hour!

There will be free beer, wine and basic spirits until the bar runs out (so get in early!)
If you miss out on the tab, don't worry! There will be more tasty bevs available at these discounted prices!

Margaritas: $12
Wine: $7
Beer: $6
Basic Spirits: $6

#Acknowledgement of Country

We encourage artists to open their showcases with an acknowledgement of country, if they wish to do so.  

Here's an example of a BIGSOUND Acknowledgement of Country, written by Uncle Kevin Starkey for our 2023 print program, with Yagara language given by Gaja Kerry Charlton:

QMusic acknowledges the Traditional Owners (Goori people) of Magandjin where we gather for BIGSOUND 2023.

The unwavering maintenance of Tradition, Story, Dance and Song through Elders past and present has ensured Song lines carrying knowledge have resonated from our waterholes, over plains, through valleys, across the winds and into the waters of Warra since the first word was uttered in time.

Together We Stand as we deliver our new Songs.

Visit BIGSOUND's Yutta Yutta-ba at 368 Brunswick Street for the full Goolwal Goolwal program.

Rather than a cut-and-paste statement, we encourage artists to present their acknowledgement in their own words, with a message that means something to them. 

Need help getting started? 

Gaja Kerry and Uncle Kev developed the name "Goolwal Goolwal" for BIGSOUND. The traditional land BIGSOUND occupies is called Magandjin and its traditional owners (Goori people) are the Yagara and Turrbal people. 

You might also like to watch the following short video for inspiration.

VIDEO: How to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country

#

Acknowledgement of Country Download

#Your Showcase

Sound Engineers

Sound engineers and stage managers are provided at all venues. If you wish to use your own engineer, please notify programming@qmusic.com.au ASAP. Sound Engineers must use the venues front of house consoles and any IEM needs to also be flagged with BIGSOUND Artist Liaison.

Riders

BIGSOUND does not supply artist riders.

Venues may supply riders, at their discretion. We encourage you to drink responsibly and know your limits.

Sound Checks

Due to the nature of this event, only some selected venues will have the capacity for soundchecks prior to performances. For artists who have been allocated a sound check, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of your soundcheck window to load in gear to stage.

Artists will be able to line check directly before their set.

Keep your stage noise to a minimum. Respect the house engineer's request so that your line check goes smoothly.

Set Times

Please have your equipment ready to set up 30min prior to your set time.
Sets will be kept strictly to the allotted times.

Please introduce yourself to the Stage Manager on arrival.

Check that your set list will not run over time and make sure you are promptly on and off stage.

Load In

Artists must have their equipment ready to set up 30 minutes prior to the scheduled set time.  

Please introduce yourself to the Venue Liaison on arrival.

Equipment will have to be unloaded quickly and vehicles moved. Please be careful parking in Fortitude Valley, there are many no parking zones and you will be fined if parked illegally.

Load Out

All gear must be loaded out directly after the completion of each set. Artists may not leave gear at the venue after their set due to limited available space. 

Venues accept no responsibility for gear left in the venue so please plan ahead with where you plan on storing your gear after the show. No parking is provided at BIGSOUND.

Technical & Production

Basic backline is provided across all venues. This does not include keyboards, percussion, cymbals, snares, kick pedals, wireless mics, and IEMs. We recommend IJS if you’re needing local hire.

Due to the nature of this event, we are not able to re-position the drums as per some stage plot requests. Each kit will be located center back. No extra lighting, strobe, lasers, props, smoke machines and /or hazers are allowed on any of the festival venues. All equipment must arrive with current testing and tagging in place. Production details including screens and projection for all venues are below.

Please note: It is highly unlikely that any additional accommodations will be made from this point.

Production details can change, so please check your venue specs regularly.

For any queries contact our Production Manager Eddie at eddie.gresack@qmusic.com.au

Gear Storage

Instrument storage is available at the Artist Hub – instrument check in will be available via the Artist Hub welcome desk. Please note instrument collection and lock up is only available within these hours:

Tuesday 5th: 10am-12:00am
Wednesday 6th: 10am-12:00am
Thursday 7th: 10am-12:00am

We can store your gear for free for a maximum period of 24 hours. Only the person who deposits their gear for storage can retrieve their items. Please organise your time to collect your instruments before 12am on the same day. If your instrument is still in storage after 12am, you will not be able to pick it up until the following day as per operational hours.

All items MUST be collected prior to 12:00am Thursday night/Friday morning as the Artist Hub will no longer be in operation from this time.

Please remember that your instruments are your responsibility and BIGSOUND does not take responsibility for lost property. Artists and their teams understand that by using the instrument lock up, you take responsibility for any costs associated with storing and transporting gear left behind. Late arrivals, missing items and disputes are totally unfun and might ruin the vibe of using a service we will do our absolute best to run smoothly and professionally for you. So, we cannot stress enough, to please be timely and organised with your gear collection.

Parking

No parking is supplied by the venues; street parking is available on the surrounding streets, or you may park in Secure Parking – Pre-booking will save you $$$.

REHEARSAL SPACES

If you’re keen to squish in some practice before showcasing, here’s some northside based rehearsal spaces you can book into:

Red Star Music – Bowen Hills

VIA Studios – Bowen Hills

GDI – Eagle Farm

QUIVR in Winn Lane has decks and has kindly offered themselves as a practice space too.

#Production Specs

Black Bear Lodge

Blutes Bar

La La Land

Press Club

Soapbox Beer

Sound Garden

Stranded Bar

Summa House

SuperFly Studios

The Brightside - Indoor

The Brightside - Outdoor

The Outpost

The Warehouse

The Wickham

The Zoo

Tomcat

Prince Consort

Valley Loft

Wonderland

#Accessibility

All BIGSOUND venues have been audited. Information about the venues can be found on each venue page via the BIGSOUND website.

If you or any of your band members have access requirements, email our access consultant Alicia Lopez at safety@qmusic.com.au

Accessibility

#Safety

As part of event planning, and to adhere to zero-tolerance, we are enacting our collective responsibility. Your safety and wellbeing are important to us. If you have observed or experienced inappropriate, abusive or illegal behaviors please text or contact 0493 502 638 or email safety@qmusic.com.au. If it is an EMERGENCY, please contact 000. 

#Wellbeing

Whether you want to learn how to give or get help, look after your own wellbeing or hear how others in the music community have overcome challenges, this guide is for you . If you need additional support contact the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline now on 1800 959 500.

#Sustainability

We all know that music has a huge impact: on our emotions, our memories and our community, but it also has an environmental impact. We ask that you consider Mother Earth when making your way to Meanjin (Fortitude Valley) by travelling lightly, and by public transport wherever possible. Green Music Australia recently launched SOUND COUNTRY - A guide to inspire Australian musicians on how to improve their environmental performance - we strongly suggest you check it out!

Other ways of reducing your environmental impact at BIGSOUND include bringing a reusable water bottle and keep cup, for caffeine top-ups. 

#Merchandise

Artists are able to sell their merchandise during and after their show. It is the responsibility of the artist to manage their stock, cash handling and selling of merchandise. Out of respect to fellow showcasing artists who also want to sell merch please work together in the space.

**Please do not contact your venue for merchandise sale support, sales are the responsibility of the artist not the venue. 

BIGSOUND encourages merchandise sales for artists to offset their travel costs associated with attending the event. Based on feedback on the commission structure of having a centralised service, BIGSOUND will no longer be offering a merchandise tent - this is the responsibility of the artist if they wish to sell merchandise. There will be an allocated area in each venue for merchandise.

#KEY CONTACTS

Phone: (07) 3257 0013

Artist Liaison: Tyne Cochran | programming@qmusic.com.au 

Production Manager: Eddie Gresack | eddie@qmusic.com.au

Registrations & Visas: Meagan Babore | ticketing@qmusic.com.au