Day one of the official BIGSOUND 2025 proceedings began in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley Wednesday, with a strong focus on Indigenous talent shaping the program.

BIGSOUND is Australia's largest annual music industry event, bringing together artists, community, and industry leaders for live performances, panels, workshops, and networking.

This year, Indigenous artists and industry voices are at the centre of the festival.

The day began with the Goolwal Garden open space at The Sound Garden, a hub for culture and conversation that has been open to the public throughout the day.

Support Act's First Nations team hosted an open session, creating a safe space for wellbeing discussions and support.

Triple A Radio ran its house residency from the upstairs venue, streaming live interviews and music.

One of the most anticipated sessions was the Singing Our Futures program, moderated by Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander artist and mentor Candice Lorrae.

She explained that "yesterday's panel was the Singing Our Futures mentorship program and what we do is we take five young First Nations artists every two years to help develop their sound, build confidence, pair them with mentors, to write songs, record a single, and then we help them with their marketing plans and distributing that as well".

Ms Lorrae said her work comes from decades of experience.

"I've been in the industry for 25 years starting out at Ab Music College in Perth and there wasn't a lot around for me at the time," she said.

"So a lot of my passion is that kind of follow-up work and making sure that these young ones have a platform and that the outcome being that they're confident enough to start to take on building their own business and music."

She added that programs like this give Indigenous artists visibility and connection with audiences.

The evening turned to live music across venues in Fortitude Valley.

One of the most talked about sets came from BRIGGS, performing under his new project BIG NOTER at the Crowbar.

The venue was filled to capacity as the Yorta Yorta artist delivered a raw and heavy performance, shifting into hardcore and punk while keeping the crowd engaged.

Wiradjuri woman and Goowal Goowal Assistant Producer, Bianca Kemister, reflected on the moment.

"BIG NOTER was incredible, all of our black artists have just been amazing," she said.

"This is my first time working with this much mob - which I find absolutely incredible and the connections I'm making are unforgettable.

"It was absolutely incredible watching all the artists come together and watch the program we've been working on for months realised."

She also stressed the importance of showcasing Indigenous music to wider audiences.

The night closed in the Sound Garden with Barkindji rapper BARKAA, whose set combined lyrical power with community energy.

She delivered anthem after anthem of Blak female empowerment while the audience chanted every word.

Her set also included the preview of an unreleased country and hip hop crossover song.

By the end of day one, BIGSOUND had set the tone for the week, showcasing Indigenous talent and creating space for industry dialogue.

Day two promises to deliver more diverse and talented acts including Yung Maynie, Kaiit, Nate G and many more.