This month the BIGSOUND conference and showcase has announced it will be returning to Brisbane's Fortitude Valley precinct 3-6 September. Celebrated as the southern hemisphere's largest music industry event, this year's event highlights several inspiring Indigenous thinkers, artists and creatives.
Garrwa and Butchulla songman Fred Leone will be delivering a keynote about the importance of honouring his role as a custodian of the traditional songs of the Butchulla tribe and how it intersects with his contemporary music career.
The panel 'Artist vs Advocacy' will feature musician Miss Kaninna and Ali Tomoana, which will discuss the cross section of musicians and the use of their political inherently political voices.
BIGSOUND is also thrilled to host its First Nations curated and led program, Goolwal Goolwal. Dedicated to empowering and amplifying Indigenous voices, this program is an important addition to the festival, its patrons and owners.
Nestled within the epicentre of Fortitude Valley, Goolwal Goolwal's deadly program is brimming with activities sessions and events. While the full program for Goolwal Goolwal is yet to be released, there is many program highlights which have already been announced.
One of those highlights being the Goolwal Garden (The Sound Garden), BIGSOUNDS First Nations House. Here, amidst thought-provoking panels, electrifying showcase performances, and exclusive events, you'll find more than just music — you'll find a community. Downstairs resonates with beats and rhythms, whilst upstairs offers a sanctuary of calm, where guests can unwind with a cuppa, engage in workshops, and explore captivating art displays.
Entry into the the Goolwal Garden is free until 5:30 pm daily, with ticketed showcases and events extending into the night.
With the full program still to come, other highlights panels Self-Determination: Securing First Nations Music For The Future with Kev Starkey; Yarning Strong, where audiences can hear about the lived experiences of First Nations music workers within the industry; and Agents of Change, which discusses the changing landscape of artist management. Plus, the artist showcase calendar is filled with incredibly talented names in First Nations talent - from Immy Owusu to Same Blood, aka J-MILLA x Yung Milla.
BIGSOUND have ensured that the events First Nations team is a constant presence throughout the event's planning and execution.
BIGSOUND'S Elders In Residence, Uncle Kevin Starkey (Nurrunga/Adnyamathanha and Saibai TSI) and Toni Janke (Wuthathi, Yadighana and Meriam), are looking forward to being a part of this year's event.
"It's so exciting to be part of Goolwal Goolwal program. The strong presence of First Nations artists and art's workers from not only Queensland, but right across the country is testimony to the fact that First Nations culture is loud and proud," said Ms Janke.
"Music is part of our DNA and we want to showcase First Nations music to the broader community and to the world at large as the oldest surviving culture on the planet."
BIGSOUND is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
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