BIGSOUND has unveiled its 2026 showcase lineup, with the annual Brisbane event once again positioning itself as the place where the next wave of Australian and New Zealand talent collides with the global music industry. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival returns to Fortitude Valley from September 1-4, transforming the precinct into a choose-your-own-adventure playground for artists, labels, managers and fans eager to discover what comes next.
Among the names leading this year’s BIGSOUND 100 is Papua New Guinea-born neo-soul visionary Ngaiire, whose boundary-pushing blend of ancestral storytelling and contemporary soul continues to make her one of Australia’s most compelling voices. Proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Jem Cassar-Daley also joins the bill, bringing the soulful songwriting and warmth that have marked her rise since breaking through in 2021.
New Zealand indie-psych favourites Daily J arrive with growing momentum and millions of streams behind them, while London-based Australian singer-songwriter Sam Fischer returns with the international pedigree that has seen him collaborate with Demi Lovato, Sabrina Claudio, Ciara and Jessie J. Elsewhere, electro-pop pioneer Ladyhawke continues to demonstrate why she remains one of Aotearoa’s most beloved artists, while Northern Rivers surf-folk troubadour Jack Botts brings his laidback, emotionally resonant sound to Brisbane.
The showcase also shines a light on a new generation of artists poised for bigger things. Adelaide’s Any Young Mechanic, Melbourne punk outfit Public Figures, EDM-pop artist Akosia, Windang songwriter Zach Stephenson and emerging pop talent Lara Buchanan all feature in a lineup that reflects the breadth and diversity of contemporary music across Australia and New Zealand.
Beyond the showcases, BIGSOUND’s conference program continues to attract some of the industry’s most influential voices. This year’s Artist In Conversation series includes King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood, acclaimed singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin and producer trials, alongside delegates from Partisan Records, Pitchfork, Soho House London and Bonnaroo.
Twenty-five years on from its inception, BIGSOUND remains one of the country’s most important cultural institutions, having previously helped launch the careers of artists including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I and Courtney Barnett. As thousands descend on Fortitude Valley once more, the event continues to prove that Australia’s future soundtrack is often heard here first.
TICKET PRICING
DELEGATE PASS – ON SALE FROM 4 JUNE
Full Price: $899 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $849
EARLY BIRD PRICING (UNTIL 30 JUNE 2026)
$699 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $649
SECOND RELEASE PRICING (1 JULY – 31 JULY)
$799 / QMusic Subscriber & Reciprocal Members: $749
Student and concession pricing available, see bigsound.org.au for more information.
FESTIVAL PASS – ON SALE FROM 15 JUNE
3-Night Festival including afterparties
Full Price: $129 / Early Bird Pricing (until 31 July): $100
1-Night Festival
Full Price: $69 / Early Bird Pricing (until 31 July): $50
Youth (25 and under) and Concession Pricing: $30
