Alan McGee has been a record label owner, musician, manager, and music blogger. McGee is best known for co-forming and running the independent Creation Records label from 1983–1999. Creation Records was a key label in the mid-80s indie movement, having released artists such as Primal Scream, The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and Teenage Fanclub. Creation's biggest signing was Oasis, who went on to sell millions of records.
After he sold Creation Records to Sony, McGee continued to publish songs of label acts such as Oasis, Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine and Teenage Fanclub, under Creation Songs. He formed and ran the Poptones label from 2000-2007 with a roster that included The Hives. McGee also ran the international club night, Death Disco and wrote for The Guardian's weekly music blog.
Iain Shedden is the Music Editor for the Australian, used to play drums in The Saints and is Scottish. We reckon he is perfect to go toe to toe with Mr McGee.
Yes, you really are supposed to do everything. Each year, it seems that many of the people that have staying power in the music industry wear many different hats. THE ALLROUNDER panel explores the concept that you need to be both a jack and a master of all trades at the same time. They will also discuss ways around doing this while not spreading yourself to thin.
Making sense of the music business in 2011 and beyond. Our panellists explore the nature of the music business as it stands today and where they see our best steps forward into the future. Each panelist brings unique experiences and insights both locally and internationally to share with you. They will cover the many different ways people consume music today and discuss how it affects our business.
How to make the most of your opportunities at BIGSOUND and similar music industry events around the globe. There are music industry conferences happening with increasing regularity on the far four corners of the globe. Our panel of experts will touch on the fundamental differences between them and share their experiences. They will also endeavour to help you make sense of the best way to approach the madness of the next couple of days.
Posse is a platform that enables bands to encourage their fans to promote their music, tours and merchandise. Set quests for fans to post to Facebook, Twitter, blogs and email and reward them with prizes when they help sell out your show. Set up and customise your own Posse social marketing page for free at www.posse.com.
Gone are the days when scoring a sync for your song was cringe-worthy. Our panel will discuss the credible roads you can take in synchronizing your music. The quality of TV series on the likes of HBO and Showtime has made TV sync some of the most revered and sought after goals in an artists career. Our panel will share their experiences and the realities of these opportunities.
Some great writers, producers & A&R folk discuss the fact that worshipping anything else is just ridiculous. More and more it seems that one special song is all that you need to start a real relationship with an audience. Our panel will discuss examples and experiences and you will hopefully feel that you are closer than you thought to making that connection.
Join The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) for the official launch of this brand new (and free!) service. AirNet instantly promotes your community radio airplay on the Internet. AirNet compiles music videos, images, info and shopping links to match the music on radio playlists and showcases this on the station’s website and social networks. Find out how to access AirNet to promote your online content through station websites and track your radio airplay.
Our panel discuss the art of putting on a great festival. They will cover the reality of application processes and share some great stories. The panellists represent specialist and contemporary festivals both locally and internationally. We also ask each of them the question of their festival highlight and why.
Tony Harlow began his career at EMI in the UK, rising quickly through the ranks of international marketing before moving to Australia to become Managing Director of EMI Music Australia. During this time he oversaw a significant lift in company performance, and the development of a raft of new talent and labels including Kasey Chambers, Modular Recordings, Paul Kelly, The Living End and Eleven Music with Silverchair. After returning to the UK in 2002, Harlow became CEO of Richard Branson’s V2 label where he worked with acts like Moby, The White Stripes, Paul Weller, Stereophonics, and Mercury Rev, as well as setting up Co-Op Music.
After V2’s acquisition by Universal Music Group in 2007, Harlow briefly headed the international marketing team, before joining Bravado, UMG’s merchandise operation, which he left in April 2010. Later that year, he returned to Australia where he took on the role of Managing Director of Warner Music, steering the company into a new era. One year on from his appointment, Harlow will discuss his love for music with his old mate Kathy McCabe, the music editor from the Daily Telegraph.
Everybody needs good neighbours. Our panel discusses ways we can improve artist relations on both sides of the ditch. It is incredibly cost effective for New Zealand artists to tour Australia and vice versa but the music cultures are surprisingly more different than you imagine. We explore the reasons why and ways around it.
Live music from The Adults, Tiny Ruins, Street Chant, Ruby Frost and The Psychs.
BIGSOUND Parties are open to BIGSOUND delegate pass holders and invited guests only.
Complimentary refreshments are provided.
The launch of ‘Home 3’ a collection of national Indigenous artists with performances from Sue Ray, Adam James, Dave Dow and the Human Groove and MC Murriz.
BIGSOUND Parties are open to BIGSOUND delegate pass holders and invited guests only.
Complimentary refreshments are provided.
Haunting melodies, shimmering organ lines and one powerful voice: BROUS' music is an uncompromising vision for pop. Brous (pron. Bruce) is the daring musical venture by Melbourne musician Sophia Brous. Single 'Streamers' received critical praise and her debut self titled EP is released in September.
The ten members of Brisbane's Inland Sea are bound together by a love of complex harmonies and song writing. Since forming in early 2010, they have won hearts with their luscious five-part vocal harmonies, interwoven instrumentation and lyrical sincerity.
While most rock bands are all too focused on the riff, the Sheepdogs remember the importance of those other elements that make for great rock music: melody, harmony and groove. To see them live is pure rock and roll jubilation, to revel in the splendor created by 3 part vocal harmonies and heavy hitting dual guitar leads.
The Saskatoon four-piece were recently the winners for a six-month competition to be the first band or artist not signed with a major label to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Voted by more that 1.5 million fans worldwide, the Sheepdogs beat out over two thousand bands in the competition that garnered them a record deal with Atlantic records, a performance at Bonnaroo, two appearances on late night with Jimmy Fallon. Their latest ep five easy pieces debuted no. 1 on itunes in Canada and their full length learn & burn continues to climb the charts and fly off merch tables.
With the release of their debut album, Dear Hamlyn, Luluc has become a quiet sensation. Songs pared down to an essential core, the music of Zoë Randell and Steve Hassett is of austere and unadorned beauty. "...the beautiful resonation of Randell's voice...disarms with a gracefulness that is the very
Politically minded with a view unique to urban Aboriginal Australia, Fred Leone of Impossible Odds brings intelligent and soulful lyrics laced over organic beats. With fellow core band member James Vincent aka DJ Returnagain.
The Laurels are a four-piece from Sydney. Their sound has been described as a mixture of My Bloody Valentine, Spacemen 3, Sonic Youth + The Scientists with a hint of The Beatles. They create luscious, complex and dangerous psychedelic shoegaze that is as mesmerising on the stage as it is on record.
Gossling
Gossling (aka Helen Croome) was discovered by Triple J after drawing attention as an Unearthed artist with debut EP ‘If You Can’t Whistle’. Her sophomore EP, ‘Until Then’ as well as some high profile tour supports & sold out headline shows have solidified her reputation as an artist to watch.
Imaginary Cities was born in a club called The Cavern, in between sets. This new group, founded in a chance meeting is now readying to introduce their debut album, Temporary Resident in early 2011. They are a band that is fast becoming one of Canada's most talked about new bands.
My favourite live artists like Springsteen, Tom Waits, The Clash, The Who all play and played like their lives depended on it. They take you somewhere else. That's the kind of honesty and intensity that I'm striving for... And anthems to wrap your voices around and pump your fists to.
Laneous & The Family Yah make Mutant Soul and Croon Punk for your earholes. Alternatively cheerful, smooth and demented, Laneous navigates his band through fiercely syncopated, occasionally bombast and otherwise wobbly grooves with his trademark falsetto croon and charming hip hop murmurs.
From the sequins she adores to her heart quenching tunes, Ruby Frost is a pop talent who looks to the likes of Bjork for inspiration. The Kiwi songstress won the Session I Pop Category of the 2010 John Lennon Songwriting comp & is finishing her debut album with US producer Chris Zane (Passion Pit).
Tiny Ruins is only Hollie, and Hollie is all Tiny Ruins needs to be. She writes dream-laden folk melodies from New Zealand.
Jackson Firebird are explosive Aussie Rock described by Spiderbait frontman Kram as ‘AC/DC meets John Spencer Blues Explosion', the duo consists of fat guitar, hard-hitting drums and the unconventional sounds of a miked-up, upside-down ‘bottle bin’.
www.myspace.com/jacksonfirebird
Sietta are an electronic soul duo from Darwin, made up of producer/instrumentalist James Mangohig and vocalist Caiti Baker. Having just launched their debut album The Seventh Passenger through Elefant Traks they are currently touring the country supporting The Herd and Illy.
Modern Australian rock icon Adalita is best known as front woman for Australian indie rock band Magic Dirt. Spanning 18 years and 13 releases, Magic Dirt have cemented their status as one of Australia's best loved and highly respected live bands. In 2011 Adalita released her debut self-titled solo album to rave reviews and completed a national tour to packed houses across Australia, including a performance for His Holiness, The Dalai Lama in June 2011.
Following a path set by the legends of Australian song, Perth's Split Seconds have become one of the country's most prominent new bands. They dominated this years WAMI awards and just completed a national tour with The Panics. Singles "Bed Down" and "All You Gotta Do" have become radio favourites.
www.facebook.com/splitsecondss
emma louise burst on the scene in 2011 with her debut EP Full Hearts And Empty Rooms. It went straight to Number 1 in the AIR charts where it remains after 9 weeks. Single Jungle is a triple j favourite and already has over 140,000 plays online gaining plaudits and interest from around the globe.
www.myspace.com/musicemmalouise
After dropping everything to focus on their music in 2010, Redcoats released their debut single Dreamshaker in March 2011. After a national tour with Stone Temple Pilots, Redcoats returned home to sell out their first headline show. Their debut EP is out July 29.
Seventies inspired psych-rock opal Stonefield spent 2010 / 11 playing festivals and their first (sold out) headline shows. With tracks 'Foreign Lover' and 'Through the Clover' loved by triple j and XFM (UK) they moved from the fields of rural Victoria to the stages of Glastonbury. A new vinyl A-side soon to come.
It been a big year for WIM. First signing to Modular, then releasing their debut record to great critical acclaim followed by 2 successive national tours - one headline and one supporting Gypsy and the Cat. This is the year of WIM, its time to send your ears on a well-deserved holiday.
"We like to take our experiences and turn them into what Sinatra quoted as 'The most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear.... ' I think that sums us up pretty well.”
Blue Mountains Hip Hop trio Thundamentals have enjoyed their share of critical acclaim from both their debut EP and debut album ‘Sleeping On Your Style’ that has seen them dominate ‘Next Big Things’ lists, festival stages & radio airwaves in the last 18 months. New album ‘FOREVERLUTION' out July 29
Best known from The Gin Club, Giants of Science & Wilson Pickers, Brisbane singer-songwriter Ben Salter has also been a soloist for over ten years. He has played throughout Australia and Europe, where his striking vocal range & captivating lyricism have drawn comparisons to Neil Finn & Elliot Smith.
The Cairos are Awesome. They have played a silly amount of shows in the past 2 years. From stadiums (mostly with Powderfinger) to small venues (mostly by themselves and to themselves). Sometimes they even get played on the radio. Any chance to see The Cairos live, is a chance you should take.
Belles Will Ring released their second LP Crystal Theatre in May 2011. The band nearly sold out their own national tour and will be supporting Pulp, Glasvegas and Leader Cheetah throughout 2011. 4 stars - Rolling Stone, 4.5 stars - The Mag, 8/10 -The Sun Herald, 4 stars - Junior Magazine, 4 stars - The Age
On stage or on record, The Medics are truly something to behold. An exhilarating blur of passion and movement, the band bring an all-too-rare sense of urgency to their music that’s underpinned their emergence as one of the country’s most genuinely exciting new bands.
Amaya Laucirica's music is driven by an inimitably beautiful voice melded with widescreen arrangements. Her latest album 'Early Summer' was Triple J's Feature Album in late 2010. Since then, Amaya has opened for Blonde Redhead (USA) and has toured nationally with Adalita (Magic Dirt).
Butterfingers chief songwriter & front man Evil Eddie (Bris) returns with his unique mix of distorted guitars, monster truck beats & sharp lyrical humour. After playing sold out shows up & down the coast of his home state of Queensland on the strength of only 2 singles, this act is not to be missed.
International Buzz in LA on Australian band The Novocaines rocketed into overdrive when their track Cup Of Coffee was featured in the hit movie Scream 4. The band is highly acclaimned in Australia for their energetic live shows and indi success with several tracks on receiving triple J airplay.
Adding sass to the smoky, sultry sounds of a bygone era, Lanie Lane (pronounced “Lannie”) is an undeniable talent who draws on the past and plants it very firmly in the here and now. Channeling the grit of Billie Holiday, Lanie Lane is creating her own golden age.
www.myspace.com/lanielanemusic
The Chemist clocked in a solid year of touring this past year in support of bands such as Birds of Tokyo and Boy & Bear plus numerous festivals and a headline tour of their own! Now tucked in at home, they are writing an album to follow up their two acclaimed EP's which we should see early 2012.
CALLING ALL CARS were handpicked to open for AC/DC on their Black Ice Tour. Debut album Hold Hold Fire was released in 2010 and six singles received high rotation on triple j – Animal; Not Like Anybody; Hold Hold Fire; Disconnect; Run Away and Reptile from their second album Dancing With A Dead Man.
www.myspace.com/callingallcars
Less than 12 months since their debut show for family & friends in a beach-side forest outside of Sydney, Jinja Safari return with their new EP ‘Mermaids & Other Sirens’, featuring the single “Hiccups”, which they are releasing for free, track by track.
young men from the Gold Coast are Woe & Flutter. Woe & Flutter write folk-rock, punk and garage tunes with the gusto and pathos of a young James Chance. Unearthed has liked them, and others soon shall follow. The world is kind to Woe & Flutter
Mike Noga is the drummer for critically acclaimed Melbourne band The Drones. With the release this year of his second solo album 'The Balladeer Hunter' Noga has been garnering much acclaim himself with critics declaring him "one of Australia's most talented new singer-songwriters" - Inpress Magazine
In three short years Horrorshow have gone from an underground hip hop buzz group to one of Australia's most promising prospects. With two acclaimed albums, multiple tours and sellout shows, as well as some European support slots, this early-20s is well and truly on the rise.
Melbourne rock band The Vasco Era features vocalist and guitarist Sid O’Neil, his brother and bassist Ted O’Neill, and drummer Michael Fitzgerald. Hailing from the coastal town of Apollo Bay, the boys recall playing to packed out living rooms before hitting actual stages around Australia.
In the age of 3:30 digital singles, The Paper Scissors are cutting against the grain with their new album 'In Loving Memory'. 'In Loving Memory' is for lovers of long-form albums, the record brings together a range of influences and topics to create a truly international rock soundscape.
www.myspace.com/thepaperscissors
Known for inciting free-for-all stage parties which blur the lines between performer and punter, Velociraptor bring with them a cache of garage pop gems that are brought to life by an orchestra of guitars and gang vocals.
Touring Australia with strategy. There are many ways to skin this cat and we present a great cross section of our best strategic agents and managers to dig into their tour books. Australia has a unique history and culture when it comes to touring pubs, clubs and festivals. Our team share stories and insights on ways to make this your career.
Amrap (The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project) have rallied together a crack team of metro community radio music directors to explain the best ways to approach stations for airplay, interviews and promotions. Amrap will show you how to create a national community radio campaign to get traction and build your fan base Australia wide. Discover how to find stations and radio shows that suit your sound and how to get their attention.
The lawyer’s role in the A&R community. If we’re not careful the front row at all of the great gigs will be filled with lawyers. Our panel discusses the ever changing playing field of recording and publishing deals and the roles that lawyers play in the process. We will also investigate some examples (both locally and internationally) where the lawyer directly facilitates the deal.
Tim Clark and his mate David Enthoven are the co-founders of ie:music, the artist management company that represents Ladyhawke, Jimmy Page, Robbie Williams and Passenger as well as recently expanding their base to invest in ‘This is Music’ (Findlay Brown, Little Boots and Simian Mobile Disco).
These guys have spent a lifetime in music working with the likes of Bob Marley, T-Rex, Brian Eno, King Crimson, Nick Drake, Roxy Music, Cat Stevens, Massive Attack and Robbie Williams. Tim and David are widely respected throughout the music industry for their innovative approach to artist friendly music management and their support of digital.
They will be interviewed by their co-conspirator Colin Daniels who is the Managing Director of independent distributor & record company, Inertia.
We are incredibly lucky to have some of the most successful managers of recent times join our panel. They will share their experiences (both artistically and commercially) and dissect the relationship between the artist and the manager.
Some say there is no more unique relationship between two human beings.
Punk & hardcore music has traditionally been the stomping ground for outsiders. Our panel discusses the big business of punk & hardcore and what differentiates it from other areas of the music business. They will discuss all ages gigs, the commitment of their fans and how it relates to 1977 (if at all).
In 2006, triple j Unearthed graduated from its unsigned band competition roots to become a permanent Australian music community at www.triplejunearthed.com. This site now boasts over 30,000 unsigned and independent Australian acts, and has been responsible for introducing artists like Washington, Boy & Bear, Art vs. Science and Stonefield to the airwaves and eventually the world.
But the triple j Unearthed story keeps evolving and in 2011, an exciting new chapter will begin. triple j Unearthed Producer Stephanie Carrick and triple j Manager Chris Scaddan will talk you through the next phase for triple j Unearthed and answer questions about the service. Find out how you can get the most out of the triple j Unearthed community, get your music on the radio and be heard by more people online.
Like the rest of the music business, publishing is a changing beast. We challenge our panellists to discuss some great songwriters and examples of how they have best capitalized on their catalogues. Our experts also discuss new business models and how this has changed their A&R philosophies.
There have been some magnificent lists published recently on this topic. These lists have been incredibly controversial and have inspired much debate from true Australian music fans. We challenge our panel to pick five albums that have made an impact internationally and discuss in depth why they are so special.
This panel includes a great cross section of music entrepreneurs and we discuss their journeys so far and visions for the future. This is a crucial panel for any of you that are trying to find a place in the madness that we call the music industry. Fierce determination is the key and a belief that not all of the good ideas have already happened.
Live music from Jimmy The Saint & The Sinners, Oceanics, Woe and Flutter and Skyway.
BIGSOUND Parties are open to BIGSOUND delegate pass holders and invited guests only.
Complimentary refreshments are provided.
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Come for some tunes, booze and special guest performances at the Warner Music Party.
BIGSOUND Parties are open to BIGSOUND delegate pass holders and invited guests only.
Complimentary refreshments are provided.
Eclectic, intimate and hypnotic Brisbane sextet, Founds have so far, supported The Naked and Famous, Ben Ottewell (Gomez), Oh Mercy, Owl Eyes, Gossling, and a series of packed local and interstate shows. A raw energy glistens from their live performances in the vein of Mogwai, Sigur Rós and Björk.
The Jungle Giants are a band that have quickly grabbed the attention of industry and fans alike. Forming in late 2010, 2011 has seen the band play shows with bands like Last Dinosaurs and Ball Park Music, have their singles played on national radio, as well as release their debut self-titled EP.
www.facebook.com/thejunglegiants
www.myspace.com/thejunglegiants
Andy Bull is an alt-pop singer songwriter from Sydney best known for "singing like a girl" (his words) and his song "Dog" (from The Phantom Pains EP) which features the haunting vocals of Lisa Mitchell and earned a coveted place in Triple J's Hottest 100 this year.
Recently signed to Arts & Crafts, Vancouver's Jakarta are nearing completion of their debut full-length album with producer Colin Stewart (Black Mountain) and mixer Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Grizzly Bear, Interpol). This is their first visit to Australia.
Brisbane's Little Scout spin joyful dream-pop tunes woven with beautiful female led vocal melodies. The band have recently supported Belle and Sebastian, The New Pornographers, Camera Obscura and Holly Throsby. Debut album is out Aug 5 2011.
www.myspace.com/littlescoutmusic
Originally from Auckland, NZ, The Psychs are a refreshing blend of Motown, 60’s pop and soul. Taking influence from a wide range of 50’s / 60’s acts including Marc Bolan, The Who, The Sonics, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye and The Beatles to name but a few.
The Rescue Ships is Brian Campeau and Elana Stone's new project. At once complex and immediate, it's their modern take on folk, rock and pop. Brian’s last album was called “genuine genius” by Drum Media and Elana is described by the Age as “one of the best singing voices in the country.”
DZ DEATHRAYS are an indie/thrash/punk 2-piece from Brisbane who create a blend of driving monster beats firing over an avalanche of guitar. Armed with the smell of sweat and alcohol and with a taste for mayhem and carnage, their live show is a treat for all of the senses.
Millions are a #swag 4-piece garage pop band from Brisbane. 'Those Girls' is Millions first slick single from their forthcoming EP, winning Millions the opportunity to open the main stage at Splendour in the Grass 2011 - thanks to Triple J.
Owl Eyes is the project of talented Melbourne singer and songwriter Brooke Addamo, a talented wordsmith able to thread beautiful, elaborate fantasies of escapism into breezy, intelligent indie-pop songs.
www.facebook.com/ThisIsOwlEyes
After a long stint in the U.S., Jordie Lane returns home with a brand new album 'Blood Thinner', a unique turn away from his critically acclaimed studio debut, Sleeping Patterns."He's delivered an intimate, beautifully sombre record that shimmers in the glow of earthy Americana"-RollingStone (4stars)
Please Note: this time was previously for Mitzi who are no longer appearing at BIGSOUND Live.
It’s been a minute since Sydney artist Jonathan Boulet released his excellent debut, self-titled album. The last year and a half has seen Boulet fill his spare time with more than the odd project here and there. Boulet has produced a cluster of local acts and produced and mixed his own 2nd album.
www.myspace.com/jonathanboulet
As The Dead Leaves fall together on this powerful debut album, they weave their own enigma. Their debut 'Cities On The Sea' is a majestic album that conjures its own panorama of emotions. An immersive experience that engulfs the sum of its parts drawn from every well, from Joy Division to Johnny Cash.
www.myspace.com/thedeadleavesmusic
Since releasing their debut album 'How to Shampoo a Yak' in late 2010, Brisbane hard-rockers THE MERCY BEAT have established themselves as an ever-growing force to be reckoned with. 2011 has seen THE MERCY BEAT support high profile acts such as The Bronx, AC4, The Hard-Ons and Front End Loader.
Loon Lake are a five piece from Melbourne that play what a music journo might call 'high-energy garage indie-pop with catchy melodies', but the boys themselves call 'smiley loose and fun'. They recently released their debut EP ‘not just friends’, featuring singles ‘in the summer’ & 'into the office'.
Tom was a strummer. Jo was a drummer. Tom and Jo jammed in Jo's living room. Tom and Jo had fun and they thought their music was alright. Tom and Jo recorded a few songs, and decided they should be a band called Big Scary, even though it's not very big, or scary.
Busby Marou is making a serious impact on the Australian music stage. Jeremy Marou, a proud Torres Strait Islander is a unique and rare musical talent. Combined with Thomas Busby’s distinctly Australian way of sharing stories has developed into a unique natural Australian song writing flavour.
San Cisco are the latest indie act to emerge from Fremantle in sunny Western Australia. Delivering tunes with a rough lo-fi garage pop energy, they continue to impress with their bright catchy hooks and depth of songwriting.
www.facebook.com/sanciscomusic
Melbourne duo Oscar and Martin are explosive with creativity, not afraid of exploratory composition yet make music that has pop, hip-hop and future RnB as its outline. Their debut LP For You has led them to play alongside names like Four Tet, Caribou, Coco Rosie and Architecture in Helsinki.
www.twobrightlakes.com/oscar_and_martin.html
www.myspace.com/oscarandmartin
In what is going to be one of the most hotly anticipated independent releases of the Summer, Brisbane's favourite indie posters (now based in Melbourne), Intercooler are back and looking forward to the future with their new long player. WAR AND PEACE is on the horizon for September.
www.myspace.com/intercoolermusic
Together barely a year this dark indie six-piece delicately balances the deep theatrical croon of lead vocalist Valdis Valodze with the uplifting qualities of violin and piano. With rousing choruses, dark lyrics, and refined and restrained composition, the talent of this band well belies their youth
After calling it quits in February 2009, The Getaway Plan reunited for charity in September 2010- playing two shows at the 1,200 capacity Billboards. The shows gave the band the life and energy they were missing 18 months prior, and they have now returned as a full time recording and touring band.
After 22 years at the helm of New Zealand’s most loved rock band, Shihad frontman Jon Toogood has built up a treasure trove of musical connections. Lucky for us they have now collided, resulting in one hell of a project.
Eagle & The Worm's live show is a big-dynamic, loose ended fanfare. Spotlighting the E street band, David Byrne and Beefheart, they refashion their own sound that is truly exciting. Expect classic rock balladry, country heartbreak and psychedelic meltdowns. Their debut LP 'Goodtimes' is out now.
Melbourne Unearthed winners Husky have received great recognition from music lovers, radio and media around the country with their single 'History's Door'. It is the first taste of their dreamy, infectious sound with their new album, 'Forever So' due for release in October, 2011.
Papa Vs Pretty are young, but that’s not why you know them. They’re gifted, they’re genuine, they’re gutsy. The first single off the record, One Of the Animals is currently on rotation at Triple J and a national tour is in the works for June / July of this year to coincide with the release.
Dressed with sequenced electronic lines and backed by an explosive live 3-piece drenched with lush vocals, pounding drums, melody-soaked guitar and his signature Theremin sound, Pluto Jonze is what the 60’s would’ve sounded like on another planet.
www.falcona.com.au/artist/pluto-jonze
City Riots have a kicked many musical goals since their inception. Their enticing pop charm was revealed in late 2008 and since, have endlessly toured both Australia and the US, playing SXSW, CMJ and supporting the Smashing Pumpkins in Australia. An EP with 'In My Head' will be out this September.
Starting off as a solo performer, Guineafowl quickly realized he needed a band to create the full sound. Guineafowl grew into a 5 piece. Accolades include a spot @ Splendour In The Grass Festival 2011, Foster The People and The Grates National supports & CMJ Showcase for Oct 2011 in New York.
Trial Kennedy's second album Living Undesigned wields as much grunt and guts as it does gravitas. A bare-boned rock record, but one with soul and heart, the album is significant step up for the band, and has been received with open ears from fans and industry.
Avalanche City is the epitome of lo-fi pop perfection: delicately woven chords wrapped around honest words of dedication that are guaranteed to warm the heart of the true music fan.
www.facebook.com/avalanchecity
With an arsenal of radio tunes behind them, Ball Park Music have become known for their ruckus ways and impressive stage shows. Look a little further and you’ll find an equal dose of substance waiting in the wings. It’s pop music at its very best; spontaneous, meaningful and infectious
www.facebook.com/ballparkmusic
www.myspace.com/musicfromtheballpark
Since thrashing onto the scene and releasing their initial demos not more than a year ago, Gold Coast surf punk duo Bleeding Knees Club have been touted by JJJ as one of the most promising acts to emerge out of Australia at the minute.
www.facebook.com/bleedingkneesclub
www.myspace.com/thebleedingkneesclub
Sound the alarm! Australia’s high-powered, high energy, Dub, Dancehall, Reggae, DnB, sub bass vessel Dubmarine have been rocking stages with their high-energy stage show, and unique music. Dubmarine are fronted by the vocal gymnastics of indigenous superstar and Gangulu man D-Kazman.
SEALS play a unique blend of psychedelic pop and electro funk. Some of their songs are happy and jangly, others are heavier and dancier. All of them are catchy. SEALS evolved in early 2011 after two years known as The Baby Seal Club. The band is fresh back from a 15 date tour of the UK.
Comprised Andrew Gillespie, Antony Brown and Tobias Messiter (Scarymother) with Lucius Borich (Cog), and Jon Stockman (Karnivool).... "This Debut Album is one of the most interesting and well crafted local alternative rock releases in recent times." James O'Toole, Inpress Magazine
Last Dinosaurs songs have a uniquely tropical feeling; blending infectious pop hooks with driven indie-rock sounds and sensibilities. They have shared the stage with some of the best local and international acts and are set to release their greatly anticipated debut album in early 2012.
www.myspace.com/wearelastdinosaurs
Numbers Radio are a hi-energy rock band hailing from Brisbane. In 3 short years they've produced several Triple J hi-rotation hit’s earning them the right to tour with Aussie greats including Birds of Tokyo, Airbourne, Jebediah, and many more. Come September and album #2 will be ready to roll.
King KSSR is not who you think he is. King KSSR wants to buck the trend of fluffy manufactured pop music and bring something real and raw to the current pop climate.
With special guest DJs including Alan McGee!
BIGSOUND Parties are open to BIGSOUND delegate pass holders and invited guests only.
Michael Chugg, or “Chuggi” as he’s known, is a legend of the Australian music industry and he doesn't have time for bullshit. Three of Australia's most high profile music journalists are going to interrogate him for an hour for your entertainment.
Boy and Bear were one of the hottest bands performing at BIGOUND Live 2010. Their ride over the last 12 months has been both tantalizing and terrifying. A band member, two lawyers, two managers and a label guy share their story with you.
The Music Matters campaign began in 2010 in the UK with huge success. It is a collective of people across the music community, including artists, songwriters, managers, labels, publishers and stores formed to remind listeners of the value and significance of music. Allowing the music to speak for itself, Music Matters brings together a growing collection of short animated films about inspirational artists who have dedicated their lives to music and helped shape our cultural landscape as well as creating an opportunity for fans to share their own stories. It launched in Australia and New Zealand in August 2011 sharing the stories of Eskimo Joe, Dave Dobbyn, Oh Mercy and many others.
Wake up in the morning with a smile on your face. Music is magic and should be treated with true reverence. Some things are much more important than money. Our panel discuss the challenges of committing your life to something as important as music and the idea of actually loving what you do for a job.
There is a growing awareness amongst musicians and the music industry in general about the risks of noise induced hearing loss from loud music. Unfortunately this awareness does not routinely result in good habits when it actually comes to protecting one of our most valuable assets - our ears!
Audiologists, Steve Grayson-Riley from Musicians Hearing Services and Andy Shiach from Advanced Communication Solutions (ACS) will be discussing these issues and provide practical advice including the effective use of ear plugs and in-ear-monitors to ensure musicians can effectively practice their craft now and well into the future.
The global music industry is shrinking every day however, Australian artists with successful international album releases are few and far between. Our panel ask the question why and discuss the idea of thinking globally as part of the creative process.
BIGSOUND are proud to continue to the tradition with the last word coming from an inspiring artist. This year is no different with Spiral Stairs (Scott Kannberg) founding member of PAVEMENT providing our closing address.
Hailing from California USA, Pavement’s 11-year career produced 5 highly memorable records that created a cult following of both fans and musicians alike. Pavement re-united for a highly successful world tour in 2010.
Spiral Stairs has also put out three solo albums. Two with Preston School Of Industry and one under the Spiral Stairs moniker. He also founded the San Francisco indie label, Amazing Grease Records, which has over 25 releases.
Spiral lives north of Brisbane, QLD with his wife and newborn daughter.
Local favourite and Time Off editor, Steve Bell will be interviewing Spiral. Steve lives for music and loves it more than most and loves PAVEMENT even more.
Neil Robertson
Dick Huey
Johanna Greenway
Brian Taranto
Brian Winton
Paul Hanly
Henning Ahrens
Bonnie Dalton
The Laurels
Hazel Brown
Guineafowl
The Mercy Beat
Eagle And The Worm
Dominic Miller
Busby Marou
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