BIGSOUND has added King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Julia Jacklin and trials to its 2026 Artist In Conversation program, as the Brisbane music industry gathering builds toward its 25th anniversary edition.
BIGSOUND will return to Fortitude Valley from September 1–4, with the latest announcement adding major artist conversations and a new wave of international industry guests to this year’s program.
Stu Mackenzie and Lucas Harwood from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard will appear in conversation, reflecting on the Melbourne band’s long-running career, global audience and fiercely independent creative path.
The band first played BIGSOUND in 2013, before building into one of Australia’s most prolific and internationally recognised rock exports, with more than 25 albums and a following built around experimentation, heavy output and a clear creative world.
Julia Jacklin has also been confirmed for the Artist In Conversation lineup. The acclaimed songwriter first appeared at BIGSOUND in 2016, ahead of the release of her debut album “Don’t Let The Kids Win”.
Jacklin has since become one of Australia’s strongest indie and alt-pop voices, with a catalogue built around emotional storytelling, quiet tension and precise songwriting. Her return comes as she enters a new chapter, having signed her first global record deal with 4AD.
trials will also join the conversation program. The Ngarrindjeri producer, composer and artist has shaped major Australian hip hop projects through funkoars and A.B. Original, and has stepped further into the solo spotlight with his debut album “hendle”.
Global industry heads for Brisbane
The Artist In Conversation announcement arrives alongside a new wave of international industry guests, with representatives from festivals, labels, media, agencies and music organisations heading to Brisbane.
The latest names include guests from Bonnaroo, Mom+Pop Music, Partisan Records, Pitchfork, Soho House, The Great Escape, SXSW, BBC Radio 1 and more.
Among the newly announced guests are Bryan Benson from Bonnaroo and Live Nation Nashville, Nina Corcoran from Pitchfork, Chris Fraser from Partisan Records, Thaddeus Rudd from Mom+Pop Music and Jessica Moss from Soho House London.
The broader international guest list also includes representatives connected to Bandcamp, Carpark Records, Hellfest, Reeperbahn, Rough Trade, Sziget, True Panther and other global music platforms and events.
QMusic interim CEO Kristy Ellis said the 2026 program was focused on creating more direct opportunities for artists and industry to connect with the global market.
“BIGSOUND has always been a place where real connections happen, and this year we’re focused on creating even more opportunities for Australian and New Zealand artists and industry to connect with each other and the global market. The program focuses on the conversations the industry is having right now — how the business is changing, how we stay ahead, and how Australian and New Zealand artists continue to grow on the global stage.”
BIGSOUND turns 25
The 2026 event marks BIGSOUND’s 25th anniversary, with this year’s program placing extra focus on networking, meetings and direct connections between Australian and New Zealand artists, industry workers and the global market.
Returning elements include Roundtables, Conversation Corners, the Artist Hub, Content House, Delegate Hub and Goolwal Goolwal, BIGSOUND’s First Nations-led program.
The full BIGSOUND 2026 program is expected to launch in July.
Early bird delegate tickets are on sale now, with full delegate early bird tickets from $699 and the offer ending on June 30.
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