BIGSOUND is back for 2021, and here's how your band can play it

Even if it moved forward with a creative and entirely online event last year, there was a still massive absence of BIGSOUND in our hearts and minds in 2020. With the state borders in constant hit-or-miss mode, the festival elected to run its 2020 program via the URL rather than the IRL, welcoming panels and discussions from people around the world, while a limited number of acts - 50, the BIGSOUND 50 to be exact - were invited to perform digitally, in the hopes of securing the new fans and deals that often come with BIGSOUND shows.

In 2021, they're hoping to move forwards with the normal event, albeit with a few slight upgrades for those unsure about trekking it over to Queensland for the annual, week-long music industry bender. From September 7th to 9th, Brisbane's Fortitude Valley will again erupt with the BIGSOUND spirit, with conferences and keynotes throughout the day, followed by some 150 artists performing in the evening and night - excluding all those that play the 'unofficial' BIGSOUND shows in the same week.

This year, there's a particular focus on innovative and cultural change; the first day of BIGSOUND programming beginning with the BIGSOUND Indigenous Showcase and Women in Music event, with other panels throughout the week tackling things like cultural change, inclusivity, safety, international economics and more. No doubt there will be some more information on this to come over the next few weeks.

In terms of the artists, well, there are going to be about 150 of you playing BIGSOUND this year, with artist applications open now. To apply to showcase at BIGSOUND, head to their website here and fill out the forms, and hopefully, you'll be hand-selected by the music supervisors to be one of the lucky acts to showcase this year. Who knows, you might just score a label deal or agent, if not a big cash prize courtesy of Levi's, who once again, are selecting three BIGSOUND performers to give $15,000 to. Applications close on May 28th.

There's plenty more to be announced from the BIGSOUND camp over the next few months, so in the meantime, start booking your flights and accommodation and we'll see you in the Valley this September.

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