Oztix | News | BIGSOUND Festival Unleashes First Artist Line-up Stacked With Over 60 Awesome Acts

Brisbane's BIGSOUND Festival has unveiled its first batch of acts set to help take over the Fortitude Valley precinct come September, and we're not being hyperbolic in the slightest when we say it's one of the most impressive line-ups we've seen in a long time.

Drawing on the plentiful pool of excellent up-and-coming artists from around the country and overseas, organisers have gathered more than 60 acts sure to please any fan of live music, including a few return faces among the sea of talent.

From the west coast to the east, the line-up is utterly packed with worthy and genuinely exciting names, from ascendant artists like Alex The Astronaut, Hatchie, Ruby Fields, Winston Surfshirt, Lonelyspeck, Dream Rimmy, Maddy Jane, Haiku Hands and Baker Boy to more established drawcards such as Polaris, Total Giovanni, The Cactus Channel and event alumni such as Mama Kin (with Melbourne muso Spender), Hockey Dad and The Creases.

Delegates and punters will also be treated to performances from the eclectic likes of POW! Negro, Clowns, Donny Benet, Mansionair, Hayden Calnin, OKBadlands, Mammals, Jim Lawrie, Jess Locke, Tigerilla, WHALEHOUSE, IV League, Joyride, Fanny Lumsden, Peter Bibby, Pandamic and many more.

And, while the line-up is overwhelmingly local — as it should be — there are also some particularly impressive internationals among the ranks, including London-based indie-rockers Splashh and Kiwi acts Merk and Bespin.

"Once again, we've been spoiled for choice when it comes to the range of new and exciting talent being showcased at BIGSOUND," BIGSOUND programmer Maggie Collins said in a statement. "I know these acts will follow in the footsteps of those that have come before them and achieve the international recognition that they deserve."

This year's BIGSOUND is shaping up to be the biggest in the event's 16-year history, spanning four nights and 17 venues, with artists playing twice to maximise their chance at being seen by industry and general audiences alike.

This is all in addition to the recently announced first list of speakers and buyers, which will put all manner of local and international A&R, agents, promoters, bookers, managers and other professionals in the same room as the best musical creatives this country has to offer — and there are more names yet to come on all fronts.

For general punters, there's extra incentive for non-Brisbane-based types to fly in for the festivities, with the event announcing that, as part of their partnership with Virgin Australia, they're offering two return economy-class airfares to anywhere(!) on the airline's international long-haul network, as long as their flights are booked through BIGSOUND's website.

The 2017 BIGSOUND Festival will be held in Brisbane from 5-8 September.

Tickets are on sale now, starting from $45 for a single-night pass. Other special rates are available now through 31 July.

See the event's website for more information.