Vinyl Group CEO Josh Simons, Billboard senior editor Lyndsey Havens and VibeLab co-founder Lutz Leichsenring join the second wave of speakers locked-in for Bigsound 2024, Australia’s annual conference and showcase extravaganza.
Also confirmed to this year’s lineup is Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd and Live Nation’s Kamran Haq, senior national promoter at the concerts giant and senior booker for Europe’s Download Festival.
Simons, the leader of Vinyl Group, Australia’s only ASX-listed music business, will speak at Bigsound just six months after the company completed the acquisition of The Brag Media, which is now housed alongside Jaxsta, Vampr and Vinyl.com. A former artist with indie band Buchanan, Simons has, over time, successfully raised A$20 million for his tech startups.
Havens, say organisers QMusic, will share her thoughts on leadership and authenticity in the current landscape, while Leichsenring will offer perspectives on creating sustainable music ecosystems.
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The daytime industry sessions will include a timely panel discussion, “Who Gives a F*ck About Australian Music?,” which will explore the global perception of Australian music and engagement from local music fans.
Meanwhile, a slew of 50-plus buzz acts are added to the nighttime program, including Miiesha, Bean Magazine, tiffi, Stella Bridie, Neptune, Same Blood, TOWNS and Alayna.
Set for Sept. 3 – 6 in Brisbane, the 2032 Olympic city, Bigsound’s conference and showcase extravaganza will once again make a splash in the vibrant Fortitude Valley.
As previously reported, “Milkshake” star Kelis and Amy Taylor, singer with ARIA Award-winning punk rock act Amyl And The Sniffers, are keynote speakers, while a lineup of international speakers has been confirmed, including Korda Marshall (Mushroom Group), Bradly Palmer (Concord Music Publishing), Elliott Lefko (AEG / Goldenvoice).
The event is supported by the Queensland government through Tourism and Events Queensland, and is presented by Oztix and Brick Lane.
Visit Bigsound.org.au for more.