BIGSOUND 2022 ANNOUNCES FIRST KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

14/06/22

#Featuring ‘me too.’ Movement founder Tarana Burke and Internet-born pop sensation Rebecca Black

Following a record number of artist showcase applications, BIGSOUND is thrilled to announce its first conference speaker line up with guests from across the globe and from home set to bring incredible conversations to Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley from 6 - 9 September this year.

Leading the announcement are viral star turned cultural phenomenon Rebecca Black (US), and one of the most powerful voices of the last five years in Tarana Burke (US).

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KEYNOTE IN CONVERSATION WITHRebecca Black

With millions of followers across her socials, internet-born pop sensation Rebecca Black will be heading to BIGSOUND to offer rare insight into her tumultuous and life changing career. The ‘Friday’-famed gold-selling singer and queer creator has undergone a mammoth personal journey and is wowing critics and audiences alike as she changes the narrative around her craft and the expectations of others. Returning to the public eye with her first musical project in 10 years, Rebecca released a wildly received ‘Rebecca Black Was Here’ project last year and is gearing up to release her debut album.

KEYNOTE IN CONVERSATION WITHTarana Burke

Rebecca joins activist, author and founder of the global ‘me too.’ Movement Tarana Burke who has dedicated her life to social justice work. The ‘me too.’ Movement inspires solidarity, amplifies the voices of thousands of victims of sexual abuse and puts the focus back on survivors. Named 2017 TIME’s Person of the Year, Tarana is set to raise the important issues that impact the music industry and spark conversations which continue to require the spotlight to be shone on them.

Rounding out the first announcement of keynote speakers are industry luminary and Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski, multi-disciplinary artist and advocate for change and accountability Jaguar Jonze and UK’s chart-topping electronic producer and artist Example.

Additionally, First Nations House will return in 2022. BIGSOUND is grateful to have the guidance of Elder in Residence Uncle Kev Starkey, musician and Founder of Darkwood Studio RLS, to assist in creating a space for supporting, promoting and celebrating First Nations music, and for artists to gather and share their music and messages. Threaded throughout BIGSOUND, further First Nations' programming including the location of a dedicated venue, First Nations House, will be announced closer to the event.

Conference Programmer Tom Larkin said “The BIGSOUND Conference 2022 represents the long-awaited opportunity for us to reconnect, engage and celebrate each other and the global music community we are a vital part of. Our first announcement highlights our keynote speakers and the insights and stories they offer that point the way to a richer, more vibrant industry.”

“This year we want to reflect the massive changes and innovation we have seen over the past two years and also pack the program full of advocates for new Australian music, the champions who actually sign artists and want to elevate their careers on a global level.”

Bringing their insight and advice to BIGSOUND, the first conference line up is packed with some of the most esteemed names in the industry from across the globe. Please welcome;

Tarana Burke - Author / Speaker (US) - KEYNOTE*
Rebecca Black - Artist (US) - KEYNOTE
Matt Gudinski - Mushroom Group - KEYNOTE
Jaguar Jonze - Artist - KEYNOTE
EXAMPLE - Artist / Producer - KEYNOTE
Annabelle Herd - ARIA
Andrew Stone - Chugg Music
Casey O'Shaughnessy - Select Music
Eric Tobin - Hopeless Records (USA)
Heidi Lenffer – FEAT. / Cloud Control
Jake Taylor - In Hearts Wake
Jess Keeley - Music, She Wrote
Joan Westerberg - Moda Dao / Pizza Party
Johann Ponniah - I OH YOU
John Mullen - Dew Process
Josh Taylor Anderson - Call & Response
Kate Duncan - The PUSH Inc
Rebecca Young - Collective Artists
Regan Lethbridge - Lemon Tree
Sarah Joy - ATC LIVE (UK)
Shaun Faulkner - X Ray Touring (UK)
Will Church - ATC LIVE (UK)