Bigsound Welcomes A New Wave of Culture Shifting Artists in 2025

Brisbane/Magandjin's Fortitude Valley district becomes a playground for new music discovery from 2-5 September, with musicians from across Australia and neighbouring countries gathering to showcase at the southern hemisphere's premiere music industry event – BIGSOUND.

Today, BIGSOUND affirms itself as a destination for music celebration and curation of a new generation of impactful artists, with the announcement of the official artist lineup. Powerhouse performers from across a variety of genres and backgrounds reflect the diversity of the music communities that are shaping music innovation and influence.

It is a lineup that BIGSOUND is fiercely proud of, testament to the vision of Festival Programmers Casey O'Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne, as well as the talented Programming Advisory Group, specifically selected to assist in the curation of the 2025 Official Showcase program.

Over 120 acts will perform across the 18 stages at BIGSOUND this year; from rock and pop, to country, R&B, folk, punk, electronic and hip hop, there truly is something for everyone to discover and fall in love with.

Featured on the 2025 BIGSOUND Festival Program are artists including WAFIA, whose brand of soulful electronic/R&B music has been capturing audiences around the world. Releasing her long-awaited debut album Promised Land at the beginning of 2025, WAFIA's performances at BIGSOUND mark her first shows back in Australia since embarking on a brand-new chapter of artistry.

Also embarking on a new journey with music, is Melbourne/Naarm-based Papua New Guinean neo-soul artist, KAIIT. The recent APRA Music Award winner has returned to radars in a big way in the last year, with the new releases hinting at a stunning new chapter of work – set to be revealed on their highly anticipated debut album, And Off She Goes, in 2025.

Quite possibly one of BIGSOUND's youngest ever showcasing artists at just twelve years old, Perth/Boorloo hip hop artist Inkabee has been showing the world what he's made of, as well as representing his community and culture via viral performances at SXSW and even America's Got Talent. As he navigates adolescence, Inkabee's observations and perspectives are fueling exciting new music out of Australia's West Coast, undoubtedly set to flourish in 2025.

Sydney/Eora indie artist Azure Ryder joins the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup after a breakout year in the UK, performing with Teddy Swims and BoyWithUke. Now back in Australia, she supports Alexander Stewart ahead of her BIGSOUND showcases.

The Southern River Band has wasted no time in becoming one of Australia's fiercest names in live rock 'n' roll. With four albums to its name, the four-piece out of Perth/Boorloo brings an insatiable confidence and stage presence to BIGSOUND following festival appearances throughout Europe in 2024, and upcoming sets at Download Festival, Copenhell, Hellfest and more.

Beloved for her blend of dreamy pop and shoegaze soundscapes, Brisbane/ Magandjin's own Hatchie is set to serve a potent reminder of her songwriting and performance talents as part of this year's BIGSOUND lineup. An AIR and J Award nominee, Hatchie's music has been a striking part of the Australian indie songbook, particularly with the release of her second album, Giving It All Away, in 2022.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek acknowledged the importance of BIGSOUND 2025 as a key industry event that attracts musicians, industry managers, music lovers and visitors to the state.

"BIGSOUND is a highlight on our calendar of events, and it serves an important role in helping to amplify Queensland's reputation as a vibrant cultural destination," Minister Langbroek said. 

"The Crisafulli Government is proud to support BIGSOUND to back our local music artists, venues and businesses, while creating a thriving live music scene ahead of Brisbane 2032." 

BIGSOUND Music Festival Programmers, O'Shaughnessy and Rynne, say of this year's lineup:

"We're thrilled to finally share the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup with you. Curating this year's program has been such a joy " the artists we've selected reflect the incredible depth of talent in Australia, and each one is doing truly exciting things with their music. We're so proud of this group and can't wait to see them bring the Fortitude Valley to life in September.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single artist who applied. We were genuinely blown away by the quality, creativity and diversity of submissions " it made the selection process incredibly tough, in the best possible way. There's so much talent out there, and while we couldn't include everyone this year, we recognise the heart you put into your music, and we're excited for what lies ahead for you." – Casey O'Shaughnessy & Katie Rynne, BIGSOUND Co-Programmers

Across BIGSOUND's either one or three nights, punters are encouraged to embrace the choose-your-own-adventure style of programming, exploring the myriad venues and being led by the music and sounds pouring out from each of them. From open-air stages beneath the stars to cozy, intimate spots where you can connect closely with the music, your single BIGSOUND Festival wristband will get you access to 18 venues across Brisbane's iconic Fortitude Valley.

Previous years at BIGSOUND have seen the discovery of Australian superstars including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I, Courtney Barnett, Baker Boy and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard – this unique opportunity for artists to perform for hungry audiences of music fans and industry delegates alike is truly one of a kind in this area of the world.

BIGSOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS 2025 visit www.bigsound.org.au 

BIGSOUND 2025 OFFICIAL ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT
FULL ARTIST LIST HERE