Photos by Kelsey Doyle
Aleksiah
Every year, BIGSOUND feels like Christmas Eve for the music industry. As the weather starts to warm up and the focus turns to summer festival season, from far and wide we gather to showcase and celebrate some of our best up and coming talent. It’s a hotbed of acts that informs the new music we love while also supporting unearthed artists finding their feet.
Over the past decade we’ve seen significant shifts in the Australian industry producing music lineups that once were devoid of women, to now celebrating diverse talent on some of our biggest stages. Championing this starts at the beginning, and BIGSOUND lead the charge in platforming a wide array of voices. To showcase the importance of representation in the music industry and support and celebrate women, non-binary and GNC artists, Ramona is spotlighting some of our must-see artists at BIGSOUND 2023 and beyond.
Representation holds paramount significance within the music industry as it plays a pivotal role in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and cultural richness. Representation is not just about fairness; it’s about amplifying unique voices and perspectives. It fosters creativity, breaks down barriers, and inspires future generations to pursue their passions. Focus on diversity in the industry signifies more than just an equitable approach; it highlights the transformative power of giving underrepresented voices a platform.
We asked some of your favourite artists why representation is so important in the music industry, what advice they have for artists wanting to showcase at BIGSOUND 2024 as well as who they’re most excited to see at this year’s showcase. Keep reading to see what they said!
Why is representation in the music industry important to you?
Musicians can be centre stage – it kinda comes with the job description. Everyone deserves to see their culture, sexuality, job, gender identity etc. depicted accurately in the media. I’ve thought about representation a lot during my engagement with the filmmaking and interest in film history. Ethnographic filmmaking, a practice of documenting cultures in cinema, is a particularly challenging pill to swallow when the person behind the camera has no relation or real understanding of the group of people they are observing. I believe the same implications can occur in music if artist’s stories are being written by industries heads behind the scenes, or if there is an imbalance of representation on the stage or in line-ups. Growing up, I found solice in music written by artists whose reality resonating with me. I also found artists for whose world or story was different from my own, and I found teachings in their words. I heard directly from the source, not through someone else’s depiction of them – listened to their stories.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
You’re the reason you got to Bigsound in the first place — in some sense, you have already proved yourself. Try not to fear that you won’t be enough or what they are looking for. Come as you are! This is tricky advice for myself to follow, I’m still coping with pesty imposter syndrome everyday – but we all deserve to know that. Bigsound can be a big financial hit for young up and coming artists, which can be stressful. It’s important to check in with yourself during this time, and to recognise yourself of your own worth — at the end of the day you can’t be the best version of yourself without giving yourself some gratitude for the work you put in getting to Bigsound.
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
Bayung the bushranger, Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice, Rebel Yell, Delivery, Komang and Miss Kaninna
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
Growing up black in Australia, I feel like I never saw people in roles that I aspired to be in that look like me. It’s important to have diversity not only for the children of different ethnicities but also for the Caucasian Australian kids to understand that not everyone looks like them. In my childhood, as this representation lacked, I was subjected to bullying for my skin colour and it also shaped the way I viewed myself. Now as an adult there is a lot more diversity in the music industry, especially Australia. This growth is so nice to see as it really makes a difference in the way people look at themselves and each other.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Honestly there’s no better advice then put your all into it and believe in yourself. Growing up I always knew this is what I wanted to do and though most people don’t believe you, you can really do anything you put your heart and soul into. Persistence is key!
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
I have been listening to 1TBSP for a couple of years now and am so stoked I can finally see him live. It’s so nice to be able to come and embrace some AUS music I have loved from afar being in NZ. Also all the NZ acts ah! It’s like my whole NZ music family is in AUS!
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
Representation is important in the music industry in the same way that it is within any other industry or anything else in the world, but I particularly look at it from the perspective of young people. Everyone, but especially young people need artists to inspire them, give them hope, feel confident to be who they want to be, to dream as big as they want to dream and to feel seen/heard. If we can show young people that they have their own voice and give them someone/something to connect to and say “I feel I relate to this and I am not alone in this”, anyone can do it and that they can do it, I think that is where the positive change in our world begins for the generations to come and our future. Artists have the power to speak loud about world issues and represent every sort of being, community or movement, and I do think that there is a positive change happening in the music industry that is really inspiring and diversifying.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! Have fun! Meet and mingle and make new friends! Yes, there is a large music industry presence around BIG SOUND, and yes so many amazing artists are there alongside you, but it is so important to realise you are there to put on your best show, not for anyone else, but for you. Do what you do best because of the reasons why you love to do it and be you, that’s the core of your purpose at Big Sound, and the people that come forward to you will gravitate towards you for who you are.
Who are you most excited to see at BigSound 2023?
I’m looking forward to seeing Aleksiah, Porpoise Spit and Moaning Lisa. And two Canadian acts at the Bigsound Canadian showcase: Le Panda and Ragers.
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
Representation in the music scene is what puts people like me on the map, gives us visibility and a voice. Five years ago, you probably wouldn’t see many Aus artists that look like me in the indie rock scene or more guitar-based genres. That’s still not changing fast enough.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
The hustle is real, build your chops. Sign up to your local music org for musicians baggage perks on flights…!
Who are you most excited to see at BigSound 2023?
Reb Fountain – a stunning Aotearoa artist who has the ability to conjure an otherworldly atmosphere. Smolfish – I discovered via the big sound programming. Love their lyrics, sound and slinky vibe.
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
Representation has the ability to prove that everyone can have the choice to pursue what they love. I hope one day that representation in the music industry can live up to its name and a musical dream can be a free-for-all all.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Make stuff you think is cool, release it, play live, get someone good with strategy to help with applications, and the rest will fall into place.
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
So many amazing acts on the line up but my ~non negotiable must see ~ acts are Beckah Amani (been a huge fan for ages and went to a writing camp with her recently, her voice, depth and presence is unmatched), Ula (for a super fun grunge pop moment), Foley (whose new album slaps – very excited to see them live) and Bella Amor (who is a bundle of joy) . So many incredible ladies to support!
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
I got into this industry in 2018, and looking back, (whilst it’s still not perfect) we’ve definitely made some positive steps forward since then. I personally feel a lot more heard, taken seriously and confident to be the artist I want to be. So many incredible females (shout out Jack River especially!) are now at the forefront of the industry and to put it bluntly, I think a lot of females, both artist and industry, are just not putting up with any crap anymore. Whilst the change might be slow, the baby steps are comforting and I know the next couple of generations of females in the industry are going to continue fighting the battle!
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Honestly just have fun with it. It’s not everyday you get an opportunity like this, so make it your own and enjoy it! Getting super caught up in the details is only going to stress you out. Also reach out to other artists and connect!
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
One of the standout acts I remember from last year is Platonic Sex, they are not only amazing musicians but also humans. And its so lovely to see such genuine people grace the stage at BIGSOUND 2023. They are by far one of my favourite acts in Brissy at the moment with their latest body of work “Grip” being such a fantastic listen. Highly recommend them as a band to checkout at this years showcase.
Why is representation in the music industry important/how have you seen it change for the worse/better?
There has definitely been a lot more diversity in the Brisbane music community lately, I can see more lineups focused on women in music, which is always a good thing. Its great to see different communities getting more and more appreciation all around. Representation is one of the most important aspects to think about when giving artists a space to showcase their work, but Brisbane has definitely been highlighting on a lot more minorities and its great to see.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
I didn’t think I would be playing at BIGSOUND at all this year but I was really lucky and chosen as one of the unearthed artists to perform. I think with that, you shouldn’t be afraid to put yourself out there onto platforms like unearthed, because you never know whats going to happen next. Take every single opportunity you can and see the little things as wins. Overtime those little wins can turn into self victories for even bigger things.
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
Miss Kaninna, Emma Volard, Kuzco and 1tbsp!
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
Representation is everything. You can’t be what you can’t see. Art, music and culture is not gendered, the representation and artists given platforms shouldn’t be either. Lineups have had some improvement, but the rates of female-identifying and non-binary people in studios and working behind the scenes on teams is still so low, and I can’t wait to see more opportunities, grants and funding going to balancing out the numbers in those areas. I feel like on the surface there’s been a bit of improvement, but behind the scenes is still very cis male-dominated, and it’s necessary that that changes.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Apply! And back yourself! You deserve to be there.
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
Tamara and The Dreams, Komang, Kuzco, Miss Kaninna and Nikodimos
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
We talk a lot about how diverse and accepting our world is becoming, but there is still so far to go. It’s an endless fight for the minority. Seeing people like me in the music industry makes me feel safe and heard. There’s something so powerful about being visible in these spaces, and I owe a lot to both the women/GNC/trans people before me who have done the work to get us where we are now.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Be yourself, share your goals and dreams and show your passion!
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
So many of the acts are my friends that I’m excited to hang with but I’m especially excited for the acts I’ve never seen live – Platonic Sex, Siobhan Cotchin, Kavi, Miss Kaninna, Hannah Cameron, Teddie
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
My time spent playing live music has been blessed because I’m walking a path that’s been bashed out by women and queer people before me, especially in my little corner of the Melbourne community. I feel so grateful for the people that pioneered and pushed for representation as a baseline for lineups and I hope to follow in their footsteps forever.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Community is the most important thing about playing music. The corniest cheesiest thing ever but – it’s literally all about the friends you make along the way.
Who were you most excited to see at BigSound 2023? – shout out your fave artists on the showcase.
It was a packed BIGSOUND this year but I was real keen to see ben swissa, beckah amani, ula and matilda pearl. There were so many amazing artists that i didn’t get to see which sucks!
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
It’s important to me that women are treated as equals in this industry. I’ve experienced sexism in this industry countless times and honestly it’s just annoying to be looked upon and shot down by a glance. I haven’t been around long enough to see it change, but definitely feels like it’s taking baby steps to be more inclusive.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
Put out your music! Don’t be sitting on 10000000 demos because you feel the time isn’t right, just do it. Apply for things, put yourself out there and don’t hold back. Own what you do and love it.
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- Miss Kaninna
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- Joan And The Giants
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- Full Flower Moon Band
Who are you most excited to see at BIGSOUND 2023?
I’m very excited to see Bella Amor, Logan, Ben Swissa, Yorke and Mazbou Q and Sachém.
Why is representation in the music industry important to you/how have you seen it change (for worse or better!)?
Representation in the music industry is important to make sure that voices from different backgrounds and with different experiences are heard. Representation is also important to ensure that the music industry reflects the diversity of society.
What advice would you give to artists hoping to showcase next year?
I would advise artists hoping to showcase next year to continue developing their live performances and act!
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- Bridget – Platonic Sex
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- Ūla
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- Aleksiah
