The annual BIGSOUND live music festival and music conference is usually held in Brisbane every year, with many of the live events centred around the city’s Fortitude Valley mall; which, for those who have not been, turns into an awesome outdoor street festival at night. But this year things are a little different. With restrictions on gatherings, travel and borders making the event near impossible, organisers have persevered to “ensure connection for the music community is not lost due to COVID-19.”
Taking to the virtual stage instead, this week announcing the two-day event will be held on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd of October. And the best part is – it’s free! As the BIGSOUND website reads, “Delegate passes will be FREE for BIGSOUND 2020 to ensure equal access for an industry that has been devastated by the effects of COVID-19.” (more here).
The news came with a list of high-profile guests and keynote speakers slated to appear, headed by Rage Against The Machine’s legendary Tom Morello. A statement from the guitarist reads: “Join me at BIGSOUND to talk music, activism, and how the guitar can be a divining rod for truth and justice. The world is at a dangerous crossroads and it’s time to feed the poor, fight the power, and rock the f**k out.”
Rage Against The Machine | “Take The Power Back” [Live, 1993]
So, while 2020 might not be the awesome outdoor street festival of BIGSOUNDS’ past, it may be one of the only times you’ll ever catch a free keynote speech from one of the most phenomenal players on the planet – and that’s worth celebrating!
The event will also include special in-conversation sessions with the legendary Kev Carmody and ARIA-award winning singer/songwriter, Amy Shark. For a full rundown of artists, speakers and timetable information, head to the BIGSOUND website, here.
Listen to Tom Morello on Spotify:
Listen to Tom Morello on Apple Music:
