Celebrating 25 years of championing Australia’s best new sounds, BIGSOUND is back from 1–4 September with a lineup filled with established favourites, fresh faces, and artists ready to take over the world. Across four days, The Valley will come alive with gigs, discoveries, and plenty of moments worth adding to your playlist.
If you’re ready to map out your ultimate festival hit-list, here are seven incredible acts you strictly cannot afford to miss.
1. Ladyhawke
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Genre: Electropop / Indie Pop
Some artists possess an innate ability to command a room, and Ladyhawke has spent nearly two decades mastering the craft.
From the moment her self-titled debut album exploded onto the global stage with generation-defining anthems like ‘My Delirium’ and ‘Paris Is Burning’, the New Zealand-born synth-pop auteur established herself as an undeniable force. Across four celebrated studio albums, her blend of razor-sharp hooks, soaring melodies, and effortlessly cool, 80s-infused production has yielded a catalogue of undeniable fan favourites.
Now, on the heels of announcing her highly anticipated fifth studio album, she brings her electric live show to BIGSOUND. Expect a set full of good vibes, big moments and songs you’ll be singing along to.
2. Sam Fischer
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Genre: Pop / Singer-Songwriter
You might know the voice, the chart-topping hooks, or the breakout ballad that took over the globe. Now, you can catch Australian pop powerhouse Sam Fischer live on home soil.
With over two billion global streams to his name, Fischer has carved out an international reputation on raw, vulnerable storytelling and soaring vocals. His multi-platinum hit ‘This City’ catapulted him onto the world stage, a trajectory solidified by his acclaimed 2023 debut record, ‘I Love You, Please Don’t Hate Me’. Beyond his own catalogue, he’s become one of pop’s most sought-after collaborators, sharing tracks with global heavyweights like Demi Lovato (‘What Other People Say’) and Meghan Trainor (‘Alright’).
For all the massive streaming numbers and star-studded duets, Fischer remains refreshingly down-to-earth on stage, delivering an effortless, high-energy set packed with irresistible melodies, emotional punch, and undeniable crowd favourites.
3. Jack Botts
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Genre: Coastal folk / Indie
Think sun-drenched acoustic melodies, coastal nostalgia, and the ultimate soundtrack for an easy-going afternoon.
Jack Botts has built a global audience on his signature blend of folk, country, and pop, surpassing 100 million streams worldwide with heartfelt anthems like ‘Gypsy’ and ‘Home To You.’ His warm energy and magnetic live presence have taken him from local coastlines to some of the world’s most iconic stages, touring alongside heavyweights like Vance Joy, Ocean Alley, Boy & Bear, and Hozier, as well as lighting up international festivals from Boardmasters to Latitude.
Despite the massive global reach, Botts keeps every performance intimately grounded, delivering a laid-back, soul-nourishing set that practically forces you to slow down and soak up the moment.
4. Ngaiire
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Genre: Neo-Soul / R&B / Electronic
Some artists you simply listen to; others you truly experience. Ngaiire (pronounced nigh-ree, rhymes with fiery) is unmistakably the latter.
The Papua New Guinean/Australian powerhouse has long redefined the boundaries of contemporary music, fusing electronic future-soul, gospel, and alt-pop into a sound uniquely her own. Her landmark hit ‘Once’ and critically acclaimed album 3, which snagged four ARIA nominations, helped cement her status as an elite songwriter, a legacy further elevated by her stunning release Live at the Sydney Opera House. Now, she arrives at BIGSOUND amidst a deeply personal creative metamorphosis, presenting new work that boldly explores love, motherhood, sex, and transformation.
Renowned for her breathtaking vocal prowess and hypnotic stage presence, Ngaiire delivers a dynamic, soul-stirring live show that turns raw introspection into a collective release. Add her to your must-see list immediately.
5. Travis Collins
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Genre: Country / Roots
Country lovers, this one’s for you. Travis Collins isn’t just a mainstay of the Australian music scene; he’s an absolute heavyweight in the country genre.
With nine Golden Guitar Awards, an ARIA #1 country album, and a CMA Global Artist accolade to his name, Collins has earned his reputation through relentless touring, powerhouse vocals, and deeply genuine songwriting. From massive festival stages to intimate venues, his catalogue of hit anthems, including fan favourites like ‘Our Backyard’ and his high-octane rendition of ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ has cemented a fiercely loyal national following.
6. Daily J
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Genre: Indie rock and psychedelic pop
Born and bred in the idyllic Marlborough region of New Zealand, Daily J have spent the past few years crafting one of indie pop’s most intoxicating sounds.
Formed by brothers Jayden, Jonny, and Jesse Paul alongside long-time musical soulmate Rick, the band seamlessly weaves dreamy, swirling melodies with warm basslines and hazy indie-pop electronica. Hits like ‘Left Me Like Summer’ and ‘Stay’ have propelled them far beyond Aotearoa, earning the group a rapidly expanding global fanbase and sold-out tours across the Tasman. It’s sun-drenched, golden-hour music at its absolute finest, built on soaring hooks, effortless charm, and a magnetic live presence.
7. Denvah
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Genre: Acoustic Folk / Country / Pop
Fresh from a breakout stint on Australian Idol, Denvah is emerging as one of the country’s most compelling new voices in country music.
Hailing from Rockhampton and based on the Gold Coast, her sound is deeply rooted in classic country while weaving in modern lyrical perspectives that resonate far beyond traditional genre boundaries. Ever since releasing her debut EP ‘Just The Beginning’ in 2020, she has steadily built a reputation for genuine songwriting and magnetic live performances. Standout tracks like ‘Making Cups of Tea’ and ‘One Of Them Cowboys’ showcase an artist who isn’t just riding Australia’s current country music wave, but actively helping to define it.
Catch her at BIGSOUND now to witness a rising star right as she steps onto the national stage.
Grab your tickets now and get ready to discover the artists everyone will be talking about next.
Get your BIGSOUND tickets here