GALLERY & REVIEW | BIGSOUND Festival 2025

Whether you’re an artist, industry worker, or just a general music fan, BIGSOUND festival is not one to miss. Being “the biggest music industry gathering in the southern hemisphere”, the festival spans over three nights every September in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, with over 120+ artists showcasing their talent across various local venues. 

Some of the biggest Aussie names had their start at BIGSOUND - including Flume, Ball Park Music, Tash Sultana, Gang of Youths, Courtney Barnett and Violent Soho. 

Spirits were high as the festival kicked off with Tuesday’s opening live showcase, the valley packed with attendees ready to get immersed in it all. 

Mannequin Death Squad tore up the newly established Blute’s Bar, and Le Shiv captivated the crowd over at The Brightside. The night also introduced emerging band Sunsick Daisy who describe their sound as “sour candy indie rock”. Neighbours from New Zealand, Coast Arcade, were a vibrant force, an act to definitely keep an eye on. Grunge rockers Bad Juju opened up the pit for hardcore lovers to let loose. The Beef’s packed out The Prince Consort’s outdoor area with their lively energy and self proclaimed “pub-pop” tunes. 

Gallery: BIGSOUND - Day 1

With Mannequin Death Squad, Le Shiv, Sunsick Daisy, Coast Arcade, Bad Juju, & The Beef’s!

Heartline opened night two on Wednesday with their intense metalcore riffs and pop synths. WA punks Last Quokka played an explosive set, performing with such anarchic energy that seems to be a theme in the Brightside. After a 7 year hiatus, it’s no doubt that Letters To Lions are still a national favourite, Wonderland was packed with fans singing along to every lyric - new and old. Indie-folk artist, Ullah, graced Triple J’s Unearthed stage with her dreamy and delicate lyricism. Nightlight were an alt-pop powerhouse - I accidentally stumbled upon their set, but was instantly captivated by the trio’s fierce genre-defying sound. Blending themes of neo-soul and hip-hop, Kaiit was a fearless presence, the intimacy her performance built was a wonderful experience to close out the night.

Gallery: BIGSOUND - Day 2 

With Heartline, Last Quokka, Letters to Lions, Ullah, Nightlight & Kaiit!

Amongst the inevitable exhaustion that a three-day festival brings, the crowd’s enthusiasm was not slacking for Thursday’s closing night ahead. 

Psychedelic surf rockers Lazy Ghost set the tone for the night ahead at Crowbar, while the Alligator Club was full to capacity to catch indie/post-punk 4-piece, Dogworld. Over at the Brightside, Homesick unleashed their Western Sydney hardcore sound. Just outdoors, REDD - at only 19 years old, lit up the stage with angsty and raw talent, getting the pit moving. One of the most anticipated acts and R&B sensation, Wafia, graced the open-air stage to a huge crowd of fans. On the other side of the valley, Brisbane band Mid Drift sent off the week with an electric set of their sun-kissed tunes. 

The festival was wonderfully organised (big love to all the workers & volunteers), and the accessibility of each venue being so close made for an effortless journey to catch some extraordinary performances. Opportunities to connect with people seemed to emerge at every turn, whether it was with other photographers, networking with industry professionals and artists or even bonding over moments with fans. Experiencing the future of live music with others is a special feeling.

Bring on BIGSOUND 2026!

Gallery: BIGSOUND - Day 3

With Lazy Ghost, Dogworld, Homesick, REDD, Wafia & Mid Drift!

All photos: © Carly Villiers