BIGSOUND 2026 has announced the opening slate of its Artist In Conversation series, slated for September 1‑4 in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. The lineup includes indie rock veterans The Murlocs, alt‑pop rising star Jacklin and Ngarrindjeri hip‑hop pioneer Briggs, each set to discuss their journeys and the wider music ecosystem.

The Murlocs Return After 13 Years at BIGSOUND

The psych‑rock outfit The Murlocs, who first appeared on BIGSOUND’s night program in 2013, are back for a daytime conversation. according to the event’s release, the band has since released a “remarkable 25 albums” and launched its own label, cementing its status as a leading Australian export. Their session will likely explore how they have navigated the shift from local gigs to international touring, a narrative that mirrors the festival’s own growth.

Jacklin Secures First Global Deal with 4AD

Alt‑pop artist Jacklin , a BIGSOUND alum since 2016 , announced a worldwide record contract with the storied indie label 4AD just before the festival. The source notes that her debut at BIGSOUND preceded a two‑time ARIA‑Award‑winning album, and the new deal promises broader distribution for upcoming projects. Her conversation is expected to shed light on how Australian artists leverage overseas label partnerships to reach new audiences.

Briggs' ARIA‑Winning Project Highlights Indigenous Voices

Ngarrindjeri producer Briggs,co‑founder of Funkoars and a two‑ARIA‑Award winner, will join the roster. The report says his recent solo release channels profits to organisations supporting victims of sexual, domestic and family violence, underscoring a socially conscious brand. His talk will likely address the intersection of Indigenous storytelling, hip‑hop, and industry recognition, including the Australian Music Prize his project recently secured.

Fortitude Valley Hosts BIGSOUND 2026 Amid International Labels

The festival will convene representatives from Partisan Records, Pitchfork, Bonnaroo,Soho House, MOM+POP, ROAM Artists, Reeperbahn, DMT Law Firm, Carpark Records, The Great Escape, True Panther and SXSW. As the source explains, the aim is to create “opportunities for Australian and New Zealand artists and industry to connect with the global market.” The presence of such a diverse slate of international patners signals BIGSOUND’s ambition to act as a gateway for regional talent seeking overseas exposure.

Will New Zealand Artists Gain Equal Spotlight?

While the announcement emphasizes Australian‑New Zealand collaboration,the specific New Zealand acts slated for the conversation series have not been named. This omission leaves open the question of whether Kiwi musicians will receive comparable platform time to their Australian counterparts, a point that industry observers will be watching closely.