BIGSOUND opened its 25th anniversary program in Magandjin (Brisbane) on Tuesday with First Nations artists, cultural events and industry conversations placed across the Fortitude Valley precinct.
The four-day music conference and festival brings emerging artists together with labels, managers, agents, publishers, media and other industry representatives, while its Goolwal Goolwal program provides a First Nations-curated and led space for culture, performance and professional development.
First Nations artists make up 12 per cent of this year's BIGSOUND 100, with Goolwal Goolwal designed to support artists to connect, build industry capacity and share culture.
The program began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a Call for Country, food from Bebe Lena's Kitchen and an artist conversation with Ngarrindjeri producer and artist trials.
Mob markets, a Triple A Radio broadcast and trials' exhibition, "what's the colour of love?", also ran through the day as part of the program.
The Mushroom Group First Nations Pathways Showcase then featured emerging performers including RIAH, MINTY, Djunmili Yunupingu, homebody and Kiah, performing as The Violet Summers.
As the festival moved into the Valley's venues, Goolwal Goolwal artists Ruby Mae, Zipporah, Ricky Neill Jr, NIGHTDIVE, Kyla Belle, Say True God? and JJ VACANT took to stages across the precinct.
Gomeroi artist Kyla Belle performed with her family before returning for her official showcase, continuing a run that has included triple j Unearthed High recognition, work with Nooky and a recent appearance at the National Indigenous Music Awards.
The young singer-songwriter said BIGSOUND offered a chance to introduce herself to a new audience and build relationships beyond her home in Moree, New South Wales.
"I think just getting my name out there," Kyla Belle said.
"I haven't been to Brisbane before, so I think just spreading the word about who I am, where I come from and what I do here at BIGSOUND.
"Hopefully getting the chance to expand my career, meet those right people and open those doors for opportunities that I don't even know about."
Her comments reflected BIGSOUND's role as both a performance platform and meeting point, where emerging artists can be seen by audiences while forming connections with people working across the music industry.
Gomeroi, Gamilaraay and Murrawarri man Joseph Clarke said those relationships remained central to creating stronger pathways for First Nations artists.
"Connections are incredibly important," Mr Clarke said.
He noted shame, stigma and other barriers could make it difficult for emerging artists to enter industry spaces, but First Nations artists and workers continued to support each other, share knowledge and strengthen a growing music ecosystem.
Day one finished with the Magandjin edition of Mob Cypher at La La Land, curated by Mr Clarke and bringing First Nations hip-hop artists together for performances and the live recording of an original freestyle track.
Fred Leone, Say True God?, JJ VACANT, DENNI, FLEWNT, Nooky and BIRDZ were among the artists involved, with trials producing the beat.
Mr Clarke described the late-night event as a showcase of the depth of First Nations hip-hop.
"A total blackout... some of the maddest artists," he said.
Day two will continue the Goolwal Goolwal program with Sharing Songlines sessions, the Goolwal Elders Gathering, a Joe Geia Band performance and the Uncles of Goolwal Goolwal set featuring Coloured Stone.
The evening program will include showcases from Djawarray and Mayi Wunba Dancers, Deva Mahal, BALA RONTU, Jem Cassar-Daley, Kyla Belle, Kiz, Ricky Neil Jr, Say True God?, NIGHTDIVE and Lightyears.
ARIA-winning hip-hop group 3% will close day two's Goolwal Goolwal program at Crowbar, with the group announcing legendary Samoan rapper Scribe, based in Aotearoa, as a special guest.
