© Lauren Baxter 2021.
The BIGSOUND veteran
Perhaps the most easily identifiable specimen and not just because of their token spot in a ‘Beards Of BIGSOUND’ gallery, the BIGSOUND veteran began the migration pattern north to Brisbane before the showcase was even a real thing. It is also rumoured that they haven’t shaved since the inaugural 2002 event. You might be lucky to catch the individual in a rare after-dark appearance, churning up the dancefloor in a faithful pair of lo-top converse sneakers to a Television track, but the veteran is most often spotted in an open blazer, worn over an obscure band tee, speaking loudly by the watering hole about his vast music knowledge. And while it might be vast, he’s going to make sure you know all about it.
The hungover wreck
Ahhh the hungover wreck. Normally spotted flying by night, this dark creature was the last one standing on the first night and now looks to pay the price. Typically displaying nocturnal migration characteristics, if the individual is spotted early in the day, it is only to feed on a morning diet of hashbrowns and Bloody Marys. Key physical characteristics to look for include dark circles around the socket area (which are more often than not covered by shades), visible shaking and a distinct lack of electrolytes and/or dignity. Experimental data and long undercover studies in the field have also confirmed that the substance in their KeepCup is definitely not coffee. In saying that, this is the character you want to find when the sun goes down. The good ones know that BIGSOUND is a marathon, not a sprint and once the hangovers have plateaued they will be good to go again. Just don’t talk to them before midday.
The stressed mid-level manager
With the stampede migration up to Brisbane comes a whole lot of stress and this individual has taken all of that pressure on board, not quite high up enough on the food chain to just sit back and enjoy the week. Upon sensing you in their presence, you might be lucky for the delegate to look up from their phone just long enough to explain that they represent a band you’re not entirely sure exists. Before you have to feign knowledge of their groundbreaking sound though, the stress head will dart off, running between stages with a frantic look in their eye. Often seen towards the end of the day without phone battery, this character has also earned the title of most likely to ask, ‘What percent you on?’ when you ask for YOUR phone charger back. When they finally stop buzzing around and approach you at the end of the evening, you will find out that despite all their ongoing movement, they didn’t actually catch an act.
The networking warrior
First spotted at the airport somehow already wearing their lanyard, the networking warrior can be found arguing at the check in desk about their need to bring an extra, empty suitcase on the plane. Like the bowerbird, this delegate will then spend the week collecting business cards (hence the empty suitcase) in a complex networking display and somehow seem to be close, personal friends with every other delegate in the bar. The individual will spend hours arranging their collection and will be the first to admit they have made the journey north for no reason other than to make those sweet contacts. Do not underestimate the networking warrior, we wouldn’t be surprised if they are delivering the Keynote in a year’s time.
The BIGSOUND saint
Yes many flock to BIGSOUND for the seemingly endless parties, but others want to stay sharp. In bed by ten, and then bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the first seminar every morning (after a casual sunrise 10km), the rarely spotted BIGSOUND saint is not going to sacrifice a single brain cell to those hazy hours of mischief. Often seen toting a Mary Poppins bag, this delegate is your go-to for bandaids, tissues, pens and pain killers and they will even deliver them to you judgement free – they are just that sickeningly nice. A responsible drinker, this atypical character will not only remind you to eat and stay hydrated, they are also not afraid to take away your phone before you start drunk texting your boss. Trust them, it’s for your own good. See also: Mum/Grandma friend.
The Music Staff Member
Nesting this September in Blute’s Bar, staff from The Music will also be making the pilgrimage up to Brisbane to bring you all the action from the ground. Maybe you’ve hauled your poor liver up with us, or maybe you’re playing BIGSOUND bingo from the comfort of your home; in any case, we’ve got you covered with all the related news, reviews and interviews from the showcases and conferences. Our not-at-all-hungover team of reporters and photographers will be infiltrating the jungle that is Fortitude Valley and bringing you everything you need to know. Hey, maybe you didn’t get your hands on the mag until after the delegates dissipated; that’s okay – you can relive all the magic online at TheMusic.com.au. For those who are reading early in the month though, if you see the gang out and about, we’ve heard they like free beer.
Original article: The Music 2018 BIGSOUND Issue