In a year where many SA festivals have faced cancellations, seven local artists are heading to one of the southern hemisphere’s largest music industry gatherings.

So far this year, South Australia’s festival scene has faced several setbacks due to economic pressures, with cancellations including Hills festival Vintage Vibes, Groovin the Moo and the state-government-backed Harvest Rock.  

Dem Mob, Oscar the Wild, and The Tullamarines will perform in a ‘Made in SA’ showcase at Queensland’s BIGSOUND, supported by the state government’s Music Development Office, MusicSA, Beer & BBQ Festival and Hindley Street Music Hall.

These three acts all participated in the Music Development Office’s Robert Stigwood Fellowship Program, which afforded them the opportunity to be on the BIGSOUND lineup. 

DEM MOB are one of Adelaide’s best hip-hop outfits and has recently played international gigs like Barcelona’s Primavera Sound.

Oscar the Wild formed in 2018 and blends Australian grunge and indie pop, and the Tullamarines took out the SA Music Awards People’s Choice Pop Award in 2023. 

They make up seven homegrown talents on the bill for the September festival along with Divebar Youth, Rob Edwards, Swapmeet and TOWNS.

Divebar Youth is the project of genre-bending artist Vinnie Barbaro, who told CityMag he’s excited about the opportunity.

“It’s really special to be a part of such a big festival that has been demonstrating the best up-and-coming artists in Australia for years,” Vinnie says. 

For Vinnie, performing at BIGSOUND is about more than just exposure; it’s also about making connections.

“I’m very excited to share the live experience with everyone. I think it’s a great opportunity to expand my circle and meet other people who are passionate about music,” he says. 

BIGSOUND also marks Vinnie’s first time playing in Brisbane.

“Coming off the back of my first national tour, it feels like such great timing,” he says.

This timing, coupled with the chance to meet new audiences and industry professionals, is something Vinnie sees as invaluable for his career growth.

He says representing South Australian talent on a national platform like BIGSOUND is a significant milestone, and one that comes at a tricky time for the industry.

“I think that times are tough all around and that the arts industry has taken a hit in every state,” he says. 

“Although things can be difficult, it has never deterred me from trying my hardest to play shows, book tours and share wonderful moments with the people who can come out and show their support.

“Growing up in SA gave me such great opportunities to hone my skills. I think it is great to be able to get up there and perform on the national stage and show that Adelaide has a way of nurturing and fostering talent.”

BIGSOUND attracts over 1,700 industry delegates and more than 16,000 attendees, presenting a rare chance for these artists to gain national and international recognition.

Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said she’s proud to support the South Australian music sector with initiatives like the Stigwood Fellowship.

“This year’s BIGSOUND will see seven brilliant South Australian music acts showcase their talent as part of one of the largest music industry gatherings in the southern hemisphere,” she said.

“Three of these artists will take the stage at the Made in SA Showcase through the fellowship and their performances will put them in front of a national audience.”

BIGSOUND takes place at various Fortitude Valley venues in Brisbane from September 3 – 5.