QMusics New CEO Charts a Brisbane-Centric Future for BIGSOUND 2027
When the lights dimmed on the first night of BIGSOUND 2026, a new voice stepped onto the stage. Kristy Ellis, who had led QMusic as interim CEO since April, announced her permanent appointment to the organization’s top post in a statement to The Music Network. The announcement comes as the festival’s 2026 program drew record crowds and set the tone for the next edition.
Ellis framed the core of QMusic’s mission around BIGSOUND’s original purpose: to bring Queensland’s music community together. She cautioned against the temptation to mimic the scale of global festivals, saying the event “should not become something it was never meant to be.” Instead, the focus will stay firmly on Brisbane, and in particular Fortitude Valley, which she described as “the best live music precinct in Australia, if not in the world.”
The 2026 lineup, running from 1–4 September, will inform the 2027 agenda. Ellis highlighted that artificial intelligence has become a prominent industry conversation and that QMusic will explore ways to weave the technology into future BIGSOUND programming. She also noted that cross‑sector collaboration—especially with tourism, broadcast, gaming and sport—will be a priority as Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Artist support remains a pillar of the organization’s strategy. In 2026, QMusic introduced travel contributions for all 100 artists featured at BIGSOUND and doubled the number of delegate passes available to showcasing acts. The changes followed feedback that performers had traditionally not been paid to appear. Ellis said addressing this issue was a top industry priority.
Beyond the festival, QMusic will spend the coming months consulting the broader industry, with a particular focus on regional Queensland. Ellis emphasized that live music venues are under pressure and that understanding the challenges facing venues is essential, as they are the platforms that allow artists to perform.
The 2026 program showcased a mix of established and emerging talent, including Paul Kelly, ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd and Dark Mofo Music Director Kimberley Galceran. It also served as a demonstration of QMusic’s Concert Care model, which will be expanded in 2027.
Ellis’s appointment follows the resignation of Kris Stewart in April 2026 after five years as CEO. A national search led to Ellis’s permanent appointment, as reported by The Music Network, Black News and Scenestr.
Fortitude Valley’s significance cannot be overstated. The suburb, with a 2021 population of 9,708, is a hub for nightlife, live music and entertainment. Its pedestrian malls on Brunswick Street and Chinatown host a range of venues that have historically supported local artists.
QMusic’s decision to keep BIGSOUND rooted in Brisbane aligns with the city’s broader cultural strategy. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is set to host the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and the music sector is positioned to benefit from increased tourism and media attention.
In summary, Kristy Ellis has outlined a future for QMusic and BIGSOUND that prioritises Brisbane’s unique music culture, supports artists through travel and delegate benefits, and explores new industry partnerships while addressing the challenges faced by live venues. The next steps will involve industry consultation, a review of the Concert Care model, and the development of a 2027 BIGSOUND program that remains true to its Brisbane roots.
