DenvahBIGSOUND, the biggest music festival and industry showcase in the southern hemisphere, returns to Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley in September.
It’s the Australian music industry’s biggest week of the calendar year, and, as ever, there’s plenty to see and do. From showcases to parties to conferences and more, BIGSOUND’s music festival is renowned for its programming, drawing everyday punters and industry figures alike.
While numerous events take place as part of the industry showcase, it’s the music festival where Australian country music truly shines. This year, 100 artists are presenting their music at BIGSOUND, and the local country music scene shines bright.
Ahead of this year’s BIGSOUND music festival, returning to stages across the Valley from 1–4 September, country artists including Ally Row, Denvah, Toy Shaw, Piper Butcher, and Tori Darke caught up with Countrytown.
In new interviews, the artists have revealed why punters should see them at BIGSOUND, who they’re looking forward to seeing perform, and what makes their hometowns special.
Australian Country Artists Talk BIGSOUND 2026
Ally Row
Describe your sound
Alice: I mean, our sound is kind of folk, rock, pop, country, but that's a little long.
Rowan: What I like to say is forethica. Simple, easy to remember.
Alice: Forethica.
Rowan: Just need to edit that in later.
Alice: Well yeah, that'll do.
Why people should see you at BIGSOUND
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Alice: I personally think that, you know, it's because we love to play upbeat banjo songs that get you dancing but also have a deeper, sort of darker meaning because we're not afraid to be honest and transparent about when times get tough, so our songwriting kind of reflects that. And also, Rowan, you'll see him attached to every instrument.
Rowan: I have a fair amount of instruments.
Alice: Yeah, so he kind of looks like Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins.
Rowan: It'll be a unique experience, yeah.
Alice: Yeah, and it's going to be great because, you know, yeah, he literally is functioning as a band, but it's just the two of us.
Rowan: Yes, Alice does things as well. She plays the guitar and sings very nicely.
Which acts you’re most excited to see at BIGSOUND
Alice: That's really tricky because we listen to all of the 100 artists on the programme and everyone is so beautiful. I think for me, within our country folk platform, I personally am really excited to see Piper Butcher and Hayley Jensen because they're both incredible musicians and they're really incredibly talented women that are killing it in the industry. So, you know, women power, love them.
Rowan: I'd probably want to see a band called CATPISS because it's just a very intriguing name and the band is very, very cool and yeah.
Alice: Right on.
Something your hometown does best
Alice: This is an interesting question because it's hard to kind of quantify what means best. Gippsland to us has been so incredibly supportive from the start, and so I think Gippsland is very special because they give you a go and their community spirit is really strong.
We've had a lot of hardships in the Gippsland region, and we've got community neighbourhood houses that are always working hard to help people in need, and they work alongside Foodbank Victoria and various other charities. So, you know, from a serious point of view, Gippsland is very kind and very welcoming of people and will help each other out.
Rowan: From a less serious point of view, if you come into the local Woolworths after six o'clock, they discount in the discount section by 90%, so you can get like a bag of bread for like 50 cents.
Alice: That's our secret because we're musicians and our income is non-existent.
Rowan: You'll have to do some sleuthing to find out which town it is.
Denvah
Describe your sound
If I was to describe my sound, I would probably say, if Dolly Parton and Maisie Peters had a baby, it would be me, and you can check out that weird combination at BIGSOUND if you want.
Why people should see you at BIGSOUND
I'll be showing a lot of new material, so that's a big reason why you should come and see me – get the inside scoop; the first look, if you will.
Which acts you’re most excited to see at BIGSOUND
I mean, there's so many people I'm excited for, but the person I am through the roof excited about is Jem Cassar-Daley, because it's Jem Cassar-Daley, you know? I love that woman; I just think she's the greatest, so definitely catching her sets.
Something your hometown does best
Honestly, I think the main thing my hometown does well is beef. We are the beef capital, you know, so if you want the best-tasting steak of your life, come to my hometown and we'll sort you out.
Toy Shaw
Describe your sound
I would describe my sound as folktronica; it's kind of like a mix of alt-pop and country. It's like Kitty Wells, Seishi, and then Tori Amos if I'm feeling kind of fractious.
Why people should see you at BIGSOUND
Why should you come see me at BIGSOUND? I don't know, you'll have to find out on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd [of September].
Which acts you’re most excited to see at BIGSOUND
I'm really excited to see Milly Strange. I haven't seen her live before, but I've been following her music for a long time. I'm also so excited to see Ladyhawke, who I've been a fan of for a hundred years.
Something your hometown does best
Something my hometown does best – I'm from Wellington, New Zealand. Um, J&M's. J&M's on a good day; J&M's on a bad day. Eat that up.
Piper Butcher
Describe your sound
My sound is a really modern take on 70s country. I've got a lot of Fleetwood Mac sort of Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow sort of rockin' country vibes, but then I mix that with a little bit of that fun, cheeky country that Kacey Musgraves brings.
Why people should see you at BIGSOUND
If you really want to feel something, and you want to feel some soul, come see me at BIGSOUND. I'm so thrilled and proud to be a BIGSOUND 100 artist. I can't wait to see you there.
Which acts you’re most excited to see at BIGSOUND
I'm most excited to see all the bands I've never met at BIGSOUND. I think it's so exciting and there's something so inspiring about watching new music and musicians play that you've never met before. It's a chance to learn. It's a chance to collaborate and meet new mates. So, I'm mostly excited about that.
Something your hometown does best
My hometown is Newcastle, and I really think that we do food the best. Oh my god, we have such a delicious range of food. We are so culturally diverse, and you can literally stop on any street.
The options are endless, and I feel like every restaurant here really cares about what's behind their food, the story behind it, and it's not just a matter of slapping things together. It's good food, and we have good breweries as well. Lots of beer, lots of food, and good beaches. It's Newcastle, come on!
Tori Darke
Describe your sound
I would say that my sound is somewhat Shania Twain and a little bit of Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, a good mix of ‘90s country and pop-country. One thing we always have to offer with our shows is that there’s always so much high energy.
If we’re not having a good time, you’re not having a good time. So, I’m really looking forward to putting on these two shows at BIGSOUND this year and having everyone involved, dancing, and enjoying our set.
Why people should see you at BIGSOUND
The reason you should come to my show at BIGSOUND this year is that we always put on a high-energy show. Lots of dancing, lots of fun.
Which acts you’re most excited to see at BIGSOUND
There’s so many acts at BIGSOUND this year that I’m excited to see. Of course, my country music fam, especially Piper Butcher. I absolutely love what she does, and I think she’ll put on one hell of a show. Hayley Jensen always brings the energy when it comes to her show, and then I’m actually really looking forward to discovering a bunch of newer artists.
There’s so many names I haven’t heard of before, so I’m really looking forward to getting out and getting amongst it and seeing what Australian country music and Australian music has to offer.
Something your hometown does best
I grew up in Camden, New South Wales, which is about an hour outside of Sydney. Three things I love about my hometown are the people. They are so supportive.
The coffee is really good, and so are the cafes and the places to meet up with friends. And it’s just such a beautiful place to visit – the scenery is stunning. One minute, you’re in the suburbs, and the next, you’re in the country. So, if you’ve never checked out Camden, make sure you do.
All of the above artists will perform at BIGSOUND 2026. To attend or find out more about this year’s music festival program, head to the BIGSOUND website.
