BIGSOUND 2022: Tessa Lee's Experience

"It feels like a cataclysmic event for me. I will never be the same."

BIGSOUND is officially back and Music Tasmania had a few free passes to give away! Tessa Lee, singer/songwriter from Devonport was one of the lucky members who scored a pass. We had a chat with Tessa, so you could find out a little more about what the biggest music conference in Australia is all about.

Tell us about you, your music and why you wanted to go to BIGSOUND?

I am a singer/songwriter and music teacher/brass band conductor (too many hats!), based in Devonport, Tasmania. I am currently working on my next album with Jethro Pickett on production, slated for release early 2023. 

What was your favourite thing about BIGSOUND?

BIGSOUND was incredibly friendly. I really had NO IDEA what to expect, but knew that going and being a part of it would offer me more insights into how the industry works than I currently have/had. My favourite bit, aside from seeing a countless amount of bands every night, and catching up with people from all over the country; was the DIVERSITY of people in attendance. I felt like I was part of a big family of music freaks.

The audiences were so supportive of the artists, I was actually taken aback by that. Here were all these serious middle-aged suits/record label types, surrounded by young hipsters, punks, queer folk and EVERY OTHER GENRE OF PERSON, digging (and REALLY digging) the music they were listening to. The bands must have felt so loved, I was really stoked for all of the artists that I saw. Aaaaaaand I did get to meet Screamfeeder. Yep.

What did you get out of it?

I got a greater understanding of how an artist really begins to establish themselves within this digital world. I met some awesome contacts - as well as now having a digital resource in the shape of the BIGSOUND delegate portal with names/faces/positions/email addresses etc! I got a massive 3 day crash course in networking and telling my story to whoever/where-ever/whenever. It feels like a cataclysmic event for me. I will never be the same.

Who inspired you? 

Seeing an industry stalwart like Screamfeeder really inspired me. Being in a band for 30 years and making it a financially sustainable and mentally healthy gig would be a mean feat. I also had the chance to meet and have a conversation with the guy who started BIGSOUND. He is inspiring. Imagine starting something like that! Incredible.

Who else did you meet?

I met so. many. people. From the people I sat next to during presentations, to the folks in the line getting coffee in the mornings, to those at the gigs who were introduced to me by others. It was an incredibly friendly, connected place. I also got to connect more closely with some great Tasmanians (all from Hobart) which is a wonderful thing, seeing as I'm from the North West. Name dropping-wise, (ha!), I met Screamfeeder. All of them. 

What did you learn?

I went to a presentation on composition for gaming. That was mainly in order to get ideas for my high school music students. I didn't know that there was an industry for that career path in Australia really. I learn about 'syncing,' which is getting your music onto film/TV. That was COOL. 

Did you discover new music? Who were your highlights?

Yes. The Rubens were absolutely unreal on stage, with incredible songwriting as well as clever arrangements and poppy choruses. Wilsn - a soul singer from Melbourne with an outrageous band.  

Will you apply to play at BIGSOUND next year?

I would absolutely LOVE to be in the position to apply to play at BIGSOUND next year. It would mean a big financial commitment, seeing as it's an unpaid gig, and there would be flights/accommodation etc to pay for myself and my band. HOWEVER, I can clearly see the incredible benefit that showcasing at BIGSOUND would be to an artist who is ready to tour, ready to sign to a record label, ready to WORK HARD. It would be incredible to see a Tasmanian contingent of artists next year, maybe this would be something Arts Tasmania would prioritise? Participation at BIGSOUND is really participation in the Australian music industry. Otherwise, we're kind of off on an island by ourselves aren't we? I can see Claire Anne Taylor, Lasca Dry or Christopher Coleman supporting huge acts on their national Australian tours as a result of showcasing at BIGSOUND This is really something we owe our artists - tangible support to get there.