BIGSOUND 2019 Artist Focus: Laura Imbruglia

Give us a short description of your music: My music shapeshifts between folk, punk, country, yacht rock - you name it. I was raised on The Carpenters, spent my teen years with Nirvana and got heavily into Loretta Lynn and Cheap Trick in my 20s.

Which acts are on your must-see list at BIGSOUND? Dianas, DRMNGNOW, Cry Club, Black Rock Band, Gordon Koang, P-UniQue.

Why should people come and see you among the many amazing bands at BIGSOUND? Ahh man, I hate to hustle! We put on a great show and I'm flanked on stage by two exceptionally energetic humans - Alex and Kelly. If you look at myself and Kelly, our faces closely resemble tragedy and comedy - those creepy drama masks. I'm tragedy.

What music trends do you think are dominating right now, and do you have any predictions for the coming year? There are a lotta bands that sound like King Gizzard around at the moment. I think King Gizzard are dominating. I predict they'll put out another six albums in the next year.

In your career to date, what have been the key watershed moments? Programming Rage this year was a big thrill, plus these ones - playing Big Day Out and Homebake festivals, touring Europe, and supporting The Eels (my first big support slot).

What industry lessons would you like to take away from the BIGSOUND conference? I'd like to learn how to hustle effectively and be less socially awkward at networking events - have I come to the right place? Where are the beta blockers at?

What do you identify as the most pressing issue impacting the Australian music industry at present? I don't know if it's unique to Australia but music in general is undervalued. The price of an average gig ticket has stayed the same since the '80s. Streaming also makes it massively hard to make money from music. Not sure how to fix these things!

What is the best bit of advice you've been given to prepare for your time at BIGSOUND? I dunno what good advice I've been given besides being organised. The best advice I gave other artists performing was to check their emails and claim the limited free accom on offer at the Artist Village before it got snapped up! Kerching! Saved heaps of cash.

When and where is your BIGSOUND showcase? 3 Sep, The Zoo, 10.30pm; 5 Sep, Black Bear Lodge, 10.50pm.