Every spring, Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is visited by hundreds of musicians and even more music industry workers with their sleek hairdos and huge appetite for live music.

BIGSOUND is the annual music industry conference featuring panel discussions and keynote speeches during the day, as well as live music every evening.

It’s impossible to count the artists in attendance, as even those who aren’t chosen as one of the 150+ artists present will make the pilgrimage. Just ask Tones, I and G Flip, two artists who didn’t let being rejected by the official BIGSOUND program stop them from traveling to Brissy to get their bodies worked up before they hit the big time.

Choosing who to see during three nights of live music at this overwhelming festival of emerging talent is tough. Choosing a few favorites from the dozens of excellent acts you can catch is even tougher.

For example, the crossover between indie and emo is in great shape, with bands like Garage Sale and Armlock. Heartbreaking country by Charlotte Le Lievre was absolute perfection. Adelaide indie kids Swapmeet, vibrant Sydney rapper FRIDAY* and Melbourne punks The Prize all gave us spirited sets. We could go on and on…

The five acts below, from across the genre spectrum, delivered such brilliant performances that their appeal is undeniable. Listen to their music, go and see them live and invest in the future of Australian music – it’s in damn good shape.

Mulga Bore Hard Rock

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From their bright face paint and flowing costumes, it’s obvious that Northern Territory band Mulga Bore Hard Rock have a lot of KISS fans in their ranks.

But as the band smashes through their set on the first night of BIGSOUND, they offer more grit than shine, reminiscent of pub rock legends like The Angels and Rose Tattoo. And they pull it off surprisingly well.

The synchronised guitar movements are a joy to behold, and the band’s unpretentious, soulful rock ‘n’ roll tribute is refreshing in an environment where fun – a key ingredient in a great live music experience – sometimes takes a back seat to the pursuit of cool.

If you ever get the chance, you have to see this band. It’s that simple.

Wade Forster

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Rodeo country singer Wade Forster has had a hell of a year.

The Winton-based former refrigerator mechanic won the prestigious Starmaker competition at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, has performed and roped bulls around the US and has headlined almost every country music festival worth playing at.

His mainstream appeal is very easy to hear on record, but seeing him live gives a clearer picture of the true artist. His voice is more Hank Williams or George Jones than Lee Kernaghan or Adam Brand, with a real, emotional, classic country feel that helps carry his work beyond borders.

While he comes across as brash and bold in most of his charming onstage statements, he shows that he is not afraid to betray his confidence when he talks about his partner’s suicide before playing a song for her.

Country music is a genre in huge demand, and Wade Forster is poised to emerge as one of our biggest new stars.

Belair Lip Bombs

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Frankston band The Belair Lip Bombs deliver their truly unique brand of indie rock with complete mastery.

At one point you’ll hear shades of Interpol and The Smiths, at another they’ll nod to PJ Harvey and Best Coast. Ultimately, the band’s infectious take on a well-traveled genre is their own.

They’ll really appeal to multiple generations, giving younger fans the kind of guitar-driven indie rock many of them miss, while also giving older fans something fresh that will also evoke a certain nostalgia.

Honestly, it’s a band that’s too hard to describe, but indie rock fans need to know them. They’ve already signed to Jack White’s Third Man Records, so now’s the time to join them.

Zion Garcia

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Using only samples and his extraordinary voice, Zion Garcia skillfully blends various eras and styles of hip-hop into a cohesive, powerful set of songs that are simply stunningly impressive.

His raps are precise and confident, and he somehow manages to make it look effortless while spitting with such passion. Even when the shades of golden-era jazz production give way to the pounding rhythms of Jersey club style, Garcia makes sure that they not only blend beautifully, but also make sense together.

With his charisma and talent, Zion Garcia seems like a true gift.

Webster Juice

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Juice Webster offers us an astonishing series of beautiful, mostly rather sad songs, skillfully aided by the band, which adds the right atmosphere.

Her voice is clear and delicate, yet cuts through the crowd, and her stage presence is modest yet confident, creating the perfect environment for her delicate and captivating scenes.

In recent years, the world has been crazy about artists like Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon, and Courtney Barnett. While Juice Webster doesn’t necessarily sound like any of them, it’s easy to imagine him following the same path as these women.

More action from BIGSOUND: check out instagram triple j unearthed.