Artist Discussions at Big Ears

Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with Big Ears performers and hear more from some of the most fascinating minds in music and creative culture.

Artist Discussions and Q&As slated for the festival this year include a conversation with Oscar nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, Guy Picciotto on Fugazi’s Instrument, a presentation from Jace Clayton on his latest book Uproot, and more.

Additional panel topics include “Making Art in a Time of Rage” inspired by Alex Ross’ piece in The New Yorker of the same name (Greg Saunier (Deerhoof), Cécile Schott (Colleen), and Jessica Moss), “Norwegian Invasion” (Nils Økland, Lars Petter Hagen, and Jan Ole Otnæs), and “Musical Interpretations of Middle America,” plus a special panel offering a glimpse into the Knoxville music scene featuring Mayor Madeline Rogero, Black Atticus, and others.

“Festivals Like This: an Exploration into the Innovative” will dive deeper into the ethos of Big Ears and our contemporaries with Bob van Heur (Le Guess Who?), Reiner Michalke (Moers Festival), and our very own Ashley Capps.

All moderated by the likes of Luke Turner (The Quietus), Rob Young (The Wire), Peter Margasak (Chicago Reader), and the Public Cinema.

There’s much to explore, so take a moment to browse the full details here.