When it comes to Australian music, Brisbane has a history of punching above its weight.

In the 60s, the Bee Gees and Billy Thorpe began their performing careers in the Queensland capital. In the 70s and 80s, the proto-punk/rock’n’soul of the Saints and the lovelorn indie rock of the Go-Betweens gave cultural credibility to a “big country town”, then under the thumb of Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

They left behind a legacy, and a scene, that would spawn a host of household names: the heartland rock of Powderfinger, the slick pop of Savage Garden, and the still subversive Regurgitator. Others would follow in their wake: Violent Soho and DZ Deathrays, Dune Rats and Mallrat, Blank Realm, HITS and hundreds more.

Pioneering female performers including the late Carol Lloyd were followed by Katie Noonan, Kate Miller-Heidke, Austen and Hatchie, while the celebrated Aboriginal songwriters Kev Carmody and Dennis “Mop” Conlon paved the way for Thelma Plum and Emily Wurramara.

Every September Australia’s biggest music conference, Bigsound, takes over the city – and this year Guardian Australia is an event partner, launching an exciting new project in conjunction with 4ZZZ to celebrate the past and future of music in Brisbane.

To help us kick it off, we’d like to hear from you: what song do you think is quintessentially Brisbane?

There are loads of ways to answer that question. Maybe it’s a question of nostalgia, because the song was released during a particular time in your life. Maybe it’s more specific: the lyrics name-check the street you live on or a local shop you know. Maybe you can’t put your finger on it: something about the song, the lyrics, the beat encapsulates the city and the music that comes out of it. Or maybe it’s just a killer tune.

The only catch is the song needs to be by a Brisbane band (or by a band that originated there) – or a song about the city itself. Your nominations will help us form the list of songs that are quintessentially Brisbane. You have until 6pm Sunday 2 September to have your say.

So tell us in the comments below:

what song do you think is quintessentially Brisbane and why?

• Bigsound is held in Brisbane from 4-7 September; Guardian Australia’s Songs of Brisbane party begins at 3.30pm on 4 September at Ric’s and is open to conference delegates