BIGSOUND Puts Out the Call for CAST Startups Showcase

Startups, BIGSOUND wants you.

The annual music industry summit teams up with The Centre for Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), for a special event showcasing four startups active in building infrastructure that supports artists.

A committee including UNIFIED Music Group CEO and founder Jaddan Comerford and Good Authority founder Emily Copeland (ex-ABC Head of Music) will select the final four enterprises, who will have the stage for the CAST x Tech Showcase, set for September 3rd at The Precinct Stair Stadium.

James Song (New Renaissance Ventures) and Andrea Rosen (Best Nights VC) round out the selection committee, which will tap six additional local or international projects to be featured in a downloadable digital zine.

On the day, reps from the selected startups will be invited to deliver pitches on their products and solutions, and how they’ll change the game on fan engagement, creator monetisation, live performance, and more.

“We’re thrilled to be engaging CAST for BIGSOUND’s first ever Tech Showcase at this year’s event,” says Kris Stewart, CEO of QMusic, producers of BIGSOUND. “Through CAST's knowledge and connections, we are excited to see what insights into the future of the industry our Tech Showcase is set to uncover.”

This event will take place 3:30pm-4:30pm and is open to BIGSOUND conference pass holders and those selected startups.

“We are stoked to be working with BIGSOUND to highlight the importance of technology and innovation within the music industry,” says Gav Parry, General Manager of CAST.

“Our hope in working with BIGSOUND is to unlock accessibility and visibility of early stage companies who are building innovative products and services that are going to improve the way the industry operates. The future we see is one where innovation is driven from within the industry, created by and with those at the heart of it. We want to see creativity thrive beside technology.”

Startups have until August 8th to apply.

More than 120 artists will perform for this year’s BIGSOUND evening program, including Brisbane’s indie-pop singer Hatchie, soulful vocalist George Alice from South Australia, Perth punk band Heyzuko!, and Queensland’s rising star Jet Walker.

Industry speakers include Cindy James (general manager at Virgin Music Group), Blur's Dave Rowntree and high-flying British label executive Darcus Beese.

BIGSOUND 2025 runs September 2–5 in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.