UNIFIED Music Group has used BIGSOUND 2025 to unveil Ground Floor, a six-month accelerator program designed for unsigned, fully independent Australian artists.
The initiative is powered by Community Music and aims to give emerging talent direct access to senior mentors, hands-on training, and coordinated release support through UNIFIED’s network.
It was announced during the First Word: One Brilliant Idea session at the Brisbane conference by UNIFIED CEO Jaddan Comerford.
Backed by Community Music’s $10m pledge
Ground Floor forms part of Community Music’s $10 million commitment to supporting local artists and helping them build sustainable, long-term careers that reach beyond Australia.
Unlike traditional artist programs tied to rigid deadlines, Ground Floor has been designed as “always on.” Artists can apply at any time, ensuring they can line up the opportunity with their own creative timelines and release schedules.
How the program works
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee of UNIFIED representatives. Candidates are assessed on skill, creativity, potential, and artistic distinctiveness.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed, with a minimum of four successful artists chosen across the year. Winners will be announced progressively, allowing each act to receive tailored attention and support.
Building careers, not moments
Jaddan Comerford, CEO and founder of UNIFIED Music Group, said the program was about building stronger foundations for independent talent: “Ground Floor is a practical way to connect independent artists with mentors, marketing support and a clear release plan.
“By pairing Community Music’s tools with our teams across management, marketing, touring, and the wider UNIFIED ecosystem, we are building a straightforward pathway from demos to release and stage. The aim is stable careers, not one-off moments.”
Program snapshot
Duration: six months, tailored to the artist’s release timeline
Who it is for: Australian residents aged 16+, unsigned and fully independent, with at least three original songs or demos, and an EP, LP or multiple singles planned in the next 12 months
What artists receive
• Strategic mentorship – curated guidance from senior UNIFIED and partner mentors to shape vision, planning and decision-making
• Skills and education – workshops in media training, social and content strategy, touring and booking, sync licensing, legal and finance
• Release, marketing and DSP support – priority marketing and DSP pitching via Community Music and The Annex for the next release
• Live performance – a performance slot at a UNIFIED or Community Live event in front of peers and industry
Delivery partners
Community Music, UNIFIED Artist Management, Lonely Lands Agency, The Annex, Sound Story, Bush Music Fund.
Mentor group
Ash Hills – General Manager, UNIFIED Artist Management
Caleb Williams – Senior Artist Manager, UNIFIED Artist Management
Chelsea Donoghue – Senior Lawyer, UNIFIED Music Group
Coco Eke – Founder, Bush Music Fund
Dan Nascimento – Senior Artist Manager, General Manager, Community Music
Elinor Williams – Director of Marketing, The Annex
Francesca Caldara – Vice President, Community Music
Harry Moore – General Manager, Lonely Lands Agency
Jack Parsons – Founder, Bush Music Fund
Jaddan Comerford – CEO and Founder, UNIFIED Music Group
Kate McCabe – Sound Story
Mardi Caught – Managing Director, The Annex
Steve de Wilde – Senior Artist Manager, UNIFIED Artist Management
Will Cuming – Artist, Head of Product Development, Community Music