About Dates Format Judging Prizes Entry FAQ Apply Now
Applications Open · Vancouver, BC
SOUND VANCOUVER CHECK

The stage
you've been waiting for.

10 artists. Real industry judges. Original music only.
Compete. Win. Get heard.

Apply Now — It's Free to Submit Learn More
Total Prize Pool $10,000 Cash · Studio · Brand Deal
01 AUG
Qualifier 01 Opening Night
Open
08 AUG
Qualifier 02 Round Two
Open
15 AUG
Qualifier 03 Final Qualifier
Open
Apply Now
Free to submit · $200 only if selected
→
Hip-Hop· R&B· Indie· Electronic· Pop· Soul· Folk· Spoken Word· Alternative· Singer-Songwriter· Experimental· Trap· Hip-Hop· R&B· Indie· Electronic· Pop· Soul· Folk· Spoken Word· Alternative· Singer-Songwriter· Experimental· Trap·
Section 01

What Is
SOUNDCHECK?

SOUNDCHECK Vancouver is a live music competition built for emerging artists who are ready to perform in front of a real crowd, get scored by real industry professionals, and compete for a prize pool that can actually move their career forward.


This is not a pay-to-play showcase. It is not a talent night. It is not a random open mic. SOUNDCHECK is a structured competition with a judging panel, a transparent scoring system, a live leaderboard, and real prizes on the line.


The format is simple: artists perform their original music one by one, scored by industry judges with audience reaction counting for 20% of the total score. The best performances advance to the Grand Final. The best of the best win.

This Is Built For Artists Who:

  • Perform original music — any genre is welcome
  • Are based in or connected to Vancouver
  • Have never had a major label deal or signed to a major booking agency
  • Are ready to perform live in front of a competitive audience
  • Want more than just stage time — they want a shot at something real
  • Have been grinding on SoundCloud, playing house parties, recording in their bedroom, or doing small venue sets
Event Calendar

Qualifier
Rounds

Three qualifier events. Three chances to advance to the Grand Final. Each night stands on its own — 10 artists, one stage, full prize energy.

AUG 01 2026
Qualifier 01

Opening Night

The first round. Ten artists. The stage is set, the judges are ready, and everything is still to play for.

◷ Doors 5:30 PM 📍 Vancouver, BC 🎤 10 Artists
Spots
7 open
Applications Open
AUG 08 2026
Qualifier 02

Round Two

The bar has been set. Second qualifier artists know what they're walking into — and the competition gets sharper.

◷ Doors 5:30 PM 📍 Vancouver, BC 🎤 10 Artists
Spots
10 open
Applications Open
AUG 15 2026
Qualifier 03

Final Qualifier

Last chance to punch your ticket to the Grand Final. Three weeks of momentum — and one last night to earn your spot.

◷ Doors 5:30 PM 📍 Vancouver, BC 🎤 10 Artists
Spots
10 open
Applications Open
→ The top 3 artists from each qualifier advance to the Grand Final — giving 9 artists a guaranteed shot at the full $10,000 prize pool.
→ You may only compete in one qualifier. If selected for multiple dates, you will be placed in the one with the best lineup balance.
Section 02

Competition
Format

A Qualifier-to-Final format. You start in a qualifier round. If you score high enough, you advance to the Grand Final — where the best from every qualifier compete for the full prize pool.

01
Round One
Qualifier Events

Each Qualifier features 10 artists competing in a single evening. Scores are updated on the live leaderboard after each performance. Top-scoring artists from each Qualifier advance to the Grand Final.

02
Championship
Grand Final

The Grand Final brings together the top performers from all qualifier rounds. Same format — original music, live judging, audience vote, live leaderboard. The full $10,000 prize pool is on the line.

03
Special Segment
Freestyle Round

Each event includes a Freestyle Round — a high-energy performance opportunity with a separate $1,000 prize. Open, raw, and scored by crowd reaction alone. The most electric moment of the night.

Each artist performs for 8–12 minutes, including setup
Original music only — no covers, no uncleared samples
Any genre welcome — hip-hop, R&B, indie, pop, electronic, folk, spoken word, and everything in between
Solo artists and groups both eligible — all members must be listed
You are responsible for your own backing tracks or live instrumentalists
Full stage plot and equipment list requested after confirmation
Section 03

How Judging
Works

Scoring is transparent, structured, and balanced between artistic quality and audience energy. Every performance is scored on a 100-point scale across four categories.

Stage Presence & Performance 30

Physical delivery, command of the stage, energy, confidence, and the ability to hold a room.

Artistic Quality & Originality 30

The quality and distinctiveness of the music itself — songwriting, production, originality of voice and vision.

Technical Execution 20

Vocal or instrumental proficiency, timing, transitions, use of the stage setup.

Crowd Reaction 20

A decibel meter reads audience response after your performance. This is not a gimmick — great live performance is about the room, not just the stage.

Industry Judges

SOUNDCHECK judges are credentialed music industry professionals — producers, booking agents, label representatives, music journalists, and working artists with proven track records. Judges are announced publicly before the event. There are no anonymous judges.

Anti-Bias Measures

  • →Judges submit scores independently before seeing other judges' scores
  • →Order of performance is randomized and announced before the event
  • →Artists are not permitted to communicate directly with judges before the event
  • →Scores are finalized and sealed until the full leaderboard is revealed
  • →Ties broken by artist with higher ticket sales via promo code
Section 04

The Prize
Pool

$10,000 Total prize value
on the line
🥇 First Place
$6,000+
  • $6,000 cash prize
  • Professional recording studio session
  • Brand partnership / artist deal
  • Performance video package
  • Feature in SOUNDCHECK media content
🥈 Second Place
$2,000
  • $2,000 in studio time, promo, and tickets
  • Recording credit package
  • Social media feature
🥉 Third Place
$1,000
  • $1,000 in studio time and promo
  • Performance clips package
  • Social media feature
⚡ Freestyle
$1,000
  • Separate $1,000 Freestyle Round prize
  • Scored by crowd reaction alone
  • Open to any competing artist
Section 05

The Entry
Package

To compete in SOUNDCHECK, artists pay $200 and receive 10 tickets to distribute however they choose. Here's exactly why this structure makes sense — and where every dollar goes.

$200
Entry Package — 10 Tickets Included
  • 10 event tickets at $20 face value each
  • Your unique promo code and tracking link
  • Artist confirmation and performance slot
  • Soundcheck slot (approx. 15 minutes)
  • Your performance video clips, delivered after the event
  • Artist Spotlight social post on @soundcheckvancouver
  • Full onboarding package with run-of-show schedule
Entry fee $200
10 tickets × $20 face value = $200
Sell all 10 — net cost $0
Sell 5 tickets, still competed for $100

Where Your $200 Goes

We believe you deserve to know where your money goes. The artist entry fees collectively fund the entire event. There is no other revenue stream that matters more to us than being honest about this.

Venue deposit & stage rental →
Professional sound engineering & lighting rig →
Judge honorariums (makes the panel credible) →
Videographer & photographer for the night →
Event branding: signage, wristbands, materials →
Insurance, permits & contingency fund →

"If you sell all 10 tickets — which most artists do when they actually promote to their network — you have competed for free and potentially won $7,000."

Section 06

How To
Apply

01
First Step
Submit Your Application

Fill in the application form with your artist details, music links, and performance info. Tell us who you are, what you sound like, and what you plan to bring to the stage. There is no fee to apply — you only pay if you are selected.

Music link required Any genre Free to submit
02
Review Period
Application Review

The SOUNDCHECK team reviews all applications within 5–7 business days. We are looking for original music with a clear artistic identity, readiness for live performance, and genre diversity across the lineup. We do not select based on follower count or polished recordings.

5–7 business days Raw talent valued No follower filter
03
If Selected
Confirmation & Payment

If selected, you receive a confirmation email with your official letter, unique promo code, payment link, competition rules, and performance slot. Payment is due within 72 hours of confirmation — failure to pay releases your spot to the waitlist.

72-hour payment window Promo code provided Slot confirmed
04
Pre-Event
Onboarding

Once confirmed and paid, you receive the Artist Onboarding Package: full run-of-show schedule, stage plot requirements, setlist submission form, check-in time, soundcheck schedule, and your Artist Spotlight social post guidelines.

Stage plot required Setlist due 48hrs before 15-min soundcheck
05
The Night
Show Day

Arrive on time. Soundcheck properly. Perform at full energy. Let the night take care of the rest. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Bring your backing track on USB and on your phone as a backup.

Doors 5:30 PM Aug 1st, 2026 Vancouver, BC
Section 07

Show Day
Schedule

Here is the full show day schedule so you know exactly what to expect from the moment you arrive.

3:00 PM
Artist Arrival
Check-in begins. Stage manager on site.
3–5 PM
Soundchecks
15 minutes per artist. Staggered slots.
5:00 PM
Artist Briefing
All artists + crew. Final run-of-show.
5:30 PM
Doors Open
General admission. Your crowd arrives.
6:30 PM
Competition Begins
MC intro. First artist takes the stage.
~8:00 PM
Freestyle Round
Separate $1,000 prize. Crowd decides.
~10:00 PM
Final Scores
Live leaderboard reveal. Winners announced.
~11:00 PM
Wrap
After-event networking. Content begins.
Section 08

Frequently
Asked

Yes. This is non-negotiable. SOUNDCHECK is a competition for original artists, not a covers night. If your set includes any sampled material, you are responsible for ensuring it is cleared for live performance.

All genres. Hip-hop, R&B, soul, pop, indie, electronic, folk, rock, experimental, spoken word over music, and anything else that constitutes original live performance. Genre diversity is something we actively look for when building a lineup.

Yes. Groups are welcome. All members must be listed on the application and must be present for soundcheck. The prize is awarded to the act, not split per member — that is between you.

You are eligible to apply. Live performance experience is not a selection requirement. However, be honest with yourself — SOUNDCHECK is a competitive environment, and nerves are real. If this is your first live performance, make sure your material is strong enough to carry you through.

You must be 19 or older to compete, as the event is held in a licensed venue.

You can still compete. The $200 is the entry fee, not a ticket sales obligation. We encourage you to sell as many tickets as possible because it builds your crowd and directly boosts your Crowd Reaction score — but you are not penalised for unsold tickets.

Yes, SOUNDCHECK may post performance clips to our social media channels and YouTube as part of our content strategy. By submitting an application, you are consenting to this use. You will always receive full artist credit.

If SOUNDCHECK cancels an event due to circumstances within our control, all artists receive a full refund within 10 business days. If the event is postponed rather than cancelled, your entry transfers to the rescheduled date. You will always have the option to withdraw for a full refund if the new date does not work.

We are exploring a limited scholarship or bursary program for artists who can demonstrate genuine financial hardship. If this applies to you, contact us directly at scvancouversubmit@gmail.com before submitting your application. We would rather find a solution than lose a talented artist to a financial barrier.

Applications Open · August 2026

APPLY NOW.

Free to submit. $200 only if selected. Fill in the form below — takes 3 minutes.

1You
2Music
3Live
4Send

About You

Required
Valid email required
Required
Required
Required
Select one

Your Music

SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube, or Bandcamp URL
Required
What does your music feel like? Who does it sit near — and how are you different?
Required
What we listen for: A clear artistic voice and something that makes us want to hear you live. Raw energy beats polished mediocrity every time.

Live Performance

Which songs? What's the energy and mood of your set?
Required
Select one
Select one

Final Step

No right answer — we just want to know who we're talking to.
Required
Select one

Confirm All of the Following *

Please confirm all four statements
🎤

Application Sent.

Your application has been opened in your email app — just hit Send. We review every application within 5–7 business days.

scvancouversubmit@gmail.com

Good luck. We can't wait to hear you.