5 minute read
MUSIC:LEEDS LAUNCHPAD
Music:Leeds Launchpad offers opportunities and support for emerging artists, musicians, producers, bands, composers, projects and businesses in Leeds and the West Yorkshire region.
In 2019, we supported a total of 47 artists! Some of those artists have shared their experiences of being involved in Launchpad…
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LUCY, DEAD NAKED HIPPIES
"We were extremely lucky to receive live and recording opportunities through Launchpad in 2019, with the opportunity to play one of the biggest stages we've ever played at Millennium Square in the summer - which was great to be able to do on home ground. We received funds towards recording our next single which will be released in Spring 2020, it's been really motivating to have been selected and great to feel like Music:Leeds has faith in the music we're creating.
These kinds of opportunities are invaluable to the growth of any artist or band, and I think the Launchpad platform works really well as it is not genre specific and is open to all levels / career stages. With it not being a one size fits all scheme, it means there's a potential opportunity for anyone."
MARNZ
"Music: Leeds has helped me beyond words building my confidence and artist profile across various platforms. My involvement in the one to one sessions, has proved invaluable and provided me with crucial expertise I otherwise wouldn't have had. This included release planning and marketing techniques for the music industry from a digital and social media perspective to optimise the right time to promote and the length of time. I cannot thank Music:Leeds enough and look forward to continuing my music journey with them in support."
JEMMA, FREESE TRIO
"Being on the Music:Leeds Launchpad programme with my band Freese Trio has been an amazing way to broaden our musical horizons both in terms of business (planning our releases, research, our next steps etc.) and genre, as we have previously been on solely jazz-centred programmes. This programme has helped us plan the release of our music video 'Pleasure Island' and also to plan and partially fund the release of our next album. From this programme, I feel ready, more confident than I ever have done before and equipped with what I need for the next Freese Trio release. I also feel like the knowledge I have gained through this programme will help me with releases in my other projects and for future releases with Freese Trio. The Music:Leeds team have been extremely helpful, responsive, resourceful, knowledgeable and approachable with everything that I needed."
LILY, ENGLISH TEACHER
"Through Music: Leeds Launchpad, my band has had the opportunity to headline Belgrave Music Hall for the Yorkshire Music Forum Convention showcase, spend three days recording with Ken Scott (Bowie, The Beatles, Pink Floyd), and perform at Live at Leeds Festival 2020 alongside some of the artists that got us writing in the first place. It's not just the experiences themselves, but the people you get to meet and work with because of them, that prove how valuable they are. Personally, having mentoring
sessions with Scott Lewis from Clue Records has been the most valuable opportunity from Music:Leeds. I have learnt so much about releasing a single effectively and to a professional standard, and as a new DIY band, it is reassuring to have an industry expert to go to with aspects I am unsure about. The Music:Leeds team are lovely and I would recommend all upcoming bands to get involved"
Any artist can submit their music to be considered for support through Launchpad, and they are chosen by a large and varied panel of reviewers, with staggered deadlines throughout the year
The first selection rounds for Launchpad 2020 have already taken place. Some artists have played live at festivals including Inner City Electronic (Seth, Lindenbaum Modular) and more recently have taken part in Music:Leeds Virtual House Gigs, our live streamed gigs broadcast on Facebook and Youtube (DREUW, Fig By Four, Franky, Napoleon IIIrd, Dirty Freud, La Rissa).
Some other artists who've been selected for Launchpad support in 2020 include:
AGI
With a wealth of experience with session work and collaboration, Agi is stepping forward to front her own project. Multiple genre influences inspire her distinctive
IN THE MORNING LIGHTS
Since forming in 2018 this duo have headlined The Cavern stage at Liverpool Sound City, been named BBC Radio Leeds 'Track of the Week', and have been played on Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio1. Their sound explores alternative electronic pop/hip-hop – which they describe as Young Fathers meets Nao.
MAMILAH
A group of musicians, producers, DJs and songwriters with a whole host of musical influences, walking through genres of soul, jazz, Latin music and R&B. Their debut EP 'Moonlight Walking', independently released in August 2018, quickly followed their first single 'Sundrips'; earning regular airtime on Alan Raw's BBC Introducing Show in West Yorkshire, being highlighted on his 'Ones to Watch in 2019' broadcast, and featured on Bandcamp's "Best Soul of August 2018" article.
A recent feature on Clash magazine highlighted Mamilah as one of the pioneering artists in Leeds underground Jazz scene
You can find out more about Launchpad, more supported artists and our upcoming deadlines at www.musicleeds. com/launchpad and keep an eye on our social media for our upcoming online activity.
Listen to a selection of artists from the region through our Spotify profile, including playlists of our supported artists, monthly playlists of new releases, and great tracks from the past: bit.ly/musicleedsprofile
The effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) will undoubtedly have an impact on the Music:Leeds Launchpad program, specifically on the live opportunities that are on offer to artists.
However, we're hopeful and planning to maintain all the support that is planned for mentoring / individual career support, as well as recording and project support. The details of forthcoming planned live opportunities that will be offered through the scheme are being constantly assessed through ongoing conversations with partners. Ultimately the hope is to be able to offer opportunities to perform live at exciting events and festivals in the near future!
