The programme that offers opportunities and support for emerging artists and music professionals in the Yorkshire region. Launchpad started as a branch of Music:Leeds in 2018 and since then has gone on to support over 60 artists & 20 Projects across the Yorkshire region. Each year, two open calls are held and the successful applicants receive a variety of opportunities including; tailored industry advice, funding towards recording or towards their project and/or live opportunities, as well as promotion through Launchpad’s digital channels as well as their partners. The first round of 2021 opened for applications in mid April with a deadline of Monday 17th May. Launchpad are on the lookout for the next cohort of talent to work with, who could benefit from the programme. It is open to artists, projects and people building careers in the industry, working in any genre or context, where they haven’t had support before. Samuel (Whiskas) Nicholls,
Creative Lead for Launchpad said, “We are incredibly excited to open applications for our open call for artists and projects at a time when it feels like many emerging artists and individuals have hope and are planning to build the next step in their careers. To have such a range of partners throughout Yorkshire, brings hope that we can have an impact on growing the music sector across the whole region.” Launchpad has two strands of support; Launchpad Artists and Launchpad Projects. Launchpad Artists supports bands, musicians, producers, rappers, solo acts and anyone who is creating and performing new music. Some of the artists that Launchpad have worked with include Dead Naked Hippies, In The Mornings Lights, Chiedu Oraka, Galaxians, English Teacher, NikNak and Faux Pas. One to one advice sessions act to directly support the development of artists and is tailored to individual needs and creative/career aspirations. 18
It acknowledges a need to empower artists with the skills and knowledge to navigate a career in music. Sessions with Launchpad advisors cover management, releasing, songwriting, live, production and much more. Live opportunities are offered in partnership with relevant regional promoters, venues and festivals to aid the development and profile of Launchpad Artists. So far this has included Launchpad artists performing as part of ‘Live in the Square’, a 13-act all-day line up in Millennium Square coordinated by Music:Leeds. Other events have seen artists perform at Live at Leeds, Tramlines, Inner City Electronic, Yorkshire Music Forum, Long Division Festival, World on Our Doorstep, Black Music Festival, Jazz Leeds and a series of online ‘Virtual House Gigs’ throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Live opportunities this year include Jazz re:freshed, Skipton Town Hall, Noisy Villages, Howard Assembly Room, Barnsley Live, Sensoria Festival and filmed sessions with Taboo amongst others.
