Applications for Launchpad Connect – Launchpad’s artist and project support programme – are now OPEN!!
The programme aims to empower existing or aspiring artists and music professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate a career in music whilst also building an important peer support network . The Deadline to apply is 11pm on Monday 30th June 2025.
Online Advice Sessions: Launchpad offers one to one Online Advice Sessions to emerging artists and music industry professionals across Yorkshire.
Music:Leeds Latest Releases – check out the playlist of music from the West Yorkshire region, updated weekly.
Opportunities: More opportunities, jobs and funding on the Launchpad website!
Launchpad Connect is open to those based in Yorkshire looking to develop their craft and build a career in music. Apply now.
Since 2019, over 150 artists, labels, managers and early career music professionals from across Yorkshire have been supported through Launchpad. Connect aims to empower existing or aspiring artists and music professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate a career in music whilst also building an important peer support network. Successful applicants to the programme will be provided with Four one-to-one sessions with experienced music industry professionals.
You’ll speak with our team, who’ll help you to decide which of our advisers would be most useful for you to talk to based on your individual needs. Our advisors include radio DJs, professional artists, promoters, publicists, managers, events organisers, sync directors, accredited coaches and producers. Sessions with advisors cover management, releasing, building an identity, songwriting, live, production and much more. Find out more about our advisors HERE.
The opportunity will be available to join the online community for supported artists and music professionals past and present to update one another on what they’re doing, ask questions and get support via a group chat. The team will be available to help with any questions that the community can’t answer.
Regular check-ins with the Launchpad Connect project co-ordinator to assess your ongoing support needs.The opportunity to attend social meet ups so that those who are able to can connect in person with current and previously supported people.
Invites to regular Music Industry Insights online sessions. Topics covered in these sessions include getting release ready, promotion and marketing, managing royalties, live opportunities and funding. Artists and music professionals within the Launchpad Connect community will also be eligible for future funding through our upcoming Launchpad Boost opportunity, launching later in the year.
All successful applicants to Launchpad Connect will be added to the roster of artists and music professionals to be considered for any opportunities that are offered to Launchpad. In the past, this has included The Great Escape festival in Brighton and Live At Leeds, as well as partnership work.
The deadline to submit your application is Monday 30th June 2025 at 11pm.
Got a question? Book in a chat with Launchpad Connect co-ordinator Jon by emailing [email protected]
OR
Attend or online Q&A via this link:
Tuesday 17th June – 12pm
Tuesday 24th June – 12pm
Tuesday 24th June – 7.30pm
APPLY HERE Launchpad Connect is supported by Youth Music, with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, PPL Giving, Leeds City Council funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL.
Online Advice Sessions – Launchpad offers one to one Online Advice Sessions to emerging artists and music industry professionals across Yorkshire. These sessions are useful if you’re looking for advice on releasing your first single, taking the next step in your career, creating and implementing a release plan and more opportunities and funding that may be available to you. To book a session – please follow the link to complete the form with details of your enquiry.
Music:Leeds Latest Releases Spotify Playlist – Every week we update our latest releases playlist with new music released by artists in West Yorkshire. Check out our Spotify profile page for releases from previous months. If you want to make sure your new release is included, please email [email protected]Listen to Music:Leeds Latest Releases Playlist on Spotify
Selected Opportunities, Jobs & Funding – There are lots of current opportunities including workshops, events, jobs and funding available across Yorkshire! Including:
Launchpad+ – Supporting artists, managers and labels to release their music effectively and maximise their royalty collection. Find out more and get in touch for support [MORE DETAILS]
Wednesday 11th June, LNEG Social, Leeds – Leeds Night Time Economy Group are putting on an informal social event at Society in Leeds [MORE DETAILS]
Sound and Music Commission, British Arts Council, UK – British Arts Council are looking for six composers or music creators based in the UK and ODA (official development assistance countries) to co-create a new work for radio to be broadcast in Autumn 2025. Three UK-based composers and three composers from ODA countries will be selected to form collaboration pairs. Each composer will be paid a £1500 commission fee. Deadline to apply is 23rd June [MORE DETAILS]
Songwriters, Swan Song Project, West Yorkshire – The Swan Song Project is looking for some new songwriters to join their team and help more people leave their legacy in song. Deadline to apply is 10am on Monday 30th June [MORE DETAILS]
Alan James Creative Bursaries, English Folk Dance & Song Society, UK – applications for the Alan James Creative Bursaries are now open. This fund aims to support artists exploring new creatives ideas inspired by and sourced from traditional folk music relating to England. This programme provides artists with an opportunity to undertake creative exploration without the pressure of a final product. Successful applicants will receive a bursary of up to £2000, research facilities at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, up to five days rehearsal space and more. Deadline to apply is midnight Sunday 15th June [MORE DETAILS]
Music:Leeds and Launchpad is supported by Youth Music, with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, PPL Giving, Leeds City Council funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL.In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority leads the implementation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Mayor’s ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live.
Main image: Yard Act at Live at Leeds in The Park 2025. Photograph by Mark Wheelwright for Leeds Living.
