By Leah Conway –
Kirklees Year of Music 2023 is hosting another industry event that will introduce a talent development program called Launchpad to music professionals in Yorkshire.
The event will take place on February 16 2022 at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. Anyone working in the music industry is welcome to join the Launchpad event which will explore artist and industry development opportunities available to music professionals in the region.
What is Launchpad?
Launchpad is a talent development program designed to offer support and opportunities for people in the music industry throughout the Yorkshire region – whether it be emerging artists, musicians, producers, bands, composers and music professionals.
What to expect?
The event is set for February 16 and will be full of informative talks from Launchpad project director Sam Nicholls (aka whiskas), who will discuss what support Launchpad provides. The talk will include information on Launchpad’s grant-funded support, industry advice, mentoring. In addition, there will be information on funding for projects, personal development, and making new recordings, and even opportunities to perform live at festivals and events across the region.
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Breaking down barriers
Sam (aka whiskas) commented: “Through Launchpad we are committed to supporting artists and those trying to build music careers throughout Yorkshire by creating opportunities, signposting to funding and other opportunities and breaking down barriers to access. It’s fantastic to partner with Kirklees Year of Music to reach emerging music professionals in the district and share the work we are doing and where to best find development opportunities”
Other speakers at the event will include Lily Fontaine, DJ, freelance music writer and musician in the band ‘English Teacher’ as well as Nigel Cudjoe, a musician, composer, producer and founder of Saving Grace.
The Kirklees Year of Music team will also be discussing other opportunities which are available for artists based in Kirklees. This includes opportunities from other regional projects such as Come Play With Me, and national funders such as Youth Music, Help Musicians & PRS Foundation.
Sarah Hutton, Music Industry Coordinator at Kirklees Year of Music said: “We’re really looking forward to hosting our next event and introducing the amazing work Launchpad are doing in Kirklees and across Yorkshire.
“The music industry was one of the worst-hit in the pandemic and programs like Launchpad are essential for any existing and aspiring music professionals to take the next step and achieve their ambitions. Our panel of speakers are truly experts in their field and will be able to share some unique and important insight with all attendees, so I’d urge anyone looking for opportunities and support to sign up.”
You can get your ticket for the event on Eventbrite here.
Check out our video on the Kirklees Year of Music’s first networking event: