Wakefield Youth Producers and Promoters Present: Musumba, De'orah and Karis Amber
Wakefield Youth Producers and Promoters present three amazing artists: Musumba, De'orah and Karis Amber.
📅 Join us on Friday 9th October 2026, 7pm–10pm
📍 Wakefield Exchange
🎟️ No booking required
Yorkshire Music Forum Convention 2026
Yorkshire Music Forum Convention returns for 2026. Now in its 10th edition the convention aims to gather together and support the region's music industry.
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 30th of September 2026 from 5:30pm until 7pm
Sustaining the Sound: Making Sense of Money in the Music Industry
Having a sustainable career in the music industry goes beyond just the music, it requires financial know-how. Whether you're not yet registered as a sole trader, or are about to become VAT registered, this event is for you. Sustaining the Sound is a designed to help demystify money management for artists, bands, producers, freelancers and others working in the music industry.
Sustaining the Sound takes place at Howard Assembly Room on Tuesday 22nd of September from 6pm - 9pm
This event is an opportunity for you to:
Understand where you are in your financial journey in music and what your aims are.
Learn where your multiple income streams can come from and how to reach them.
Learn how to manage your cash flow and some tools that can help.
Understand how to stay on top of tax and the legal implications of running a music business, including self assessment tips and the upcoming Making Tax Digital change.
Get a chance to explore the Tracks platform 1:1 and sign up for free.
Speak to people in the know about money in the music industry.
More information coming soon. Register your place now [HERE], to be the first to know!
MEET THE SPEAKERS!
Launchpad is a non-profit organisation which provides advice, funding and opportunities to empower existing or aspiring artists and music professionals in Yorkshire with the skills and knowledge to navigate a career in music whilst also building an important network. Support, guidance and access to resources is available through our various support strands as well as regular workshops, panels and conferences.
Bills and Beats is a welcoming space where early-stage creatives learn how to navigate finances, careers, and independence together, a platform supporting creative freelancers and aspiring creative entrepreneurs to develop stronger financial knowledge and confidence. Bills and Beats provide safe networking spaces, practical financial learning, and honest conversations designed specifically for people working in the creative industries, and offer imaginative opportunities to connect with industry, finance and business allies
Tracks is a music dashboard built by music accountants for professional musicians, which integrates with your existing Xero and QuickBooks, and provides you with the insight you need to manage your music finances. Streaming, live, merch, royalties and label statements all land in one tidy dashboard. You see the numbers you care about, your accountant gets the detail they need.
Other Resources:
We’ve gathered a selection of resources to help you before and after the event. Take a look below
Launchpad Music Industry Insight sessions are a great way to learn more about different areas of the music industry.
Run by our music industry advisors, each session covers a topic to help you develop your project and career, plan your next steps and give you confidence in reaching out to other music organisations and partners.
Opportunities - https://support.launchpad-music.com/Home
1:1 bookable advice sessions with a member of Launchpad team https://support.launchpad-music.com/advice-session
Whatsapp updates for opportunities straight to your phone https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6HasWGufJ4aFKAgj2x
Mailing List / Socials sign up @_launchpadmusic
Launchpad+ - release and royalties support - https://www.launchpad-music.com/plus
FUNDS/FUNDING ORGS:
PRS Foundation - various
Arts Council England - Project Grants, DYCP, Music Creators Growth Fund
Help Musicians - Fast Track, Next Level
Youth Music - Next Gen
Sound and Music - various
FAC - UK Artists Touring Fund
Liveline - various
Northern Music Export Office
Leeds City Council
Bradford Culture
Black Artists Grant
Grand Plan
ACCESS SUPPORT:
Help Musicians - workshops and 1:1 support
BAPAM - British Association of Performing Arts Medicine, therapy, health checks
Access Support funding via funders to support access to making applications
Parents in Performing Arts (PIPA) mailing list and support info
PRS members fund/funding for therapy and other support if you are a PRS member
Musician’s Union - templates/contracts/advice and support funds for members
Creative Minds
Music Minds Matter helpline
Tonic (MH support for musicians)
Music Support helpline
Backline (MH support for crew)
Unlimited (Support for disabled artists)
Attitude is Everything
Access to Work scheme via Gov.uk
Benefits checker/advisor call via local councils
1. “Freelance Tax & Self-Assessment”
Date: May 11, 2026 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1am1OvSDTEwEYv5AjoFMjp766AYi5iurv/view?usp=sharing
Timecodes / Chapters: -https://docs.google.com/document/d/15NkGeR9fLdcAjxzu14DAmUgEE0SQfkkZzulWJBZurHg/edit?usp=share_link
Topics Covered:
Sole trader vs limited company
Income tax and National Insurance explained
HMRC deadlines and self-assessment requirements
Business expenses freelancers can claim
Organizing freelance finances
Business banking for creatives
Accounting software recommendations
When to hire an accountant
Common accountant red flags
Financial planning mindset for freelancers
2. Managing Money as a Creative Freelancer
Date: May 13, 2026 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LbJj4ZFn4qa9s67-CGoonC6pDkdG2u7U/view?usp=sharing
Timecodes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cbg3nS0CDZJnKGvJ0VvSj_1vSPkOiGDBxCzSPqTT6fs/edit?usp=share_link
Key Takeaways:
Freelancers benefit from separating business and personal accounts
Setting aside money regularly for taxes helps avoid financial stress
Budgeting should be realistic and sustainable
Emergency funds are essential for self-employed workers
Creative freelancers can successfully apply for mortgages with preparation
Financial planning creates greater stability and confidence for independent creatives
TRACKS MUSIC LTD
Tracks Website to request a demo www.tracks-music.com
Instagram to join the community Tracksmoney.music (@tracksmoney.music) • Instagram photos and videos
Tracks 10 slide presentation on common pitfalls to avoid as a musician or music company
Topics Covered
Legal structure
Taxes You may Encounter as an Early-Stage Music Company
Common Pitfalls to avoid
Music Entrepreneur/ Founder takeaways
Personal taxes
Financial Planning
Contact details: hello@tracks-music.com
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and 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
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 29th of July 2026 from 5:30pm until 7pm
Launchpad Music Industry Support: Hull + Gig @ The Polar Bear Music Club, Hull
Join the Launchpad team and a selection of speakers from the music industry for an insightful discussion on the opportunities available to musicians, artists, and aspiring professionals in Hull and across Yorkshire.
Taking place from 7:30pm on Tuesday 28th of July at the Polar Bear Music Club, Hull, the evening will feature details of Launchpad programs that provide industry advice & mentoring, opportunities to perform live at festivals and events across the region and funding to support project and personal development, as well as opportunities by other organisations such as Youth Music, Help Musicians & PRS Foundation.
Discussing opportunities to develop music careers will be a panel discussion from individuals who have built successful music careers both locally and nationally, sharing their experiences and offer advice on navigating and developing a career in the music industry.
Speakers include:
Stick around after the panel for a Launchpad special of the classic Sesh night from 9pm
Times for the evening
7pm Doors
7:30pm - 8:30pm - Launchpad Panel
9.00pm - 9.20pm - Madeleine May
9.30 - 10.00pm - A Happy Salmon
10.00pm - 10.45pm - Tymisha
11pm - Flat Number Two
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and is supported by Youth Music, with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, PPL Giving, Bradford Council, Leeds City Council funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and PRS Foundation's Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL.
Launchpad Youth Showcase - July 2026
Launchpad in association with Futuresound present the next Youth Showcase event, featuring 5 artists all aged 18 and under based in West Yorkshire, performing at one of Leeds most prestigious grassroots music venues.
Taking place on Sunday 12th of July at The Wardrobe, Leeds, our February showcase features the following artists are all still in school or college:
Third Avenue
Terrarium
Dorodango
Cargo
The Lost Squirrels
This showcase brings them together and provides audiences, friends and family the opportunity to support emerging talent, with quick fire sets of their own original music, between 4pm and 7pm.
Tickets are:
£6 - Over 21s
£3 - 21 and under
Under 14s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The event is part of the Launchpad Futures initiative, which has seen school visits across Yorkshire to educate young people on music industry career pathways, a collaboration with Discover Creative Careers on a video following artist Dilettante and the different roles and jobs that support artist careers, and open mic performance opportunities with Leeds Libraries and Leeds Art Gallery.
The showcase aims to become a regular event, with an open call for young performers to feature, linking to other youth centred initiatives in the city, with the intention to create a pathway to young artists to build performance opportunities and pathways to getting ahead in the music industry.
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and 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
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 24th of June 2026 from 5:30pm until 7pm
On Stage: Performances in Music Leeds Us - Launchpad Takeover!
Launchpad will be taking over the stage at the Music Leeds Us exhibition at Leeds City Museum on Saturday 20th June from 1pm - 2pm. Book a slot now if you’d like to perform!
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 27th of May 2026 from 5:30pm until 7pm
Rock@UKREiiF - Lucky Iris + Floodhounds + Silver Tongued Rascals
Rock@UKREiiF Festival is back - bringing big sound, big energy and big impact to support LandAid during UKREiiF.
Join us at Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds for two unforgettable nights of live music, special guests and serious atmosphere. Together, we’ll turn up the volume and raise vital funds to help end youth homelessness.
This year, Rock @ UKREiiF runs across two nights:
featuring Lucky Iris + Floodhounds + Silver Tongued Rascals
Wednesday 20 May | 19:00–23:00
featuring The Rejects + Reworked
Each night requires its own ticket.
If you’d like to attend both, please purchase a ticket for each evening.
Let’s make it louder than ever — and make a real difference while we’re at it.
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and 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
Northern House Social 2026 @ The Great Escape Festival, Brighton
This year, organisations, places and regional mayors have come together to establish Northern House at The Great Escape - a place to see the best talent from the North, and get together with those creating the platforms and establishing the agenda for the burgeoning Northern Music Sector.
Join us for drinks, conversation, and connection! Meet the incredible partner organisations, and discover how you can get involved. You’ll also hear about the talented Northern artists lighting up the festival and the inspiring work already underway to champion music across and beyond our region.
You must RSVP in order to attend, however entry is first come first serve.
In addition to networking, there will be showcases across Thursday and Friday, from 12pm - 4pm and 7pm - 11pm each day, featuring 16 artists in total.
Northern House Showcase @ The Great Escape Festival, Brighton
Launchpad Yorkshire Showcase @ The Great Escape Festival, Brighton
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 29th of April 2026 from 5:30pm until 7pm
Launchpad Youth Showcase - April 2026
Launchpad in association with Futuresound present the next Youth Showcase event, featuring 5 artists all aged 18 and under based in West Yorkshire, performing at one of Leeds most prestigious grassroots music venues.
Taking place on Sunday 26th April at The Wardrobe, Leeds, our February showcase features the following artists are all still in school or college:
Jeanine
Pretty Fried
The Broken Compasses
Madeleine May
Emma Jane
This showcase brings them together and provides audiences, friends and family the opportunity to support emerging talent, with quick fire sets of their own original music, between 4pm and 7pm.
Tickets are:
£6 - Over 21s
£3 - 21 and under
Under 14s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The event is part of the Launchpad Futures initiative, which has seen school visits across Yorkshire to educate young people on music industry career pathways, a collaboration with Discover Creative Careers on a video following artist Dilettante and the different roles and jobs that support artist careers, and open mic performance opportunities with Leeds Libraries and Leeds Art Gallery.
The showcase aims to become a regular event, with an open call for young performers to feature, linking to other youth centred initiatives in the city, with the intention to create a pathway to young artists to build performance opportunities and pathways to getting ahead in the music industry.
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and 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
Launchpad Conference 2026
A free day of panels, workshops, presentations and networking for those working in, or aspiring to work in the music industry.
Taking place on Friday 27th of March 2026 at Leeds School of Arts @ Leeds Beckett University City Campus.
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 25th of March 2026 from 5:30pm until 7pm
On Stage: Performances in Music Leeds Us - Launchpad Takeover!
Launchpad will be taking over the stage at the Music Leeds Us exhibition at Leeds City Museum on Saturdays from 1pm - 2pm on 14 March, 11 April, 9 May and 13 June. Book a slot now if you’d like to perform!
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 25th of February 2026 from 5pm until 7:30pm
On Stage: Performances in Music Leeds Us - Launchpad Takeover!
Launchpad will be taking over the stage at the Music Leeds Us exhibition at Leeds City Museum on Saturdays from 1pm - 2:15pm on 14 February, 14 March, 11 April, 9 May and 13 June. Book a slot now if you’d like to perform!
Launchpad Music Industry Mixer
Launchpad is hosting a music industry mixer event on Thursday 5th of February from 4pm at North Bar - Aire Park.
Open to everyone, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Launchpad team, our incredible community of artists and industry professionals, and our partners.
No sign up required, just turn up!
Got a question? Email hello@launchpad-music.com
*Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and is supported by Youth Music, with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, PPL Giving, Bradford Council, Leeds City Council funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and PRS Foundation's Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL.*
Launchpad Youth Showcase - February 2025
Launchpad in association with Futuresound present the next Youth Showcase event, featuring 5 artists all aged 18 and under based in West Yorkshire, performing at one of Leeds most prestigious grassroots music venues.
Taking place on Sunday 1st February at The Wardrobe, Leeds, our February showcase features the following artists are all still in school or college:
Öops
Gazelles
Sicarii
Pretty Vengeance
The Maritime County
This showcase brings them together and provides audiences, friends and family the opportunity to support emerging talent, with quick fire sets of their own original music, between 4pm and 7pm.
Tickets are:
£6 - Over 21s
£3 - 21 and under
Under 14s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The event is part of the Launchpad Futures initiative, which has seen school visits across Yorkshire to educate young people on music industry career pathways, a collaboration with Discover Creative Careers on a video following artist Dilettante and the different roles and jobs that support artist careers, and open mic performance opportunities with Leeds Libraries and Leeds Art Gallery.
The showcase aims to become a regular event, with an open call for young performers to feature, linking to other youth centred initiatives in the city, with the intention to create a pathway to young artists to build performance opportunities and pathways to getting ahead in the music industry.
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, and 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
Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad present - Open Mic
Looking for a laid-back space to share your creativity?
Join Leeds Libraries in partnership with Launchpad for an Open Mic Night at Leeds Central Library.
Taking place on Wednesday 28th of January 2026 from 5pm until 7:30pm
