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