Frequently Asked Questions
What is Launchpad Connect?
Launchpad Connect supports emerging artists and music professionals from Yorkshire by providing opportunities to help them develop their craft and/or career.
We are passionate about supporting any artist, musician, band, DJ, producer, singer, promoter, amanger, label - however you define yourself. If you are making and performing music, or are part of the music ecosystem we offer support through a series of events and, for those that are selected, specific development opportunities.
Who is it for?
Artists or music projects who receive Launchpad Connect support will have:
High quality music (this can be in demo form) or, if you are a music project, some evidence of your activities so far
A plan for their music or project which shows that they will benefit from this level of support
A commitment to taking responsibility for their own development
A desire to learn and connect
If you have received funding support in the last 3 years from a major funding body (e.g. Help Musicians, PRS Foundation, Arts Council England) or industry organisation (e.g. management company, record label, publishing company), you may be beyond our level of support. If you have received funding and feel you need continued support, or just want to check your eligibility, please get in touch with us before applying.
Why apply to Launchpad Connect?
After every deadline for Launchpad Connect, we send your application to one of our “reviewers” - this includes local BBC Radio DJs, established artists, artist managers, previously supported artist and projects, record label staff, publishers, promoters and more. Even if you don’t end up being selected for Launchpad Connect support, just applying is a great way to get your music heard or project known by more people in the music industry.
When you submit your application you’ll be asked whether you’d like to be added to our mailing list. Doing so ensures you’ll receive regular updates about other opportunities and events that are available to you. These include workshops, talks, festival open calls, other funding deadlines and development opportunities, which could include Launchpad+ and/or Momentum Accelerator.
Who’s already been supported?
Since 2019, over 150 artists, labels and managers from across Yorkshire have been supported through Launchpad. Use the buttons below to have a look through who they are.
How to answer the application questions
Summary (approx. 200 words or approx. 20-30 seconds in audio/video format)
This is where you can give us an insight into who you are and what you do as an artist, band or music project (label, manager, publisher, promoter etc.)
We’d like to hear about what stage of your development you are at. How much music have you made, have you done any professional recording, performed live or started building your fanbase? If you are a music project not an artist, what artist/s have your released, promoted or managed, for example?
Please include what you consider to be any notable achievements, for example, if you have released any music, built a social media following, received any press or had music played on the radio.
What do you hope to achieve as an artist, project or individual in the next two years? Please tell us how you are currently planning to achieve this? (approx. 200 words or approx. 30 seconds in audio/video format)
Please tell us where you hope to be, in as much detail as you can at this stage, but also be realistic.
We need to know about your ambitions for writing, recording, releasing and performing or promoting music or events with as much detail as possible within the word count. Tell us about how you plan to do this within the next 2 years.
This can include things like recording an EP or releasing an album, planning live performances or tours to support a release, marketing and press plans, promoting events.
What subjects would you most like to cover during your support and why? (approx. 200 words or approx. 30 seconds in audio/video format)
Please give an overview of what areas of the music industry you would most benefit from learning about. Some examples could be building your identity, release planning, merch, maximising your music income by learning more about royalty collection, or booking live shows.
Please tell us in as much detail as you can how you think your career would benefit from receiving guidance in your chosen area/s of support, be specific.
Why would you like to be part of Launchpad Connect? (approx. 200 words or approx. 30 seconds in audio/video format)
We want to hear why you think you’re ready for support and why you think Launchpad Connect is the support you need. We to support people who are ready to engage, learn and develop and get the most they can out of the opportunity. Tell us why you think that’s you.