News / 24 Jan 2024
Popular Music Performance graduate speaks at Launchpad Conference
BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance
BA (Hons) Visual Communication
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cathy kio. Photograph by Emily Obeng
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Launchpad Music Conference at Leeds Arts University
As part of Leeds Arts University’s Industry Week, recent BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance graduate, cathy kio, was welcomed back as an Industry Speaker amongst the panel of the Launchpad Music Conference.
Since 2019, nearly 130 artists have been supported by Launchpad, which works to reach, select and support a diverse representation across music genres and communities through advice, live opportunities and funding.
Originally from South London, cathy kio has recently moved back to her hometown, and stepped into a portfolio career within the music industry. With the titles ‘Artist’, ‘Music Teacher’ and ‘Session Guitarist’ already under her belt, Cathy has proved her versatility and dedication to her work.
With a working-class background and status as a recent care-leaver, Cathy hopes to inspire others to push through personal hardship and to make the most out of their opportunities.
“It was both a privilege and an honour to speak on the panel at the Leeds Arts University Launchpad conference. For years I've listened to other people speak at conferences, but never thought I would one day speak at one myself! And to be back to Leeds Arts so soon after graduating was definitely a pleasant surprise.”
cathy kio, BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance graduate
The Launchpad Music Conference took place on Wednesday 17 January 2024 and consisted of a presentation about Launchpad; a panel discussion which included cathy kio, BA (Hons) Visual Communication graduates Lins Wilson of Magick Mountain and Tom Hudson of Pulled Apart By Horses, as well as Francesca Pidgeon and Simeon Walker; a networking event; a demo panel where students who submitted tracks could receive live feedback from the panel and get noticed by industry professionals Lily Blakeney-Edwards of Sentric Music and Archie Whincup of BBC Introducing.
"It was such a beautiful experience to be able to pass on knowledge I've accumulated since starting university and after graduating. The music industry can sometimes be quite ‘gate-keepy’ so to speak in an open way was very nice. I also gained valuable insights from the other guests on the panel.”
cathy kio, BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance graduate