Logo of The Launchpad, with a stylized rocket taking off, black background, white text.

The Launchpad is a series of talks for musicians that dives into both the creative and business sides of building a music career. Each session features industry pros—from talent buyers and touring artists to producers and film composers—offering practical insights straight from lived experience.

Past sessions have explored:

  • Songwriting and production techniques, like arranging unforgettable songs with Bryn Bliska and production masterclasses with Jim Eno (Spoon)

  • Sync licensing insights, including how to land placements, work with reps, edit for sync, and break into the industry—featuring experts like Nat Phan, Mayra Vargas, Spencer Bastian, and Cullah

  • Music business and career growth, with guidance from leaders like Emily White and Erin Barra-Jean on building sustainable careers and scaling creative impact, and booking better shows with a panel of local talent buyers

  • Composing for screen, with an in-depth look at film scoring from musician Ben Sollee

Every session ends with an interactive Q&A.

Hit us up if you have a topic you’d like to see covered in this series.

PAST PROGRAM GUESTS include Bryn Bliska, Ryker, Emily White, Jim Eno, Ben Sollee, Nat Phan, Mayra Vargas, Spencer Bastian, Erin Barra, Cullah, and more.

THE LAUNCHPAD IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, 18+ AND FREE WITH RSVP.

Brin Bliska sitting at a keyboard, holding a microphone near her mouth, and looking to her left during a music performance in a room with stained glass windows.
A person working on a computer with multiple screens in a room with wood-paneled walls.

UPCOMING

Building Beats from Scratch: Sampling with Cut Chemist

Thursday, December 3 | 6:00-7:30 pm | Living Room at the Music District 

How do you turn a forgotten record into a brand-new sound? Get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of sampling with legendary DJ, producer, and turntablist Cut Chemist, a founding member of influential hip-hop group Jurassic 5 and Latin funk band Ozomatli.

Known for his genre-bending productions, innovative live sets, and collaborations with DJ Shadow, Cut has spent decades pushing the boundaries of beatmaking and transforming unexpected musical finds into something entirely new. 

RSVP
An audience seated in a cozy venue with wood-paneled walls, watching a performance or presentation. The room is decorated with chandeliers and lighting, and there is a microphone stand in the foreground.
A man with gray hair smiling and speaking into a microphone while sitting in a brown leather armchair on a stage with wooden paneling background, surrounded by microphones and other people
A stage with two people seated, one person is speaking into a microphone at an indoor concert or event, with musical instruments like guitars and drums nearby, and stage lighting illuminating the scene.
Person wearing a baseball cap and dark hoodie taking a photo or video with a smartphone at an indoor event, with people seated in the background.
An indoor event with a seated audience watching a live music performance on stage. The room has wooden paneling, black chairs, and warm lighting, with musicians playing instruments.
A young woman with wavy blonde hair sings and plays guitar on stage, smiling, with a man with glasses and curly hair in the background, near a microphone, under purple stage lighting.

EXPLORE MORE MUSIC DISTRICT PROGRAMS