February 9, 2009 MIDEM Conference Video Interviews
Last month, (January 2009), I went to the MIDEM Conference in France. The largest music business conference in Europe.
I went two years ago and didn’t like it, because it was just a lot of suits talking to suits. Very old-boy network. But, like I did with PopKomm, I tried to be the eyes and ears of my musician clients, bringing my video camera around to every company that was exhibiting there, and asking them questions from a musician’s point of view.
So, here are the edited videos from 13 companies that seemed worth talking to - and the URL for each.
Whether they can help you directly or not is up to you, but I hope you find it interesting, either way.
If you are a self-promoting musician, I don’t recommend attending MIDEM. It’s better than it used to be, and is worth it for bigger companies to attend, but still not an ideal use of your money and time.
For a more objective overview of what went on at MIDEM 2009, read this write-up by my buddy Hal Bringman.
Japan Mobile Distribution
Though it may be hard to understand, their goal is to get independent music from outside Japan into mobile phone distribution inside Japan. Worth the effort, if you’re ready to focus on the Japanese market.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b86F2a5eZXI
Music Pin
Brand new company started by fellow musician, making custom wallet-size cards with unique codes for you to sell (or give) to your fans to download your album or songs.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MzBQV3X9_s
Prefueled
Cool way for public places to offer music loadable directly onto portable devices. Get your music available in these kiosks.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ida_9a8mXuo
Jamendo
Great site similar to the old MP3.com: Give your music free to people actively looking for new independent music. Maybe make money if Jamendo licenses your music for commerical use.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfDtoG2cgD4
A&R Worldwide
A good company in Los Angeles founded by the super-connected Sat Bisla. I love their international focus. Their site explains more.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN9NpIem_HQ
Kyte
If you’re into making and sharing video, Kyte is known as the best in that field.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTtOvmzlRBo
SellaBand
Use them to try to raise $50,000. Go to their site and click “How it works” for more info.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiZXUJqJEvo
Mufin
Another recommendation engine built on audio analysis. Recommends based on sound, not fame, so a good “level playing field” place to get your music.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrzjNwtxuj4
InAkustik
German distributor and label. Don’t send them your music, but instead just listen to the interview to understand what distributors are going through now.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEhITGxbSgQ
MusicWeek
Like Billboard Magazine in the U.S., MusicWeek is based in the UK. Sounds like there’s a wee chance to be included in their recommendations.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9noxHzAh7eE
IndiePower
A company in LA that does distribution, marketing, and promotion for independent artists.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f-0HSl2kLk
Goom Radio
French digital radio stations, not yet available in the U.S., but maybe worth keeping an eye on.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b0LbbHPF8E
MusiConsult
Founded by Frank “Tank” Hessing, who I really admire and joined for dinner that night. If you are a label with a lot of existing activity in countries outside your reach, MusiConsult is a great trustable firm to handle the logistics.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bb4Ng0SGd8
Reader Comments (6)
Music Pin is nothing new. A company called discrevolt has been around for several years. They have a smaller minimum order (100 instead of 500).
When they first came out, they offered every artist who signed up 100 cards for free. A friend of mine got his first 100 that way. Last I heard, he still had all of them. He sells CDs just fine at his live shows, so I don't think that it's a quality issue with him.
I don't think this idea's time has come.
Thanks Derek, some of those were very interesting and informative.
Hey Derek. Thanks a lot for the videos. I'm living in Nice, right next to Cannes, so I was pretty frustrated at not being able to assist the conference.
What featured music service/company really stood out for you at MIDEM?
Anything new and very exciting?
> What featured music service/company really stood out for you at MIDEM?
Not any particular one. Just depends what you're looking for. The Japan Mobile thing is great... if you're really willing to commit to Japan and put some major work into promoting there. Kyte is great... if online video is a major part of your promotion tactic.
Thanks. I'll check those ones out more thoroughly then.
Wow, Kyte does look amazing.
You think you might feature muckwork next year at MIDEAM 2010? :)
Phew! MIDEM really was terrible! Coming from the tech side of things, I have done these conferences more times that I care to think about - but this was the worse!
IT conferences seem to be Hey, I wonder what we can do together. MIDEM seemed to be: Hey, Are you anybody that I really care to talk to you? AMAZING.
If you go another time - I will be the other one not wearing a suit ;)