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.
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
A company in LA that does distribution, marketing, and promotion for independent artists.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f-0HSl2kLk
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
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