Why we love MIDEM

Robbie Williams is a regular [copyright: Marta Szczesniak]

From indie artists to record labels, publishers and managers, the Côte d’Azur is buzzing with New Yorkers, Londoners and Japanese pop/rock artists. The vibe is  international and fast paced, with live performances taking place at the luxury five star hotels the celebs flock to for the Cannes Film Festival.

At the Martinez and the Carlton hotels, independent artists put on a range of pop, rock, jazz and classic concerts attended by local radio, international press, and labels looking to sign new talent. The acoustics are fabulous, the bands vibrant and the crowd friendly.

MIDEM provides an outlet for those in the music industry seeking to make connections, and also mentoring events and matchmaking for those all important first steps.

With managers promoting their artists to an international crowd, the world’s largest music market can make or break a singer or band, with the attention and reviews they get from journalists. Those hard to reach contacts such as investors are also present and the setting allows companies to sit down and get to know each other.

Not only is the Côte d’Azur buzzing with men in suits, British rock bands and songwriters, but CEOs from top corporations and major artists descend on Cannes to make speeches, and to discuss the changes in technology and innovation for the 21st century.

MIDEM also gets a kick-start from France’s NRJ Music Awards, the French equivalent of the MTV Award show with a host of stars in attendance. Although the opening night is more for the glamour than the substance, it attracts international attention ahead of the music market and benefits the local economy and tourist industry.

On top of that, people living on the coast are treated to a riot of VIP parties, famous DJs and a non-stop music show, so no one ever complains about the noise.

MIDEM 2011 will be no exception, with guests such as world famous DJ David Guetta, and keynote speaker PJ Bloom, music supervisor of America’s hit musical series Glee.

For people wanting to break into the industry the music pitch sessions and panel discussions with companies such as NBC and Endemol are also avenues. It is often hard for independent artists to even get a shot at meeting executives from big labels, or talent scouts looking for the next Leona Lewis, as so many are competing in this tough industry. A large majority of new artists have also turned to youtube and online digital distribution, which is one of the key elements discussed during the festival, where technology is part of the solution for labels and not something that they need to fight against.

If you have the opportunity to come along, soak up the atmosphere and mingle with the stars. MIDEM is something not to be missed.

IA