Midem

MIDEM is the world’s foremost music industry trade fair, held annually at the Palais des Festivals since 1967. It provides a forum for discussing business & legal issues, and showcasing new artists, musical trends and music-related products.

In addition to a large number of concerts, MIDEM is primarily a vibrant marketplace. Although major labels and other corporate actors dominate the scene at MIDEM, its events also include the International Indie Summit.

MIDEM 2008 was attended by 9,093 delegates from 4,545 companies (out of which 2,233 had stands or pavilions of their own) and 482 journalists, from a total of 88 countries. Although attendees come from all over the world, those from Western Europe (67%) and North America (22%) clearly dominate.

MIDEM also acts as a venue for several awards ceremonies: the MIDEM Classical Awards (since 2005); and the NRJ Music Awards (since 2000), where French radio station NRJ welcomes the world’s biggest pop stars to the Palais des Festivals the night before MIDEM begins. MIDEM is preceded by MidemNet, a two-day conference devoted to monetizing music in the digital age.

The next MidemNet and MIDEM will take place from 24 to 27 January 2010, Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France.

Who should attend MIDEM?

MIDEM brings together just about every sector of the music and content businesses. The core is obviously recorded music, represented by labels and distributors. But it also features a music publishers summit and conferences covering live music, music and brands and a very strong section covering the digital sphere. In addition to launching many musical careers, MIDEM has launched many innovative service companies and entrepreneurs. The big deals are often born here (although not necessarily signed). The MIDEM database offers match-making opportunities throughout the year.

So just about every sector involved in music will find ideas and partners. However, it remains an investment in terms of time and money (remember to follow Cannes or Bust’s advice). There is no better place to get an idea of what will happen in the markets over the coming year or so. Unless you can reduce costs by booking early and staying locally, it is not recommended for bands or artists at the start of their career. To make the best use of MIDEM, it is advisable to already have some traction, such as regular gigs and releases, or for businesses, very clear ideas and the resources to follow through on them. Typically, MIDEM can bring you access to the largest players in each country.

Cannes-or-Bust regularly features inside news. Check all the MIDEM-related news. Or check the MIDEM website. Have a MIDEM-related site? Drop a note and we could exchange links.