MIDEM Conference Interviews

2009-02-08

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 this year I went again with an open mind, and 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. (Thanks to Sinem Saniye for camera help.) Please note I'm not necessarily recommending these companies. Just interviewing, so you can decide for yourself.

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 an artist's money and time. Better to just watch these edited videos for free, and contact companies that seem useful.

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

© 2009 Derek Sivers

comments

  1. ondine darcyl (2009-02-08) #ondine darcyl

    it was great to see you at midem and look forward to seeing all these videos. thank you.

  2. fran snyder (2009-02-08) #fran snyder

    Great stuff Derek. Something for everyone. I'm definitely going to investigate kyte.

    fran

  3. Bruce Maier (2009-02-08) #

    Derek; Thanks for always turning me onto the latest that's happening. I appreciate your work and " For Karma " spirit. I will pass this on to many.

    Bruce

  4. Acoustic Randall (2009-02-08) #

    Excellent fresh content. Like the idea of Music Pin to save on having to lug CD inventory and save on shipping, etc. Thanks!

  5. Derek (2009-02-08) #Derek

    This was the best presentation at MIDEM : a great look at Trent Reznor's approach with Nine Inch Nails. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND spending the 15 minutes to watch this video. There are some great lessons in it:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njuo1puB1lg

  6. ian c rogers (2009-02-08) #

    Well done, Derek. Thanks for putting the time in on this. Great stuff.

  7. Norine Braun (2009-02-08) #

    Thanks for sharing the wealth of insight via video. Prefueled sounds fascinating, my new album is doing well in Italy so will check this out.

  8. Carol Harley (2009-02-08) #

    Derek, even when you are far away, you still bring the future home to us. What fun it must have been at the Midem 2009! Thanks for your tireless efforts to support us Indie bands. You have inspired me to keep singing!

    "We do not quit playing because we grow old... we grow old because we quit playing"-Oliver Wendell Holmes

  9. alfredash (2009-02-08) #

    Its great to see what the state of play is & that it is changing every day,some good oportunities.

  10. David Kelly (2009-02-08) #

    Derek,

    You are truly an inspiration and just simply an awesome person. Thank you for the Information and I truly am going to mention you in my upcoming album following "

    Drama" YOU ROCK!

    sincerely,

    Your friendly Piano Wizard

    David Kelly

  11. Elisa (2009-02-08) #

    Amazing. Thank you so much for this. It opened a lot of doors for me in terms of what I can do to promote my music.

  12. Jon Magnificent (2009-02-08) #

    Thanks for all of this Derek. You're the coolest.

  13. Lorelei Loveridge (2009-02-08) #

    Hi Derek,

    Thanks for these videos. I was sorry not to attend Midem this year, but as an artist and indie label proprietor I attended both MidemNet and Midem in January of 2008 and feel that more ground needs to be covered before heading back to Cannes, though I truly wanted to be there. Such an invigorating experience. Such an overwhelming one, too.

    I was advised by the president of Canada's leading roots labels to go to Midem if my focus was worldwide, which seems contradictory to the whole process of workin' one's music from the ground up (locally, regionally, internationally). In fact, one of Canada's most established independent artists (akin to Ani Difranco) advised me to focus locally and regionally first. I opted to go my own way.

    At Midem, thanks to having a good tale to tell, I suppose, and a 15 second verbal 'business card' intro that could immediately grip the attention of anyone interested, and my keen sense of attending seminars and asking questions, on the second last day at Midem, I actually did capture the attention of a company from India, fitting for my music, and within one hour was whisked away to a VIP meeting in the VIP lounge - whoopdidoo - and had an offer for management in India/Middle East/Africa. One that in theory I agreed to four hours later, after much scurrying around, and then five months later hammered out the contractual details for (very important!). Things are just getting rolling. I understand they're rolling out the CD's this month.

    Meanwhile, I've signed with management in Canada and am, strangely, doing my own thing with my label and music right here in the UK. Doing the very local-regional build that is so necessary, with an eye on all international activities and a focus on international licensing, etc.

    I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your posts, and appreciate them. Midem was a costly adventure, and one that hasn't yet financially redeemed itself. But, also, one of the outcomes of that was befriending a woman and, subsequently, impressing her business partner (they own a label in the U.S.) who is a US guitar legend. He loved the new album so much, he ended up giving it the first real review, which has given me the language for my 2009 tour press release.

    All the small things add up to career development. Midem is worth it if you plan loads in advance, introduce yourself to as many appropriate people in advance (my mistake), and definitely spend the extra money to attend MidemNet so that you can see who the industry folks are - and network with them in the short in-betweens. It makes it easier when schmoozing at the hotels at night (incredibly interesting).

    Frankly, if you're not in the game, you're out of it, and long ago I've learned that sometimes it requires going where the action is. That said, many of the leads go nowhere. As a Greek promoter (I met him on the plane and we became fast friends and he's a great ally in this, a good advisor, and keen to support without actually being involved) said: "You find out who's full of b.s. and who means it...after you get home." True.

    In the end, it's about relationships, exposure, etc. You get a lovely massive catalogue of everyone there, unlike some music conferences I've attended. I will happily return to Midem, but maybe every 2-3 years.

    Thanks for allowing me to share.

    Lorelei Loveridge

    Orderly Bazaar Records & Publishing

    http://www.loreleiloveridge.com

    http://www.orderlybazaar.com

  14. Charles Lucy (2009-02-08) #

    Great thanks Derek, good work!

  15. SOA (2009-02-08) #

    Thanx a lot.I appreciate this, a lot.

    Best regrads.

    Soa

  16. Tukadio Andrea (2009-02-08) #

    I tink that is very good

  17. Cherifa Tounsi (2009-02-08) #

    Hi Derek!

    I would never expected receiving so useful info about industry music in my mail inbox, it really feels like being given something on a plate! That was exactly the kind of help I needed for my musical career. Thank you so much for that, I really appreciate and I wish you all the best for your Karma...

    Best Wishes from Paris,

    Cherifa Tounsi

  18. Mike Tobin (2009-02-08) #

    Derek.Thanks for all this. Much to ponder & absorb. Exciting to see that with the death ( suicide?) of the old school Record Industry so many new ideas are developing.Looking forward to meeting up with you @ the SXSW Festival next month.

  19. Elli Fordyce (2009-02-08) #Elli Fordyce

    Very helpful and informative. Charles Foskett of Shmusicmusic was able to get my materials into the hands of a number of people at Midem and some who contacted him afterwards, for us to follow up here. I've sent this link to my mgr. and I'm sure it will answer many questions and fill in many blanks. Always appreciate your work and your good intentions. Watch for my 2nd CD soon, "Songs Spun of Gold."

    Best,

    Elli

    [http://www.cdbaby.com/ellifordyce]

  20. Brad Parker (2009-02-08) #

    Dear Derek:

    You are an excellent teacher, and are always trying to help us all! Again I say thank you!

    I can't help but think, after a lifetime of doing music and "The Business," there is a trigger to be pulled once the stars align themselves. If you work hard enough and smart enough and you are ready(what ever it takes to be ready)when the time comes you will get your turn. At least, that's what we all hope? But, there has to be that special presence that each of us brings, which must be a collective being that will sustain when put under great scrutiny. Any way, a simple thank you might have been sufficient.

    Bradley Winfield Parker

  21. chris costa (2009-02-08) #

    Hi Derek!

    always interesting and inspiring.

    It's a jungle in here!

  22. Mr. Frank J. Stola (2009-02-08) #

    Bravo.....for every 100 contacts you get 10 people interested and 1 solid connection

  23. Ermina Tsounis (2009-02-08) #

    Thank you Derek.

    This is so informative/helpful.

    Sharing with fellow musicians....

    With Appreciation

    Ermina Tsounis

  24. Mark Wayne Glasmire (2009-02-08) #

    Derek,

    Once again you have delivered a lot of useful information. Thank you for using your influence and resources, personal and otherwise in the music buisness, to help keep the dream alive for the rest of us.

    Cheers!

    Mark Wayne Glasmire

  25. Steve Fritz (2009-02-08) #

    All I can say is thanks for the time that you put in producing these wonderful information Video's.Thanks again for your time.FritzSongs/Steve Fritz

  26. karin melchert (2009-02-08) #

    Thanks a lot Derek,

    really, really, really appreciate your efforts. Hope to see you at the next MIDEM.

  27. James L. Snelgrove/JimmYSixStrinGtm (2009-02-08) #

    Fantastic Derek!

    It's hard to believe, all the Distributors working to sell music, you also included the important stuff like how to sign-up, get music on front page, how it works ect. Thanks for the E-mail, very informative and to think at one time I was wondering how to get on the local JukeBox, Great Job!

    JimmYSixStrinGtm

  28. Johnny Bonneville (2009-02-08) #

    Thanks Derek,

    I had been wanting to learn more about the "recommendation engine built on audio analysis" market. See you at National Geographic.

    Johnny Bonneville

  29. Bobby Boyd (2009-02-08) #

    Hey Derek,...This is so, so,nice and very considerate of you to do this for others in the Business!

    Thanks Derek....

    Bobby Boyd

  30. Mark Easley (2009-02-08) #

    Hi Derek, thanks for doing this. I am very interested in Kyte which I had not heard of before. Thanks for the info.

  31. Henry Soul (2009-02-08) #

    THANX A LOT DEREK! I'LL HAVE TO JOIN THE REST IN AGREEING THAT THIS HAS BEEN VERY INFORMATIVE AND CONCISE, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEIR EXPRESSIONS ACCOMPANY THEIR WORDS WHICH ADDS ANOTHER 50% TO THEIR INFORMATION LEAVING YOU WITH A GREAT DEAL MORE UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENTIRE PICTURE. THANK U AGAIN.

    HENRY.

  32. Paul Simon (2009-02-08) #

    Hi Derek, this stuff is invaluable, thankyou, Paul Simon.

  33. Michael ONeill (2009-02-08) #

    Thanks Derek .... I have always looked at going to midem but as a indie thought my way out of it , hope to see you at SXSW on South Congress

    all the best michael

  34. Victoria Galinsky (2009-02-08) #

    This is an overwhelming amount of music info. I will study all the videos when I get a chance to concentrate on all of them.

  35. charles blass (2009-02-08) #

    thanks for doing what you do & being on the scene, on the floor, and helping sort out some of the many booths i didnt have time to get to ...definitely a more B2B environment, but always great to keep the artists' perspective !!!

  36. Theola Bright (2009-02-08) #

    Thanks Derek. You have shown us in more ways than one how sincere you are for our success.

    Princess Theopatra

    aka

    Theola Bright

  37. Paul Cooke (2009-02-08) #Paul Cooke

    Thanks man saved me the tripsmile i knew you would cover this event for us allsmile I will let you know if any of your tips pan out for the label. One love & Peace Paul Cooke

  38. Jimmy Young (2009-02-08) #

    Hey Derek,

    Thanks for the info. and videos from Midem, it was very helpfull.

    I had my music submitted at Midem in the past by a music attorney but with no success.

    This time I will try a few of your suggestions....

    Thanks again for your continuing efforts to help us.

    Cheers,

    Jimmy Young

  39. Patricia Reynolds (2009-02-08) #

    Derek, Could CD Baby set up songs to these sites? Or should an artist contact each site?

    You should contact the sites yourself. I doubt CD Baby will do it for you. (Though you could ask them. I'm not 100% sure.)

    CD Baby doesn't display the covers of CDs of most artists, only some famous artists like Shania Twain or Editor's picks. It's hard to make a sale.

    I think you're thinking of iTunes. CD Baby displays the covers of every album. --- Derek

  40. Dwight (2009-02-09) #

    Derek I was very much impressed with the videos it's was almost like being at a Workshop,the information was very valuable to me and to my Company, I'm hungry for more!

    Thanks

    Dwight

  41. Walt Ribeiro (2009-02-09) #Walt Ribeiro

    Derek - excellent post. Some of these companies are definitely worth checking out smile

  42. Staten Island Johnny (2009-02-09) #

    All of this information was very helpful. Thank you for keeping us well informed and updated on the progress and new developments in the music industry. Be well and kindly accept my sincerest regards.

  43. Paul Thomas (2009-02-09) #

    Thanks for sharing this and taking your time to be our eyes and ears at a conference that would not be accessible to me. It's greatly appreciated.

  44. Camela Widad Kraemer (2009-02-09) #Camela Widad Kraemer

    DEREK! I can't believe all of this information! If you're doing this for Karma, how are you making a living? I can't wait to read/see these. With a new album coming out all of my thoughts have been about how to utilize the new tools and horizons out there. And here is tons of info.

    Many Thanks ~ Be Well.

  45. Alice (2009-02-09) #

    Thanks Derek for the cutting edge promotion tools. I'm super motivated to keep this crazy project going! Thanks....

  46. Rodrigo Sigal (2009-02-09) #

    Thanks so much for sharing such amazing info. Smaller artists and projects like me and CMMAS.org appreciate this a lot Derek. All the best from Mexico!

  47. Val Serrant (2009-02-09) #

    Sat-Nam/I salute the Truth in you, Derek..thanks for your selfless sharing.'Kyte' is truly flying high. All Love & Blessings to you and Extended-Family. My Bro Sikiru Adepoju[co-producer..Ijinle Ilu], was nominated for another Grammy (with Mickey Hart,Zakir Hussain & Giovanni Hidalgo).Gio & Zakir are on our/Afrika Heartbeat's new CD..Catch The Spirit..so 2009 is shaping up great!Ase!Thanks again. Val.

  48. Rebecca Hollweg (2009-02-09) #

    Thanks for all this brilliant information. It is great to be able to digest it at home, after you have already filtered out interesting companies. Midem seems such a daunting thing for artists otherwise.

    This year I am going to be doing my first tours outside the UK and am going to watch with a view to expanding on this and reaching more audiences in Europe and the USA.

    I really appreciate what you set up with CDBaby and the sales I have made through it. Thanks for all your ongoing help.

    Best wishes, Rebecca

  49. Raven Cohan (2009-02-09) #

    Derek. You are helping a non-techie like me get an eye on some of the amazing possibilities out there. Thankyou, Raven Cohan

  50. Blanche Tate (2009-02-09) #

    Derek,

    Thank you for your undying love for the Independent Artists. This is great information. Thanks for the work you do and for sharing all the helpful information.

    "Happy Valentine's Day"



    Blanche

  51. Nico (2009-02-09) #

    Thank you.

    Long Live Rock'n'Roll

    Nico's Alchemy "Fundamental darkness"

    "ALBUM OF THE MONTH" by Guitar Techniques Magazine, Dec 2008

    "METAL ALBUM OF THE WEEK" by BBC Radio 6, February 2009

    voted "TOP 10 On THE ROCK SHOW" by UTV105.80 Radio Ireland, February 2009



    voted "BEST UPCOMING ROCK METAL BAND" by Phoenix Radio, January 2009

    voted "A MUST HAVE CD" by Flash Europe Magazine, January 2009

    http://www.nicosalchemy.com

    http://www.cdbaby.com/nicosalchemy

  52. AmyBeth Parravano (2009-02-09) #

    cool Derek.....MIDEM still good place to network if you got time and funds to go....i was lucky enough to do that in the late 1990's and aired segments on my cable TV show AMY BETH PRESENTS! in RIPBS and COX18

  53. Wayne (2009-02-09) #

    Hey Dereck,I love the work and effort you out into gaining this information. Very informative. I really like the stuff on Jamendo and Kyte.

  54. Luvine Elias, Jr. (2009-02-09) #

    I just skimmed over the info, just looking at the titles, and will come back later, to view and read in detail. Thanks, Luvine.

  55. TimPermanent (2009-02-09) #

    Derek,

    I am humbled by your generosity in sharing all of this after doing all the foot work to get it recorded and edited.

    I am glad that I am now in touch with you.

    If there is ever anything i can do to return the favor please do not hesitate to ask!

    TimPermanent

  56. Carl Mclaughlin (2009-02-10) #

    As always you go the extra mile for us indies.I hope that you wil be repaid 1000 fold for all the extra effort you do...Carl

  57. Chester A Thomas (2009-02-10) #

    Very Nice work Derek

    2 Good To Go

    Chester

  58. Jacques Pardo (2009-02-10) #

    Dereck this is awesome! thank-you for sharing all this great info!

    Best,

    Jacques

    http://www.atlas-soul.com

  59. Wayne McArthur (2009-02-10) #

    Nuff Thanks Derek,

    Very good networking production video for all intrested,

    great to get your mindset control for now and future digital outlets options in the music media...

    You really gathered the grains of new music interactive informations for all indie artists n labels alike a valued project to buzz our networks for our supporters the music fans...

    The Conference seems to have reps with some serious substance for everyone if they are up for making the many or few contacts according to strengths of music materials and artists viability...

    Check out most of your interviews with the different reps from the Midem conference and we are bless to get first hand details from A&R reps who can advise us of how best to highten our musicial outputs without the give it away clauses of course as the word promo's already caters for freebe's to fan's and the plan,(what's tired up in read is bound up in deep deeds or should be???)

    We must all be aware of the systematic ploys that plots away the value of our music credibility what I call "the formanting of bones" traits of modern technology in the forever changing process of music marketing formants like the proverbal moving goalposts I think???...

    So keep music live and thrive as the stage is an envelope of your voice /instrument till your hearts content with vibes, that way you won't get blog down with lack of soul satisfying events of your arts expression, instead you're in fronts of all your positive "precepters" who are singing along to your anthems while you record a grand performance live CD that they will all want a copy for the "true experience" realm of your works captured alive,so keep it real as we move inna da right groove...

    More time for the reel time Derek good works is priceless respect fa real...

    Regards

    Wayne-MoonWaveMusic

    mwmturbosonics1@ntlworld.com

  60. Darby (2009-02-10) #

    Wow, amazing stuff, thank you!!

  61. Wicked D (2009-02-10) #

    Thanks again, Derek! Between you & Dave Kusek, I may never have to attend another music convention.

    I believe Music Pin stood out the most for me as I am currently preaching the "Music as a Marketing Tool" biz model.

    Japan Mobile Distribution is another biggie. Vougan, a band I represent, is already being physically distributed in Japan through Soundholic.

    Loved the Trent Reznor presentation as well!

  62. Kev.O (2009-02-11) #

    WOW! Derek, you're a bottomless pit of information, incredibly HELPFUL information! Just wanted to drop a note to say that I really appreciate it.

    Peace.

    Kev.O

  63. Nico (2009-02-12) #

    solid. Interesting stuff

  64. John Harley Weston (2009-02-12) #

    A brilliant and brief expose from Midem. Well done again Derek on providing us indie artists with yet more tools to succeed. Thanks from award winning songwriter downunder.

  65. Steve (2009-02-12) #

    Just had a chance to view the videos,

    nice work, it's very much appreciated - I know our students here will love watching these and enjoy following up on the links.

    Here's to a lot of good karma coming your way.All the best.

  66. christopher lars carlson (2009-02-12) #

    thank you, derek. i have no doubt that you will come back in your next life a superior being smile

  67. Nick Riff (2009-02-12) #

    Derek

    Hi. Thanks for your time and effort to bring us all this great info. This will be helpful to me when I release my new CD this Spring. Good Karma to you!

  68. andrzej (2009-02-13) #

    Thanks Derek!

    It was really interesting to watch your coverage from Midem.

    Thanks for sharing this - I hope that everyone can find there something new.

    Andrzej

  69. Seamus Anthony (2009-02-13) #Seamus Anthony

    Cool thanks Derek - very useful. I was quite interested in the Music Pin but their website is abysmal (maybe when I am not at work and can listen to the video I will understand it better) anyway what I have been doing is getting these sweet little mini moo cards made up which I hand out at gigs, basically just cool-looking business cards with web addresses for email downloads etc etc. see http://www.moo.com/products/minicards.php

  70. teddy (2009-02-15) #

    thanks! this is great! you are too kind!

  71. masayoshi yamamiya (2009-02-16) #

    Hello, derek. mobile distribution shares 90% at music digital distribution market is exactly true here in Japan. but the mobile distribution seems not long tail. 10% J-POP contemporary hit songs share 90% music market.

  72. Victor Speight (2009-02-18) #

    Derek,you are so (the man).I don't know if these would be any help for gospel music but I'm sure checking into it. thanks for the info bro and God Bless!

  73. Joan (2009-02-19) #

    Derek,

    Thanks so much for taking the time to tape and edit the videos. Although I do miss the French food, it was nice not to have jetlag, lost luggage and the expense. Major karma in your direction!

  74. Linda Wood (2009-02-23) #

    Thanks so much. I contracted an agent to 'shop' my product at Midem 09. But it's really good to see it more closely. I will have a better idea of what I've been 'paying for'. Hope I can go myself one day.

    Cheers, Linda.

  75. Kamal Supreme (2009-02-24) #

    Derrick,

    This was really good to keep us updated on the new technology trend. I was also able to show my new R&B artist in whom I manage (Niva)and she appreciated it as well.

    Success!

    Kamal

  76. Brendan (2009-03-19) #

    This is superuseful Derek - thanks very much for taking the time to do it... much appreciated.

  77. Viviana Guzman (2009-10-15) #

    Great resource!! You are just so awesome!!! Thank you for doing this for us!!!!

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Derek Sivers