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(#musicindustry, #music) Like other music industry conferences, Midem is suffering from lower attendance and sinking sponsorship revenue. And over the past two or three years, this has definitely been a thinner event - and we've been going for a long time.
Sounds like a serious problem. So why not charge bands to fill the gap? Well, that's exactly what the Midem organizers are doing, sort of like payola for a high-end music conference. So how much? Upwards of 500 or 1,000 euros ($1,377) per hour depending on the venue - that is, on top of all the other transportation, lodging, and associated costs.
The backdrop couldn't be less fitting. This conference is situated in a super-privileged, over-priced resort community that once made sense for a cash-rich industry. Now, the French Riviera is an awkward backdrop at best. "I love Midem," blogged Echo Nest CEO Jim Lucchese. "But I have a problem spending a week with industry peers in beautiful Cannes discussing how to build a sustainable music industry for artists and fans, while the bands I'll be seeing that week pay to play for me and the other attendees."
Which all begs the question: what exactly will you be hearing? Midem is overflowing with international showcases and features, and lots of bands are getting sponsored. But those lacking lucky connections will have to pony up to play coveted spots like Morrison's Irish Pub (1,000 euros for an hour) or even a dedicated stage at the Palais de Festivals (500 euros for just 20 minutes). "One concert can change everything," Midem promised.
Or maybe, "one concert will charge everything..."
Comments Closed
@kentsandvik Thursday, November 11, 2010
Kent Sandvik
Another example of Music 3.0 where you make money from musicians, not music
Olivier le mire Friday, November 12, 2010
Hi,
Do you guys ACTUALLY think Midem is about music?
That people who attend Midem go to discover anything?
Wake up!
@Saeptem Friday, November 12, 2010
@pantiero Friday, November 12, 2010
Pantiero Festival
Some bands get paid to play in Cannes. True
Vail, CO Friday, November 12, 2010
I mean, of course right? Bigger marquee acts and countries sponsor their bands - they're getting the free ride to draw more attendees - but the rest are 'baby' and paying for inclusion.
This thing is just a boondoggle baby!
@JSZanchi Friday, November 12, 2010
JeanSébastien Zanchi
En musique y'a plus de petits profits
@musicregistry Friday, November 12, 2010
Stephen Trumbull
Not sure what I think about this!
WILL Friday, November 12, 2010
I currently live in Cannes and it's no music town. Not like Austin for example. There really are very few venues capable of hosting bands which is why there's such a big price tag attached to playing Midem. One thing's for sure though: If you're any good you will get noticed!
If you're a band or singer/songwriter, just come and network, network and network and maybe you'll wing your way into an acoustic showing on one of the many plush boats harboured next to the conference.
I know for sure that Right Bank Music - which has an LA office but is a French company are at the forefront of things down at Midem. Good place to start your networking if you're coming
@janeslingo Monday, November 15, 2010
Jane Slingo
Oh dear.
@Shocklee Monday, November 15, 2010
Philippe Marchal Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Midem has become an overrated music-business event for nostalgic executives and developing music markets...For that amount of money, even with a sponsor, Artists can peacefully stay home and bet on much more exciting confs during the year...
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