If you want to network in music circles, you should definitely have a contact point on your screen: the annual music fair Midem, which takes place in Cannes. 2020 was a lot different due to the coronavirus pandemic, and yet the event from June 2 to 5 triumphed with the usual strong expertise. The Midem quickly became the Midem Digital Edition, on which stars like ex-Fugees member Wyclef Jean (50, "Diallo"), Akon (47, "Lonely") or the lawyer of Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and The Weeknd , Kenny Meiselas who gave honor.
Although the live musical sector is practically at a standstill during these times, the industry is still evolving. What is new and where is the currently battered industry developing? The four-day Midem Digital Edition program provided answers. A total of 287 speakers from 48 countries shared their knowledge with the music community and, among other things, held out the prospect of how things could continue after the survived pandemic.
Music size gives an insight into the work of an artist
One of them: music icon and triple Grammy winner Wyclef Jean. After his first trade fair appearance in Cannes in 2017, the hip-hopper once again enriched the meeting point of the global music industry this year – just on the screen. In his master class "Enter the Wyclef Jean Creative Lab: The Secret Of Music Production", interested people learned everything worth knowing about the basics of their grooves, how to make music into money on Friday and witnessed how the artist produced a song live.
In the run-up to the event, Alexandre Deniot, who has been the Midem Director since 2017, described Jeans Masterclass as "an incredible opportunity for artists" to gain valuable insights into his creative process. In general, the Frenchman is satisfied with the course of the short-term event. "I am very proud of our first digital edition of Midem, it has been a fantastic success so far."
These industry giants were also there
In addition to Wyclef Jean and Akon, top speakers such as David Rowntree (56), drummer of the UK rock band Blur, the US rapper T.I. (39) and Nasty C (23) as well as the Korean-American K-pop singer Ailee (31, "I will show you"). While the latter talked about the possibilities for gaining a foothold in the American music market, Rowntree reported in his panel "Can Music Make You Sick?" of practices and experiences that help artists deal with fear of the future and psychological problems during and after the crisis.
Music makers, leading technology companies, managers, organizers, marketing professionals or advertising agencies: the trade fair program consisting of conferences, competitions, networking events and live performances as well as a speech by the French Minister of Culture Franck Riester (46) had something to offer for everyone.
If you missed the international industry event, but still want to see the panels and keynotes, you can do so at Midem.de. Numerous recordings and appearances are available there free of charge until August 31.