On The Road To Midem Part 1
I'm packing for an overnight flight to Paris and then on to Midem. The question that's running through my mind is whether or not this is finally the year that the music industry changes. Not the forced change of slashed budgets and layoffs, but a radical shift in attitude and focus that can realize the promise of a digital age of music creation, distribution and marketing. I've written an essay about my concerns and hopes that will appear in tomorrow's MidemBlog.
Please try to read it and let me know what you think. And if you're going to Midem, I'd like to say hello, and so would Music Think Tank co-founder and frequent contributor Bruce Warila.
Bruce is heading to Midem too and wants to connect with as many MTT contributors and commenters as possible. The best way to reach him is is via his echo louder blog. Or to see us both, come to the meetup on Sunday night where we both will be sharing some fun and conversation along with generous co-sponsors Topspin, Mobile Roadie, MXP4, SoundCloud, Berkleeonline and SongKick. Details of the meetup are here.
And stay tuned for full Midem coverage. I'll be in Cannes tomorrow.
– Bruce Houghton
Careful of the doggie do
A couple of years ago I started writing my music manifesto after reading the transcripts from Midem. The conference was excited about direct-to-fan tools, which was fine, but years’ too late. I decided the best way to approach music was to start over. Tell everyone there is no money in it, and then those who are left are doing it because they are passionate about it. Of course, some people will make money, but most won’t. And of course there will be lots of music, more than ever, but it won’t necessarily make the creators money.
I’ve been trying to write about where the music and industry (if what is left can be called an industry) is headed. As my recent Hypebot interview indicates, I’m most excited about all the apps coming out and about the democratization of music. That’s not necessarily what musicians looking for fans, and for the businesses looking for fans, want to hear, but I hope it at least shifts the discussion to a look toward the future rather than trying to save what is going on now.