Midem Music Talks

The unique keynote discussion will underline the role and offer concrete directions on the future of Artist & Label Services, questioning if COVID-19 impact on this ecosystem will be a break or an accelerator. Reflecting a strong focus on the topic at Midem 2020, the conversation will dive deep into this essential element of the music ecosystem helping artists release, promote and monetise their music around the world. The eminent speakers will look at the rise of ‘direct artist’ services companies, and a whole host of other commercial models, allowing unsigned artists to have more choice and flexibility than ever before, offering them the opportunity to create their own virtual record label.

Don’t miss Capitol’s SVP Global Creative Amber Grimes & Interscope’s EVP of Urban Operations Nicole Wyskoarko take on leadership & diversity, as they share their experience navigating the male-dominated music industry over the years and share their vision on how gender equality and diversity have become central in the music business today. An exclusive online interview conducted by Gail Mitchell, Billboard’s Executive Director for R&B/Hip-Hop.

One of the leading players of the music industry at global level, Believe is the specialist in both distribution and services for independent artists and labels. Believe owns DIY platform TuneCore and works with its own family of labels, including All Points, Nuclear Blast, Naïve and Tôt ou tard. As we go through an unprecedented period with Covid-19, its CEO Denis Ladegaillerie will discuss, in an exclusive keynote interview with Tim Ingham from Music Business Worldwide, the future of the music industry, share his vision on how we can reinvent our business for artists to thrive in this new uncertain context. 

Global Head of Music & Entertainment Ellen Healy will explain how Pepsi, forerunner in long-term relationships with creative partners, has made music part of its history and DNA. Through successful partnerships made with international pop band Now United or Indian rapper Badshah, she will discuss how a brand can help artists grow their following and international reach. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain on the business behind brands partnering with artists.

 Iconic Grammy Award-nominated multiplatinum artist, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Akon will take us behind the scenes of his multidimensional career. With a career spanning over two decades, Akon has never ceased to push the boundaries of creativity by creating new sounds, producing some of the most iconic hits of the 2000s and collaborating with artist from all around the world. 2019 marks a strong comeback for Akon, with six new albums released in 2019, including “El Negreeto”, a Latin album with smash hits featuring Anitta, Becky G or Ozuna, and an afrobeats record, Akonda. These releases, and those planed for the coming months truly demonstrate Akon’s incredible diversity of inspirations and true international openness. 

Efe Ogbeni, manager of global superstars Davido and Tiwa Savage, discusses with one of music's most influential lawyers, Joel Katz, how the growth of the African music industry, both locally and internationally, will impact the music business as a whole.

In this exclusive conversation with RCA Records’ Tarek Al Hamdouni and Epic Records’ Lisa Kasha, Kevin O’Donnell delivers some tips about how artists can use Twitter to engage with their fans. 

In this exclusive conversation, Stephane Bourdoiseau, founder and president of Wagram Stories shares his experience of building a new business model to fit within the modern music landscape and positively influence artists development. 

In this exclusive Q&A interview, Deborah Mannis-Gardner, Owner/President of DMG Clearances and “Queen of Sample Clearance” delivers all the secrets behind the art and evolution of sampling.

Even in the current golden age of innovative television, the popular British series "Peaky Blinders" has set a daring standard for its use of music, with songs by Nick Cave, Laura Marling, Johnny Cash, the White Stripes and many more. What is the vision there, and how did they get away with it? Season 4 composer & music director Antony gives a refreshingly unfiltered take.

Music’s digital revolution has empowered consumers by placing music at their fingertips. For many creators, the digital revolution has also empowered them to connect with new audiences. Where increased data has fueled growth in other industries, this increase in information has created challenges for DSPs that ultimately impact their ability to compensate creators for their work. SoundExchange President and CEO, Mike Huppe has led the company’s push to unify and standardize industry data. 

During this exclusive Q&A, Neil Portnow, president & CEO of the Recording Academy discusses the lessons he has learnt over the years, as well as analyses the key trends he sees for the American music industry and shares his vision for the future of the music business.

In a lively and honest talk with Billboard Editorial Director Hannah Karp, Dina LaPolt shares the behind the scenes of her instrumental role in the negotiations of the Music Modernization Act in the USA, and calls for the music industry to unite to protect the value of music and ensure creators’ fair remuneration.

In this exclusive talk session at Midem alongside partner Matt Ferrigno, Lil Wayne’s best friend and longtime manager Cortez Bryant spoke in his role in building his artists brand profiles from day one. 

In a conversation with Spotify’s Global Lead of African Music Culture Tunde Ogundipe, Maleek Berry looks back on finding his place in the music scene as an indie artist when transitioning from producer to artist, collaborating with the likes of Kanye West, Wizkid and Davido, all the while supporting the new generation of Nigerian artists. 

Sony/ATV’s President & CEO for Latin America and U.S. Latin Jorge Mejía discusses the “Despacito effect”, the opportunities that it has created for Latin artists globally and the role streaming has had in putting Latin music in the spotlight.

In conversation with Music Ally’s Stuart Dredge, Mathew Daniel discusses placing Chinese and international independent artists and executives at the heart of streaming. 

In this fascinating conversation at Midem, Marsha Vlasic, President of Artist Group International, sits down with live entertainment media veteran Ray Waddell, to share her experience and exceptional long-lasting relationship with heavyweight artists. 

 In a heartfelt exclusive interview with Okay Africa’s Music Editor Kam Tambini, Femi Kuti looks back at his career, sharing insight on how he sees the African music evolve and the role artists have to play in the globalisation, but not standardisation, of African music. 

 In a special Q&A with respected Billboard’s Latin expert Leila Cobo, one of today’s most influential managers, Rebeca Leon shares insights on being a woman in the music industry, tirelessly striving to create opportunities for young women, as well as on working with superstars J Balvin, Juanes and Rosalía.