The first call for entries into the 2017 edition of Midem’s Midem Artist Accelerator (MAA) is now open.
The MAA is a programme designed to fast track the international careers of nine selected artists and is part of the Midem conference, which takes place from 6-9 June in Cannes, France. Submissions are free and are open until February 5.
The nine successful artists will be chosen by an Artistic Committee made up of leading industry experts that so far includes Laurence Muller, founder and managing director, Snoot (France); Yoon-Young Kong (Dalse), founder and executive producer, Zandari Culture Company (South Korea); Willy Ehmann, SVP domestic GSA, Sony Music Entertainment (Germany); Christopher Kaskie, president, Pitchfork (USA); Patrik Larsson, A&R and label manager, Playground Music Scandinavia (Sweden); Christian Bernhardt, agent, United Talent Agency (USA); and Rob Hallett, founder, Robomagic (UK).
All nine finalists will benefit from a range of networking opportunities and learning and coaching sessions. The will have the chance to play on the event’s Midem By Night main stage and have their music featured on official event communications and the official Midem 2017 vinyl compilation.
Past finalists include Little Barrie, Malky, Bellevue Days and Far From Alaska. The latter band’s manager, Thiago Endrigo Justiniano Alves, said: “We are very honoured to be one of the bands that took part in the 2016 MAA programme. It was an amazing experience and I am sure we are going to have great results from all the contacts made and lessons learned. We would definitely recommend Midem to any other artists interested in developing their international careers."
Playground Music’s Patrik Larsson said: ”I’m truly looking forward to being a part of the Artistic Committee and to helping discover and nurture the next generation of global talent. This is what we do, this is what we live for. Discovering talent and helping them get to the next level of reaching their goals. And to work so closely with established conference-brand Midem feels extra special. It is a conference I have been attending for so many years since I started more than 20 years ago. Can ?t wait for this to get started. I am excited!”
Jérôme Delhaye, director of Reed, Midem’s entertainment division, added: ”We’re very glad to welcome back this Midem flagship event for the third year in 2017. A glance at previous editions illustrates how popular and successful it has been, so we’re looking forward to pushing the Midem Artist Accelerator to the next level.”
FOLLOW 
