Workshop for independent record companies, presenting MIDEM opportunities

The AIRCO chairperson, Dodo Monamodi, announced that emerging and established independent record labels from around the country are invited to attend the workshop. In building up towards the Braamfontein workshop, AIRCO will visit its members in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State and North West to assist them in picking a suitable 20-delegation contingent per province for the workshop.

"We will be participating in two provincial workshops - one in KwaZulu-Natal, the Music Imbizo on 25-27 August, and another one will be our indies stand at Moshito 2011, taking place in Johannesburg between 30 August and 2 September, which will provide independent companies a free opportunity to come and exhibit," said Mandla Maseko, the association's spokesperson.

Workshop theme

The workshop theme, 'Unpacking MIDEM business opportunities for independent record companies', the workshop's core aim will be to provide guests with the opportunity to engage with AIRCO, voice their concerns, discuss key issues around music business trends and export opportunities and network with music industry stakeholders and captains of the music industry supply chain. Other topics of discussion will include video and sound recording licensing; government support for independent record companies; and marketing and promotion of independent music products (presented by SATMA awards and Moshito representatives).

Touted as the world's largest music industry trade fair, the annual MIDEM (Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale) event held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, is the place where music makers, cutting-edge technologies, brands and talent come together to form new business connections.

"It is widely regarded as the best place to license and discover music; find solutions; make deals; keep abreast of industry trends; and meet influential industry role players," said Monamodi. "AIRCO has been appointed once again to represent the South African independent record companies at the MIDEM 2012 international music industry trade fair."

"Seal productive deals"

Maseko added, "This time, we hope to send at least 20 independent SA record companies to the fair and to ensure that they seal productive deals. Our main objective is to ensure that each South African company given an opportunity to attend, benefits from the experience and is able to positively change its business course forever."

AIRCO members will be provided with a detailed report on MIDEM 2011, as well as plans for MIDEM 2012 (taking place from 28-31 January 2012), including an outline of the various export and digital opportunities available for independent record companies.

To register, email az.oc.ocria@ofni or go to www.airco.org.za