The Midem 2024: A New Harmony of Music Artificial Intelligence and Live Performances
The Midem 2024: A New Harmony of Music Artificial Intelligence and Live Performances: The 2024 edition of the International Record and Music Publishing Market (Midem) in Cannes emerged as a groundbreaking event, steering towards innovation by placing a spotlight on artificial intelligence (AI) and live performances. Pierre Quirin, a respected Congolese music publisher and a seasoned attendee of Midem, observed a notable departure from previous editions, marked by opulent car processions and ostentatious cash displays behind the stands.
Following challenging years for the music industry, exacerbated by the 2020 health crisis, the festival witnessed a renaissance in 2023, fueled by the Cannes City Hall's strategic acquisition of the brand. The 2024 edition, operating under the compelling slogan MIDƐM + 24, embraced a transformative format, eschewing traditional stands in favor of dynamic conferences, interactive workshops, and a cutting-edge digital application. Despite this modernization, the event, born in 1967, remains a focal point for music professionals, providing a platform to discuss sector challenges, facilitate networking, forge partnerships, and formalize contracts.
Over a span of three days, industry titans, including major labels, independent players, artists, and political figures, converged to explore the myriad opportunities and threats presented by artificial intelligence to the music industry. Stewart Copeland, the former drummer of the Police and a key sponsor of Midem +, injected humor into the discourse, declaring, "We are fucked." In stark contrast, the event's sponsor, Jean-Michel Jarre, struck a more optimistic chord. He contended that, contrary to prevailing notions, artificial intelligence technology is neutral, with its impact hinging on its application. Jarre underscored that current tools exhibit primitiveness in the audio domain but show greater sophistication in the realms of writing and imaging.
The Midem 2024, thus, stands as a testament to the music industry's resilience and adaptability, embracing cutting-edge technology while fostering a collaborative environment for industry stakeholders to shape the future of music.