Have you attended Michael? Rumour has it very few did this year.

The official figure is 7,000. What can I say? I think Midem is always worth it. They showcased new companies offering a range of really interesting ideas, they had good talent at the Midem Talent (but I didn't manage to see that many, alas).

Significantly, some 30% of participants were first-timers, so there is very much a wave of new people arriving in the music biz.

I didn't hear any great big tune to get my juices going, apart from one I brought myself (although I didn't write it - just did the adaptation).

I started a tip list here:
cannes-or-bust.com/2010/01/music-tips-for-midem-2010/

But it's only a tiny fraction of the stuff being presented of course. If anyone can add to it, feel free.

M

Is 7,000 good ?

Down 1,000 on last year, which was down 1,000 on previous. In terms of attendance, I can't see it going any lower though.

Given that the next really big phenomenon will come from Asia (mathematically), I have been checking some of the acts. Try this: a uni student with a sugarbowl haircut, geeky glasses and who plays in shorts. Meet Crowd Lu, from a planet called Taiwan. Thing is, he really can sing and play acoustic guitar (and, yeah, make girls scream). Skip over the spoken intro.