Purple Falcon Software: k-pop

Goonam

The third edition of Midem Festival promises a globetrotting experience of musical discovery and sourcing through more than 40 live performances.

The four-day Midem Festival is a key element of Midem, the leading international business event for the new music ecosystem, organised by Reed MIDEM, which runs in Cannes from 1-4 February 2014.

Two main stages outside the Palais des Festivals will host performances during the "Music at Noon" lunchtime gigs and the "Night Sessions" concerts. Two exceptional concerts showcasing Film Music and Jazz will complete the exciting live programme.

Midem Festival is a valuable platform to launch talent on the international stage. The rich line-up presents industry executives with a unique opportunity to discover and source new talent while providing artists with the perfect context to perform and connect with the right players of the music ecosystem.

"We've had strong demand from our clients wishing to showcase artists to their peers for export purposes, which is why we've decided to strengthen the B2B positioning of the Midem Festival. This year, many of the artists on show have already conquered their home turf, but have yet to break out internationally," said Bruno Crolot, Music Markets Director, Reed MIDEM.

From Australia, South Korea, France, Taiwan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Japan, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, all the way to Azerbaijan, Midem Festival was solicited by the four corners of the Earth to showcase a rich mix of international talent.

This year, Brazil is the Country of Honour at Midem and, in this context a very special attention will be given to the guest country.

"The Brazilian Music Experience," presented by The Ministry of Culture, Funarte, BM&A, Sebrae and Sacem, will comprise three evenings of concerts demonstrating the musical wealth and diversity of a country very much in the international spotlight right now. Music genres ranging from samba to bossa nova, through shades of jazz and hip hop will delight the city of Cannes and all Midem attendees. A rich line-up of talented and recognised artists, including Alceu Valenca, Rita Beneditto, Leandro Fregonesi, Renata Jambeiro and Marcio Faraco. The new generation is represented by the guitarist Daniel Murray, the electro of Zemaria and the hip-hop fusion sound of Criolo.

Taiwan is back with an ever engaging programme of performers showcasing the areas rising vocals (full programme soon available).

South Korea will once again have a strong presence at Midem, with the "K-Pop Night Out" featuring a wide range of exciting artists, such as the MyDOL phenomenon VIXX, hip-hop pairing Dynamic Duo, indie rockers Goonam and electro rock outfit Ratios.

Malaysia, for a second year at Midem Festival will highlight its "Malaysian Supernova" event with another rich and varied programme, including Shila Amzah, the hip-hop Bhangra of Goldkartz, indie rock from Azlan & The Typewriter and pop group ThomasJack.

Among the artists scheduled at "Music At Noon" are the up-and-coming Max Stone, electro pop bands Talisco and CALLmeKAT, folksters The Young Folk (the latter two both winners of the Play Midem Live competition with Sonicbids) and pop-rock group Go Tell The Eskimo (winner of the Pitch Your Song competition). This lunch rendez-vous will also welcome an "Aussie BBQ Showcase," a special event blending local Australian cuisine and music performed by The Mae Trio, Jeff Lang, and Shellie Morris.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan will take over the Diane Salon in the Majestic Hotel to host an evening of mugham jazz in the company of virtuoso pianist Isfar Sarabski, winner of the 43rd Montreux Jazz Competition.

For the first time, Sony/ATV Music Publishing in partnership with Sacem, will be staging an evening based around Film Music, with the Cannes Orchestra exceptionally conducted by Laurent Petitgirard, and a special appearance from Christian Gaubert, Ibrahim Maalouf (who will also feature in the Midem session "Artists Speak to Artists") and Emily Loizeau.

For more information on Midem Festival, please click here.

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a tequila enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Gyeongju South Korea

Cherry blossom season in East Asia usually brings one country to travellers’ minds, which in turn brings flocks of photo snapping tourists to that country.

Just to the west, however, another Asian destination is pulling focus, along with travellers eager for new adventures. Much more than the home of K-Pop, Samsung and LG, South Korea saw its number of international guests increase by over 13% in 2011-2012. It’s also an excellent country for blossom viewing – aka hanami – with festivals running from March to May throughout the country.

Hanami has a long history dating back to 8th century Japan, and has grown to become one of East Asia’s most celebrated traditions, even practiced in the United States and some parts of Europe. In Korea, the return of mild weather lures everyone outdoors to enjoy the flowers, culture, fine food and promises of spring. The cherry blossoms are surrounded by apricot flowers, cornus fruit trees and other plants that thrive in the chilly March air.

While viewing festivals can be found throughout the country, Korea still has plenty to offer the traveller whose dates don’t coincide. Under-sung Seoul is one of Asia’s great cities on the rise, with 24-hour shopping and a range of historic palaces and shrines. Gyeongju is cultural Korea at its finest, with sights such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, while the important port city of Busan offers Korea’s largest beach and is a favoured seaside getaway for locals.

For those with more time, Jeju Island is an essential diversion. This laboratory of natural volcanic wonders has formed impressive lava tubes and a stunning array of wild flowers, all surrounding the spectacular volcano, Mount Halla. No surprise that the annual Cherry Blossom Festival continues day and night, offering a lively music and cultural program set against a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and orchids.

For more information, visit GoWay.com