Largest FINNISH product variety ever on offer at MIDEM 2004

FINNISH MUSIC SALES ON THE RISE
- Rapidly growing Finnish music exports reflected in the number of Finnish companies attending Midem 2004 in Cannes
 
As reported in the recently published report on the total market value of Finnish music exports, Finnish music industry is clearly heading towards growth. Finland’s music exports quadrupled between 1999 and 2001 and the industry feels confident this increase will continue. The sales of goods alone had grown an amazing 370%. Domestic sales figures are also reassuring: Finnish music sales saw a turn for the better in the third quarter of 2003 with total music sales up by 9,7% in units and 7,3% in value compared to last year’s figures. The share of local music sold in Finland is now 54% in units.
 
Dynamic growth is also evident in the doubled number of Finnish companies due to attend the Midem 2004 trade fair in Cannes, France in January. From this it is clear that Finnish artists are becoming more widely represented internationally.
 
At least 20 companies (update 24/Nov/03) are joining the Music Export Finland stand in Midem. These companies range from indierock and pop, hip-hop, electronic, classical, world music and jazz labels to music publishers from all of the above genres; from club organisers and web-shops to listening-point station developers; and from managers to the mobile music sphere. Indeed, the Finnish stand creates a versatile business forum!
 
The product line-up is likewise varied and of high-quality: there will be launches of new labels, materials, acts and new technological innovations. To mention a few on offer: Love Music Publishing’s rock kings Tigerbombs, Poko Rekords’s girl pop smash Nerdee and Stupido Records’ urban dubbers Giant Robot. Others, like the legendary Rockadillo Records, boast an impressive back catalogue. Great news stories will come out as well: The influential contemporary folk group Värttinä are to collaborate with India’s most popular composer A R Rahman in composing the score for the stage version of “The Lord of the Rings”, which will have its World Premiere in London’s West End in Spring 2005. (Further news regarding product launches to be released in December.)
 
Finland on the forefront of combining music and technology
 
In addition Finland is proud to present true co-operation between music companies and technological innovators. P.V. Supa will bring over their highly regarded listening stations, Rubato Music pioneers in the usage of mobile technology in album launches, and Nokia Corporation, the largest mobile manufacturer in the world will participate in the Finnish stand with the future of radio amongst their goodies. 
 
Finnish companies aiming for new licensing and distribution deals
 
As Midem is one of the largest music events attracting around 10,000 of industry professionals from all over the world, representation at this event is vital for Finnish music exports to continue to grow and flourish.  
 
Finns are eager to seek for licensing for exciting young Finnish talents that are bound to make noise in the international market place. Also on offer are some up-coming dynamic labels looking for distribution deals for their products as well as long term co-operation with those already established in the industry. The Midem fair is a creative opportunity for developing future business relations.
 
Music Export Finland, established in December 2002, makes an annual contribution to the event with a joint stand comprising of music professionals throughout Finland.