Radiohead manager to keynote at Midem

Brian Message, who co-manages Radiohead, will deliver a keynote speech at the 2009 MIDEM in Cannes, Jan. 18 to 21. Message, who also represents singer songwriter Kate Nash and dance act Faithless, is a steering committee member of the recently formed Featured Artist Coalition. He will be addressing the second international manager summit about new business models, following Radiohead's experimental online release of "In Rainbows," where fans could set their own price.

MidemNet has also announced a major keynote, as Tero Ojanpera (photo), executive VP and head of the Nokia Entertainment and Communities business, will talk about the launch of the all-you-can-eat digital service Comes With Music. MidemNet takes place on Jan. 17-18 in Cannes as part of MIDEM.

For more about Midem's conference schedule, visit Midem.

Caan on Cannes

British mogul James Caan is know for his appearances on the investment show "The Dragon's Den". He is notably a large-scale (and successful) property investor. He also happens to have a holiday property in Cannes.

In an article for Britain's "The Telegraph", he offers his seven golden rules of property investment. His comments on Cannes are quite interesting. Potential investors, check the article on the Telegraph.

Hotel Martinez offers birthday rates (after Midem)

In 1929, Emmanuel Martinez built the seafront hotel that bears his name on the Croisette in Cannes. 80 years later, "la belle dame" is directed by Richard Schilling and has become a highly respected establishment in the world of international luxury hotels. It's also one of the key meeting points after hours for the trade fairs, notably Midem.

With seven floors, the Martinez boasts 412 bedrooms and suites including the prestigious Penthouse Suite, one of the largest in Europe with a surface area of 1000m.

As the hotel is celebrating 80 years in 2009, they are offering special €80 rates February 1-28 with reservations opening January 9, 2009.

So Midem regulars won't be able to benefit from it, unfortunately. Details on Hotel Martinez, Cannes.

The Russians are coming! (part 2)

This year's Midem will also showcase the Russian industry, with special panel sessions and performances. Russian industry execs “are now in a position where they really want to explain what the Russian market is how and how to do business with them,” says MIDEM director Dominique Leguern, adding that the programme “will give some really practical information on how to penetrate the Russian market.”

"Russia! Time for Partnership!" will bring together all facets of the Russian music industry to reveal a sector in a phase of strong growth and evolution, in which the key players are keen to develop international partnerships.

Russia has been under constant criticism over the past few years due to the number of illegal music services that have been targeting consumers worldwide through a loophole in local copyright law. So the presence of the Russian authors' rights society should generate some interesting discussions.

For details, visit Midem.com.