midem 2012 had the music industry buzzing that music is doing just fine. In fact, Mike Masnick of techdirt presented on the state of the industry and demonstrated the sky is rising (not falling). With all of the tech and industry press, it’s music that holds midem together. We caught up with midem Off finalist and showcasing artist (aka more proof the industry rocks), Nicole Eitner before she landed in Cannes. Check out what this acoustic artist from Portugal has to say about her road ahead.
The High Notes:
Artist: Nicole Eitner
Genre: Acoustic
Gig: midem 2012
Favorite Ice-Cream flavor: Chocolate with dark chocolate pieces
You won a revered slot at midem. Why did you want to perform at the conference?
I am always looking for gigs and opportunities to show my music in Europe. And Cannes is just "around the corner" from Portugal! I had heard about midem for years and that it is the biggest music business convention in Europe. And with my promoter/ agent and record label not interested this year in going I saw the chance to do it by myself!
How does a performance like this affect your career?
To be honest - it HAS already affected the attention about my project here in Portugal. I am a winner and I am going to play in Cannes. That is news! I also have a brand new video, so I have two great pieces of news to spread. And I hope midem will open the door to performing throughout Europe.
The contest involved getting fans to vote for you – how did you rally your fans?
I simply posted the contest with some very honest and personal wishes to win it on my Facebook fan page and personal page - EVERY DAY! I managed to be the most irritating reminder for all my Facebook friends and fans the whole 3 contest weeks. And in addition, I sent a newsletter to all my contacts in 4 languages. I had people from all over the world voting and spreading the word. And at my concerts I reminded the audience to vote every day. People were posting every day that they had voted again. It was fun. And the reaction after the news that I had won was simply overwhelming! It’s as if they all had won with me!
What was your reaction when you found out you were playing midem 2012?
I screamed out loud, put my arms in the air and jumped. Then I looked up flights! Then I sent an SMS to the band saying: Winner!
What’s the thing you are most looking forward to at midem?
I am looking forward to PLAYING! I hope to be smart and not to waste my precious midem time. I want to meet northern European record companies and management. I am looking forward to absorbing the most information possible and making great contacts. I hope to get to go to many of the all the interesting panels and meetings. I am preparing everything right now and talking to everyone who has been there to get the scoop on what to do.
Any tips for bands who are looking to harness the power of their fans online?
I think honesty and simplicity always win. Fans like to read successes. Even little ones. I keep myself true to my art and ambitions. And I have been winning. It depends on what a band wants - I want to go on forever performing and composing and working in music.
Starting the year off with an international showcase ain’t too shabby – what’s next for you and your music in 2012?
Next thing in my 2012 plan is to make a little tour with the amazing band I have. I am preparing already the 3rd album, starting to arrange and plan a good start with a new CD.
