Global music industry leaders to head to Hong Kong for second annual Music Matters forum

Research firm Synovate will announce key findings on Asia’s music industry at the forum

Hong Kong, May 2007

Music Matters - The Asia Pacific Music Forum today announced it will be holding the second annual Music Matters forum from 30 – 31 May at the Grand Hyatt, Hong Kong. This two-day event will bring together global leaders in the entertainment and technology industries to discuss issues solely pertaining to Asia - arguably the most important region for the music business today. “If the recording industry is to have a thriving future in the 21st century then it must succeed in Asia. Markets such as China must be fully opened up” stresses John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO, IFPI. However, Kennedy maintains that Asia is not without its challenges “Physical and digital piracy must be effectively combated. New technologies must be made to work efficiently for consumers and the industry. It is good to have the opportunity to discuss these crucial issues at Music Matters.” Music Matters is currently the only forum in the world with this focus.

Some interesting topics the forum seeks to discuss are:

What can the global entertainment industry learn from advanced digital markets such as Korea and Japan?
What successful Asian business models can be exported globally?
How relevant Is the CD now and, in a business that is all about artists and their music not formats, does the decline of the CD present more creative business opportunity or less?
Is the industry turning a corner or standing on the edge?
How is live music developing and how should it develop?
How can and what should the music industry learn from the rest of the entertainment eco-system?
Given the hundreds of digital and mobile music selling points – how do you get above the noise? How do you market music and entertainment in a world of niches?
How important are digital communities in sourcing and promoting music?
Asia is leading the world in mobile music and, as it continues to expand, what is the killer app and how does it differ by country?
Are ad-driven models the answers for the music business? Can it work in Asia?
Does anyone understand licensing?
Which companies are investing and in what?
How is the changing landscape changing how an artist creates music?

Key conference highlights are:

The release of pan-Asian research into music habits of 15-34 year olds commissioned for the conference by Music Matters and MTV and conducted by Synovate.
The Legends of the Music Business sessions, featuring Nile Rogers, Seymour Stein and Sam Duann (see below), and their insights into the business, a look at the digital arena and the role of communities
The advertising forum which debates how music or artists and brands and advertisers can work together, the debate “Is DRM Past Its expiry Date?”
Music Matters Live – Asia to the World live music showcase featuring the very best, new local Asian talent
The final session of the conference featuring the presidents of the four major labels in Asia as they give their views on the next twelve months

According to Mr. Jasper Donat, the founder of Music Matters and Executive Director of organizing company Branded, “Following on from last year’s inaugural forum, this year we are focusing on every business sector that music touches including advertising, gaming, television, mobile, online, live and, of course the people who write, produce, promote and perform. We are honoured to have some of the entertainment industry’s greats with us this year to talk about something that touches everybody’s lives - MUSIC“.

He continued, “Asia’s time is now and the world is looking at Asia to drive future growth through technological innovation and creative business modeling. We are pleased to be able to provide a platform for discussing issues specific to Asia’s music industry within the global entertainment ecosphere. It is certainly a unique landscape with a different set of challenges! “.

Lachie Rutherford, President Warner Music Asia Pacific and Chairman IFPI Asia said, “This is a great event for the Asian music and entertainment industries. In 2006 Music Matters was launched to great acclaim and it’s looking like the entire music industry will be in HK for the second installment.”

Speaking on behalf of the large number of technology companies represented at Music Matters, Ian Chapman-Banks, Vice President Marketing, Asia Pacific Mobile Devices, Motorola Asia Pacific Pte Ltd said, "At Motorola, we believe the future of music is mobile. Participation in Music Matters affords us a critical opportunity to forge the partnerships that will enable us to deliver superior mobile music experiences to consumers that are also rewarding for the music industry."

Prominent names featured in this year’s line-up of speakers include:

Nile Rogers – the legendary producer, guitarist, performer and song writer who has worked with Madonna, Mick Jagger, David Bowie and many more. Rodgers is most notorious for forming CHIC, composing and producing Sister Sledge’s We Are Family, and forming the We Are Family Foundation dedicated to fighting poverty and racism around the world through education and support programmes.
Seymour Stein of Sire Records who’s illustrious career spans nearly 50 years and includes signing the Ramones, the Talking Heads and working with the likes of Madonna, Boy George and the Smiths
Sam Duann the president and founder of Rock Records, Asia’s largest independent label
Steve Shnur, the Worldwide executive of Music for the world’s largest games company – Electronic Arts who is also known for his role as Chairman of the Grammy’s Foundation
Haji Taniguchi – who, as Managing Director of Avex Group is responsible for all entertainment-orientated rights, Asian Strategy and creation of Chinese entity
Anthony Tse the president of CETV who also overseas the strategy & development of Tom Group’s Television and Entertainment Division.
Janice Lee – Executive Vice President of TV marketing & Content Development at PCCW Ltd.
The presidents from the four majors Lachie Rutherford (Warner Music Asia Pacific), Paul Robinson (EMI Music South East Asia), Max Hole (Universal Music Group International Asia Pacific, Kelvin Wadsworth (Sony BMG Asia Pacific)

Attendee registration numbers are at over 500 from across 200 plus companies in the entertainment business such as Apple, Motorola, Nokia, SonyBMG, Warner, EMI, Universal Music, Coca-Cola Japan Company, Electronic Arts/ Grammy Foundation, Fortune Star Entertainment (HK) Ltd, IFPI, Live Nation, MTV Networks Asia, MySpace, Ogilvy & Mather Asia Pacific, Omnifone Ltd, PCCW Limited, PepsiCo Intl. China Ltd, Rock Records Co. Ltd. Rodeostar GmbH, Sire Records, STAR Group Limited, StarHub Limited, Sun Microsystems, Ticketmaster, The Venetian Macao, The Weinstein Company, Walt Disney Television International, Wieden + Kennedy, Sumthing Else Music Works, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Midas Promotions and many more.

To register for the conference delegates visit the event website at www.musicmattersasia.com and complete the online registration form. Press should complete the online media registration form. Registrants are eligible to win one of several Motorola ROKRE6 phones at the event.

About Music Matters

The most important music and entertainment industry event returns to Hong Kong May 29-31, 2007. Music Matters is the only forum bringing the world’s most innovative industry leaders together to discuss the music industry in Asia. The place to forge new business partnerships and opportunities, Music Matters is attended by an abundance of industry heavyweights all wishing to marry music and commerce and gain insights into the future trends within the Asian Industry.

For Media information

Amanda de Silva, Upstream Asia
T (852) 2973 0222
amanda.desilva@upstreamasia.com

Event & media information

musicmatters@brandedasia.com
T (852) 2167 8040

Delegate & Registration Information

konst@brandedasia.com

T (852) 2167 8040