by: TN Media News:
XP Music Futures 2023: Day Two Highlights Empowering Local Music Scenes and Industry Sustainability.
Riyadh, December 9, 2023 – The second day of the XP Music Futures 2023 conference witnessed a robust exchange of ideas among key industry players, shedding light on the pivotal role of platforms and local initiatives in fostering regional musical talent. The session titled “Empowering Local Community,” moderated by Nada Alhelabi, Strategy Director at MDLBEAST and Director of XP Music Futures, brought together influential figures such as Eddy Maroun (Co-founder of Anghami), Arwa Al Ali (Counselor to the Ministry of Culture), and Nada Al-Tuwaijri (Co-Founder and CEO of Merwas).
The focus of the discussion centered on the development of supportive environments for artistic creativity, the enhancement of record-labeling capacities to accommodate diverse talents in the Kingdom, and the exploration of success stories from Anghami and Merwas as models for regional initiatives.
Speakers emphasized the importance of creating spaces that nurture artistic ideas, education, and production, addressing artistic, economic, and commercial challenges facing the music industry. The conversation delved into educating talents about the gaps between expectations and reality, while also exploring the distinctive music scenes in the Middle East.
XP Music Futures 2023 delved into various topics, including Copyrights and Intellectual Rights in the Middle East, Decentralized Musical Platforms, the Role of Publishing and Distribution Insights in the Region, and the revival of classical styles of Arabic music. Additional discussions covered self-promotion strategies for artists, the impact of social media platforms, hearing health, and “Breaking Barriers: Unpacking the Rising Sounds of Africa.”
The audience engaged passionately in a session titled “How To Make A Hit that lasts forever” featuring Musician and Singer Hamid El Shaeri and Abyusif. Balqees Fathi’s journey to stardom was explored in a session moderated by Rami Zeidan.
The Music Commission took center stage with a panel discussion on the creative economy in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the rising prospects for serious careers in artistic fields and the crucial role of artists in building a sustainable future for the industry. The Music Commission also conducted workshops on music education and training, traditional heritage in modern Saudi music, and business networking.
As the sun set, the XP Nite program unfolded with multiple concerts and live performances across various music genres. The lineup featured talents and star names such as DJ Michelle, NightShift, Block Party, Madhaūs, a special concert by the Saudi Nactuary, and France’s Youaku Record Store.
XP Music Futures 2023, which commenced on December 8, will continue until December 9. The daily schedule includes workshops and learning experiences from 12 PM to 7 PM, followed by various performances in the Nite program from 8 PM until 2 AM. The conference serves as a vibrant platform for industry leaders, artists, and enthusiasts to exchange insights, celebrate creativity, and shape the future of the music industry in the region.
