Carrying the torch for Canada’s music in China

A four-day trade mission to China at month’s end has a 29 person delegation hoping to bridge distance and culture to create new business opportunities in the world’s most populace market.

“China is one of the most vibrant music market places in this flat world of digital media consumption,” says Terry McBride, CEO of Nettwerk Music Group and one of three presenters at Transmit China, held in Beijing, May 29 -31.

Before the approximately 14 hour airline trip, attendees might want to brush up on their knowledge of Chinese copyright law by visiting the Wang & Wang Intellectual Copyright website. A secondary source of information is Ten Things Never to Do in China, posted at Dummies.com

Organized by TNT Productions Inc., the junket mixes leaders from Canada’s music industry as well as those working in ISP, Mobility and Lifestyle Brands to explore opportunities in the Chinese market.

“We’re looking at increased touring and recording opportunities for Canadian artists in China, a populous nation that’s poised to become the largest touring market on the planet,” says Tyl van Toorn, Producer of Transmit China.

Other benefits include stronger commercial ties between Canadian and Chinese businesses, increased investment from key Chinese businesses in Canada and greater exposure for Chinese artists throughout Canada.

“There is a massive fan base for Chinese artists that has not been served appropriately,” says Charlie Miller, Director Digital Business Development, Warner Music Canada. Miller, who will also be presenting at Transmit China, should know. His company recently launched a highly successful digital download initiative, enabling Canadian online users to download recordings by popular Asian artists through digital music stores and mobile phone companies.

It is that kind of initiative that will be on the table for discussion at Transmit China, where the emphasis is on establishing connections and solidifying business deals. And, it’s that focus that is attracting key stakeholders to the event.

According to Mark Holden, CEO of Hip Digital Media Inc, “This is truly an exciting time for the music industry, particularly for those who are prepared to embrace innovation. We look forward to exploring some of the significant opportunities with the Chinese delegation. As the digital music business continues to expand globally, we welcome the chance to explore international opportunities.”

Paul Hoffert, CEO of Noank agrees, but warns that “North Americans look at China and see a market of 1.5 billion consumers waiting to buy western products; a source of cheap labour; and new content for distribution in the west. This view is basically correct, but there’s a lot of learning, effort, and diligence required for foreign companies to tap into the Chinese opportunities. Transmit China will assist by providing forums for sharing experiences, tips for success, and building relationships with Chinese buyers and suppliers.”

Transmit China follows a similar initiative organized by CIRPA late last year in Japan. CIRPA claims that trade mission will generate about $1.4M this year from 94 deals that range from tours to music licensing.

Underwriters of the delegation include a patchwork of federal and provincial funds.

The delegate list:

Brad Josling
President, Diamond Dog Music

Charlie Millar
Director Digital Business Development, Warner Music Canada

Dani Vachon
Manager, You say Party! We say die!

Dara Kartz
Manager, Woodhands

Emily Beth Keane
Tour Manager, Buck 65

Elisabeth Bihl
Executive Director, Canadian Music Centre

Frank Weipert
Principle, Teamworks Management

Geoff Goddard
Principle, Frontside Promotions Group

Gourmet Delice
Promotion and Management, Bonsound

Heather Ostertag
President, Factor

Jeff Remedios
Co-Founder & President, Arts & Crafts

Julien Paquin
President, Paquin Agency

Justin West
Principle, Secret City Records

Luke McKeehan
Nordic Trax

Mark Holden
President & CEO, Hip Digital

Honourable Stan Hagen
Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts

Neill Dixon
President, Canadian Music Week

Nick Blasko
Manager, Nick Blasko & Piers Henwood Mgmt

Olivier Sirios
Principle, Opak Media

Piers Henwood
Manager, Nick Blasko & Piers Henwood Mgmt

Paul Hoffart, CM
CEO, Noank

Ralph James
The Agency Group

Rob Calder
President, transmission Music Alliance

Sebastian Mair
President, Music Solutions

Shaw Saltzberg
Senior VP, SL Feldman & Associates

Sol Guy
Co-Founder, Direct Current Media

Terry McBride
CEO, Nettwerk Music Group

Trevor Laroque
Co-founder, Paper Bag Records

Tyl Van Toorn
CEO, Fan Tan Entertainment Grou