A piano that plays the works of great masters as if by itself with the help of an app, visits from SCORPIONS guitarist Matthias Jabs or world-famous violinist David Garrett, an app that teaches children about musical instruments in a playful way or violins of a somewhat different kind - these and many other highlights were on display on the first day of the trade fair at Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound. Until 5 April, professionals from today and tomorrow will give visitors a glimpse of the future of the music industry. From classic instruments to digital systems, everything is represented here.
This year, the two trade fairs are focusing on the question of the extent to which new technological developments have changed and will continue to change the way music and events are produced, consumed and marketed? This question will be explored in depth, especially in the supporting programme: Around 300 workshops, panels, lectures and masterclasses will provide impetus and help industry players keep up to date with the latest trends. Interested parties can get a truly comprehensive picture of current and future trends. This is because companies from 56 countries will be showcasing their latest products and services at 1,606 exhibitor presentations over the five days of the event. In addition, there will be around 200 concerts and live performances on the exhibition grounds. With 100 events in a total of 50 locations throughout Frankfurt, the accompanying Musikmesse Festival is bigger than ever this year.
Music Fair: From career turbo to trackathon
For the first time, Musikmesse will open from Tuesday to Friday and thus on four working days. It is thus sharpening its brand essence as a platform for professional exchange and also strengthening synergies with Prolight + Sound.
One of the highlights in the trade fair programme is SongsCon Frankfurt, where creative musicians can network with decision-makers, present their songs in front of A&Rs from well-known labels and take part in songwriting masterclasses. At the songwriting camp, they work out their creative ideas together - so tracks are created right on the fairgrounds that may soon be storming the charts. In addition, the live finals of the European Songwriting Awards will take place at the Musikmesse. For the winners, it's straight into the studio - the songs will be released and promoted via a specially founded label.
At the Sound & Recording Lounge, experienced producers will provide assistance on production and audio engineering. The Future of Audio and Music Technology seminar series highlights trending topics such as mobile apps for music production and blockchain technology for managing rights and licences. For the first time, the Sample Music Festival Area will be created at the Musikmesse, showcasing new tools for creative music-making from DJing to live looping and finger drumming. The Audio Maker Square is a new special area for the international DIY scene. Another premiere is the Music Tech Fest, which includes a "24-hour trackathon" in addition to innovation master classes: Here, aspiring producers create electro tracks in front of visitors and present the finished results live.
The area of music education will be even more present with its own Music Education Center at the Congress Center Messe Frankfurt. Here, the successful Discover Music project for young people will take pre-school children on a musical voyage of discovery. The Class Music Making specialist day presents scientifically based, forward-looking methods for music teaching. In addition, the European School Music Prize will be awarding prizes to showcase projects relating to music practice in the classroom. On all days of the fair, visitors can take part in workshops on pedagogy, marketing and career scenarios.
Musikmesse Festival with record year
The Musikmesse Festival is already entering its fourth round in 2019. Extended by one day and with 100 concerts in 50 locations, the Main metropolis will become an even bigger and more diverse show stage. Numerous international and national stars will be making stops at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds: the programme includes three highlight events in the Festhalle alone: Samy Deluxe (4.4.), the BigCityBeats Birthday with star DJ Timmy Trumpet (5.4.) and the closing concert with Gregory Porter and the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt (6.4.). Tony Carey (4.4.), Mousse T. & Glasperlenspiel as an exclusive DJ set (5.4.) as well as the vocal ensemble The Real Group (3.4.) will present themselves in the specially constructed Festival Arena.
Numerous locations in the city will show the whole spectrum of musical genres and varieties. Among them: US rapper Kid Ink (5.4. Gibson), the ska-folk combo Russkaja (5.4., Batschkapp), the NDW old-timers Palais Schaumburg (2.4.,Nachtleben) as well as the British blues-rock band Wille & The Bandits (5.4., Das Bett). Once again, the presentation of the International German Pianist Award on 1 April at the Alte Oper will kick off a week full of music.
For the first time, the Musikmesse Festival is also cooperating with the Frankfurt Hotel Alliance e.V. interest group.This means that 17 hotels will provide unique backdrops for evening concerts as part of the festival.
Musikmesse Plaza rocks the Saturday
At the climax of a week full of music, Frankfurt is once again pushing all the controls up. The new Musikmesse Plaza presents an innovative event concept aimed squarely at musicians and music enthusiasts. Together with partners from the creative sector, Messe Frankfurt will be realising a pop-up market on Saturday, 6 April with a wide variety of themed worlds: from vintage instruments to sound carriers and posters that visitors can buy directly.
Several Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound events will go into overtime at the Musikmesse Plaza, including The World of Vintage Guitars with a journey through the development of legendary brands such as Gibson and Fender, Rate Your Guitar, where visitors can have their instruments valued, and the Vintage Concert Audio Show, which offers a world-exclusive insight into four decades of concert sound systems. Stars of the scene such as Rick J. Jordan (Scooter), Sandra Nasic (Guano Apes) and Peter Sage (Santiano) will be present. The Vintage Drum Show as well as the Hammond Nostalgia Club will also showcase musical instruments with tradition and history.
Youtube stars and influencers such as Vincent Lee, Tanzverbot, Ceddotalk and EVI will give young musicians tips on how to market themselves via social media.
The Discover Music project is open to all musical beginners on Saturday. Here, everyone can take their first musical steps on various instruments under educational guidance. And on the open-air grounds there will be an open-air feeling with street food and non-stop live music.
You can find all further info on the events at: www.musikmesse.com
