First Ever XP Conference Plots Roadmap for Region’s Music Industry

MDLBEAST’s inaugural XP conference in Saudi shed light on “a great number of opportunities” within the region’s music industry. The three-day event wrapped up on a positive note, laying foundations for a thriving music scene in Saudi and beyond.

“It’s been a great success,” said Nada Alhelabi, XP’s Director of Programming. “But this is clearly a point of departure and not one of arrival. In three action-packed days we brought together the best minds in the world to draw a roadmap that leads us to a thriving future for music in the region. I believe we have shed light on a great number of opportunities for talent, publishers, record labels and streaming platforms.” Alhelab added that XP had “helped identify key threats and challenges facing the industry in Saudi Arabia and the region”.

Guidance

Running from 13 – 15 December in Riyadh, XP featured 150 industry professionals and leaders. Star panelists included EDM giants Afrojack, Axwell and Steve Aoki. With the conference programme offering 58 different activations, attendees enjoyed workshops, fishbowls, keynotes and discussion panels. A number of UAE-based music industry experts imparted their advice and guidance during the event.

Topics – deemed “essential for the amplification and evolution of the region’s music industry” – fell under four key pillars: talent, the scene, policy and social impact. A session called ‘What Do the New Generation of Creatives Need to Thrive?’ focused on the infrastructure and tools required to set careers in motion. The challenges and opportunities facing nightlife in the region were identified in ‘A Glance into the Regional Nigh­time Economy’. Other panels covered the breakthrough of underground talent and the role of digital innovation in empowering new talent.

Music Rights

Big news emerged from XP Conference too. Abu Dhabi-based PopArabia and MDLBEAST have joined forces on a new project. Together they’ve launched ESMAA to “tackle the complexities of music rights licensing for end-users in Saudi Arabia and the region”.

MDLBEAST’s massive Soundstorm festival kicks off tonight – Thursday 16 December. The four-day festival features the world’s biggest DJs across the EDM, house, deep house and techno spectrums.

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