Steve Bartels, CEO of Def Jam Recordings, will deliver a keynote presentation on June 7 at Midem in Cannes.
During a Q&A session, the veteran exec will discuss scouting talent and developing new artists, the iconic label’s brand identity and marketing tactics.
During his music career Bartels has signed and worked with Kanye West, Rihanna, Jay Z, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Outkast, Big Sean, Janet Jackson, Notorious B.I.G., Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and Alessia Cara.
He has been part of more than 34 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 single campaigns, and worked alongside industry stalwarts such as Herb Albert, Jerry Moss, Clive Davis, LA Reid, Barry Weiss and Sir Lucian Grainge during his tenure at A&M Records, Arista Records, the Island Def Jam Music Group and now Def Jam Recordings.
Bartels is also a Recording Industry of America Association (RIAA) Board Member.
Def Jam was founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons.
Bartels said: “Midem is a nexus of global talent, and I am honored to be a part of such a dynamic event.
“Since its inception, Def Jam has represented a unique voice in music across the globe through its artists, its music and its culture.
“I look forward to sharing my passion for this music – and my optimism for its future – with the creative community at Midem.”
steve bartels, def jam recordings
“I look forward to sharing my passion for this music – and my optimism for its future – with the creative community at Midem.”
Alexandre Deniot, Director of Midem, said: “Midem welcomes, every year, the most brilliant music professionals who not only cherish and develop extraordinary musical talent, but also drive the business forward, embracing new technology and breaking boundaries to let music travel worldwide.
“We are extremely honoured to announce Steve Bartels’ keynote as his experience, along with Def Jam Recordings’ history, are a true inspiration.”
Alexandre Deniot, Midem
“We are extremely honoured to announce Steve Bartels’ keynote as his experience, along with Def Jam Recordings’ history, are a true inspiration.”
Def Jam began with breaking names like LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.
Over the following two decades, the label established its dominance with Jay Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man & Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and Kanye West.
Now in its fourth decade, it has grown into a global brand, encompassing a roster of marquee and emerging artists that include Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Jeremih and Iggy Azalea.
In 2014, Def Jam returned to its roots as a standalone label within the Universal Music Group with a strategic forward focus.
Midem, held in France from June 6-9 June 2017, takes place at the Palais des Festivals.
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