Welcome to Milan Music Week!
Ah, Milan! The city known for its fashion, food, and now, apparently, its propensity for live music mayhem! This November, from the 18th to the 24th, the vibrant streets of Milan will transform into what can only be described as an auditory wonderland. Yes, it’s the eighth edition of Milan Music Week, and if last year’s extravaganza was anything to go by, we’re in for a performer-packed treat.
At a recent opening press conference, the President of Assomusica, Carlo Parodi, took to the stage. Now I don’t know about you, but whenever someone stands up at the front and starts quoting statistics, I always brace myself for the sleepy yawns. But wait! Parodi dropped some figures that were positively electric: 24 million spectators and a mind-boggling 36,000 concerts in 2023! That’s double the audience of pre-pandemic days. Why, at this rate, Milan might have to start handing out earplugs at the door.
But it’s not all rainbows and glittering lights; Parodi voiced some legitimate concerns about the live music sector’s support—or rather, the glaring lack of it. The Entertainment Code still hasn’t been updated. It’s like waiting for a sequel to your favorite movie, only to find out they’ve replaced it with a boring documentary about paint drying. And there are also these mysterious funds like the FNSV, the Art Bonus and the Tax Credit that seem to have everyone scratching their heads in confusion. Can anyone tell me where to find them on a map?
Yet, even amidst these challenges, there’s hope and excitement. Parodi highlighted progress in exporting Italian music. Yes, thanks to ICE, our sweet melodies are making a splash on the international scene, particularly at WOMEX in Manchester. Now that’s the kind of exposure we like to hear about! Parodi encourages us to keep investing in the internationalisation of our tunes—because why should only Italians get to enjoy their own masterpieces?
And here’s the kicker, folks: Parodi ended his speech with a heartfelt plea to the authorities. He suggested that before making any tough choices, our dear decision-makers should attend a concert. Yes indeed! Nothing like the power of music to influence someone contemplating legislation. I can see it now: “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of law-making, let’s throw in some rock and roll!”
A Week to Celebrate and Reflect
The Milan Music Week isn’t just a bunch of noise—it’s an initiative backed by the Municipality of Milan, Assomusica, Assoconcerti, FIMI, NUOVO IMAIE, and SIAE. Imagine it—an entire week dedicated to celebrating music while wrestling with its future. Milan is determined to solidify its status as Italy’s musical capital. And it’s about time! We’ve got pasta, fashion, and now music? If this city gets a reality show, I’m definitely tuning in.
Let’s Hear It for the People Behind the Music
And speaking of rich histories, meet Sebastiano Di Mauro, a name that sounds like a character straight out of a mafia film. Born in Acireale in 1954, Sebastiano moved through some Italian cities before settling in Milan. His life journey echoes the music scene: it’s all about growth and adaptation, isn’t it? From working for the State to dabbling in online journalism, he seems to be the Swiss Army knife of Italian media.
So, there you have it—Milan Music Week is ready to turn up the volume, and we should all be tuned in. Whether you’re a concert-goer, a passionate creator, or simply someone who loves a good tune, mark those dates on your calendar. May we find our ears and hearts filled with music that inspires, motivates, and maybe even gets us moving until we forget about those pesky legislative hurdles! Rock on, Milan!
Milan, 9 November 2024 – The vibrant city of Milan is gearing up to transform into the epicenter of music with the eagerly anticipated eighth edition of Milan Music Week, set to unfold from 18 to 24 November. The opening press conference held yesterday unveiled an exciting lineup of an extensive array of concerts, DJ sets, artist interviews, hands-on workshops, industry meetings, and a host of special events that promise to invigorate the city for an entire week of musical celebration. Among the distinguished speakers, Carlo Parodi, the President of Assomusica, delivered a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of the live music sector in Italy, offering insightful data, analyses, and future prospects.
Parodi opened his speech by referring to SIAE data for 2023, which reveal a record year for the sector: “With 24 million spectators and over 36,000 concerts, the numbers doubled the pre-pandemic figures of 2019”. This significant growth underscores the continuous evolution of the Italian music scene and the achievements of a more professional and agile supply chain adept at orchestrating safe, impactful events. Nonetheless, challenges persist, particularly from a regulatory standpoint.
Despite the sector’s remarkable expansion, Parodi expressed discontent among operators regarding the absence of updated legislation. The long-awaited Entertainment Code has not been approved, leaving live profit music events unrewarded by support measures such as the FNSV, the Art Bonus, and the Tax Credit. He emphasized that Italian legislation currently offers no support for the live music sector, creating a palpable atmosphere of dissatisfaction among industry professionals.
Despite the internal challenges, Parodi highlighted the significant strides made recently in promoting Italian music internationally. With the backing of ICE, Italian music was prominently featured at WOMEX in Manchester, showcasing the sector’s potential on a global stage. He reiterated the necessity of investing in the internationalization of contemporary popular music and Italian musical groups to elevate Italian musical creativity to worldwide audiences.
Parodi concluded his speech with a thoughtful invitation, directing a message to authorities tasked with making crucial decisions in an increasingly intricate international landscape: “Before making difficult decisions, I invite those who are called to make important choices to stop and attend a concert. The beauty and emotions of music can guide you towards the best choice.”
The Milan Music Week is an initiative of the Municipality of Milan – Department of Culture, promoted by Assomusica, Assoconcerti, FIMI, NUOVO IMAIE and SIAE, and organized by Butik srl Social Enterprise. This remarkable week aims to not only celebrate music but also reflect on its future, with the goal of establishing Milan as the musical capital of Italy and enhancing a vital supply chain for the nation’s culture and economy.
Sebastiano Di Mauro was born in Acireale (CT) in 1954 where he lived until he was about 18 years old. Afterwards he moved, for short periods, first to Rome, then to Piacenza and finally to Milan where he has lived continuously since 1974. He worked for many years in the employ of the State. In 2006, by strange coincidences, he decided to dedicate himself to online journalism, first taking care of an editorial office in Como and subsequently in Milan and Genoa, coordinating various national editorial offices. He currently holds the position of editor-in-chief of this newspaper and also coordinates the other publications of the MWG Group and the various collaborators on the national territory.
Related
**Interview with Carlo Parodi, President of Assomusica**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Carlo! Thank you for joining us today. As we gear up for the Milan Music Week from November 18 to 24, what are your expectations for this year’s event?
**Carlo Parodi:** Thank you for having me! Milan Music Week is always a highlight for us. This year, we anticipate an incredible atmosphere filled with concerts, workshops, and engaging discussions that will truly celebrate the vibrancy of our music scene. Given the 24 million spectators and 36,000 concerts we saw last year, I’m optimistic about the energy and enthusiasm we’ll encounter.
**Interviewer:** Those numbers are indeed impressive! You mentioned some concerns regarding the live music sector, especially about the absence of updated legislation. Can you elaborate on that?
**Carlo Parodi:** Absolutely. While the numbers reflect a thriving live music scene, the lack of support from regulatory frameworks like the Entertainment Code is troubling. It’s essential for policymakers to understand the importance of this sector and provide the necessary support measures. Without them, many organizers feel the uncertainty that hampers our growth potential.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that there’s much work to be done on the legislative front. A bright spot, however, is the internationalization of Italian music. How is Assomusica supporting this initiative?
**Carlo Parodi:** We are actively working with organizations like ICE to promote Italian music on global platforms, such as WOMEX in Manchester. Our aim is to ensure that Italian artists reach international audiences and that our rich musical culture gets the recognition it deserves. It’s vital for us to invest in our artists for their growth outside Italy.
**Interviewer:** That’s a wonderful initiative! Lastly, you ended your speech at the press conference with a call to action for authorities. Can you explain that sentiment a bit more?
**Carlo Parodi:** I firmly believe that experiencing music first-hand can radically shift perspectives. I suggested that policymakers should attend a live concert to truly grasp the passion and potential of the live music industry. Music is a universal language; it can inspire and influence decisions in a way that cold statistics often cannot.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlo. Your insights are invaluable, and we certainly hope more decision-makers take your advice to experience the magic of live music. Here’s to a successful Milan Music Week!
**Carlo Parodi:** Thank you, and let’s keep that enthusiasm alive! Music is what binds us, and I look forward to celebrating it with everyone in Milan!