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Enter the French Music Market — Without Starting From Zero
Strategic advisory and hands-on support for international labels, artist managers and music companies expanding into France — from a former Warner Music France & EMI marketing director with direct access to the network that matters.
France Is the 6th-Largest Music Market in the World. It’s Also One of the Hardest to Enter Alone.
The French music market has characteristics all its own, shaped by a professional, cultural, structural and regulatory environment that sets it apart. As a result, most foreign labels and artist managers who try to enter it alone lose months — and a good part of their budget — figuring out its particularities.
Being represented by someone who knows this terrain from the inside becomes an absolute necessity.
Having been Marketing Manager at Capitol/EMI Europe, Director of Marketing and International at Warner Music France, an expert advisor to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture, and founder of the IMMF and President of AMA France, Didier Zerath knows this market from the inside — its institutional players, its professional organizations, and everyone who keeps it running and evolving day to day.
Work With Me — At the Level You Need Right Now
France Market-Entry Audit
Full diagnostic of your current situation, mapping of key players to approach, prioritized 90-day action plan, 60-min video debrief + written report.
France Advisory Retainer
- Direct access by message/call for strategic questions
- Targeted introductions — distributors, media, venues, AMA / PRODISS / SNEP
- Regulatory monitoring and alerts
- Monthly strategic video check-in (30–45 min)
Full Market-Entry Program
Everything in the retainer, plus active oversight of company setup, negotiation of initial distribution agreements, and label/artist support via The Noise Shack for catalogue matters.
What Sets This Apart
Both Major and Independent Experience
Ran marketing for Warner Music France and Capitol Records/EMI, then built and ran my own label and distribution company. Both sides of the table.
Hands-On Market-Entry Experience
Personally led the creation of affiliate companies in several European countries at Yacast — the same method applied to your entry into France.
Direct Network Access
Eight years as President of AMA France, founding member and former Treasurer of the IMMF (42 countries). No cold outreach needed.
Full Value-Chain Coverage
Through The DZ Factory and The Noise Shack, coverage extends from strategic advice to artist management, label and publishing services.
Regulatory Insight
Former expert advisor to the European Commission’s DG Education and Culture — I know where new entrants get caught off guard.
Visible in the Industry
Regular speaker at Midem, MaMA France, Canadian Music Week, GMA Taiwan, MuCon; guest lecturer at HEC, ICART, EMLV, Sciences Po.
How We’d Work Together
Book a call
30 minutes, no obligation, to understand your situation.
Get a plan
A clear recommendation: audit, retainer, or full program.
We start
Onboarding within days, not weeks.
Stay in control
Monthly check-ins, cancel the retainer whenever you want.
FAQ
Do I need a legal entity in France before we start?
Not necessarily — it depends on your setup. Part of the initial audit is determining whether a corporate structure, an operational partnership, or another setup fits your project best.
How is the retainer different from a one-off consulting mission?
The retainer gives you ongoing access — to me, to the network, and to regulatory updates — without committing to a large fixed-scope project upfront. Most clients start there and move to a full program once priorities are clear.
Can I cancel the retainer?
Yes, month to month, no long-term contract.
Do you only work with labels, or also independent artists and managers?
All three — the entry logic is similar, the scope of support adapts to your size and stage.
Not Ready to Talk Yet? Get the France Market-Entry Checklist
The 12 things every international label gets wrong when entering France — free PDF.