Introduction to Music Industry Development And Support (MIDAS)

We are always happy to help with any enquiries you may have, or to try and put you in touch with the right people to talk to. You can send us new demos, gig reviews and live dates – either by post to the HI~Arts office or by email to John Saich (john@hi-arts.co.uk). We are also keen to hear about any new ideas for features on the web site.

MIDAS MySpace

On our new myspace page www.myspace.com/midashighland you can also hear featured bands and find out what’s new across the Highlands and Islands.

MIDAS MySpace website

MIDAS FAQs

Below are some of the answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is MIDAS?

MIDAS (or to give it its full title Music Industry Development and Support) is a resource and information platform for anyone with an interest in contemporary and/or traditional music. It puts professional and aspiring performers in touch with people from the music industry that can assist them in a variety of ways, and give advice on anything from starting a band or recording a demo, to promoting a gig.

What area does MIDAS cover?

MIDAS covers the whole Highlands and Islands region, from Shetland to Argyll and from the Outer Hebrides to Moray.

What are the aims and objectives of MIDAS?

MIDAS aims to support the young and aspiring talent of the area, by providing advice and support that they would not normally have access to, primarily because of geographical location.

Who is MIDAS aimed at?

Emerging creative, talented people in the Highlands who are at an early stage in their career and looking for advice and guidance.

What can MIDAS do for me?

MIDAS has a wide range of contacts within the music industry and can provide introductions and guidance on who may be able to help you develop your creative potential.

Is there a membership fee?

No. MIDAS support is available to anyone in the Highlands and Islands with a genuine interest in the Music Industry.

Who is the contact within MIDAS?

John Saich at HI~Arts is the first point of contact. You can email him on john@hi-arts.co.uk or send mail to:
HI Arts Ltd,
Suites 4 & 5,
4th Floor,
Ballantyne House,
84 Academy Street,
Inverness,
SCOTLAND IV1 1LU

John Saich

HI~Arts people

John Saich is MIDAS project co-ordinator and has been working at HI~Arts since July 2002. John began his professional music career in the late eighties with Celtic roots band Capercaillie, who went on to achieve gold and silver discs with two of their albums in the following decade. In his ten years with the band, John recorded seven albums and was a regular song writing contributor, with two of his compositions featuring on the Best of Capercaillie collection in 1998.

As bass player and guitarist with the band, John toured over twenty seven countries and made numerous TV and radio appearances including sessions for Radio One and VH1 (and even a brief appearance in the United Artists movie Rob Roy), sharing international festival billings with the likes of Oasis, The Cranberries, Bob Dylan, Hothouse Flowers and Van Halen. Other career highlights included playing bass and supplying backing vocals for iconic American song writer James Taylor on BBC Scotland’s live Hogmanay broadcast from Edinburgh Castle.

Since leaving Capercaillie in 1997, John has written scores for television including commissions for BBC Scotland, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, and has since formed his own production company Wild Biscuit Music.

john@hi-arts.co.uk