Dynamic growth in Finnish music exports

Export incomes highest from Nordic countries and German-speaking Europe

Research carried out by Media Clever Oy shows the total market value of Finnish music exports for 2009 was 32 091 772 euros. This was an increase of almost nine million euros, or about 38 percent, from 2008, while growth during the previous year amounted to about four million euros. Growth was boosted by developments in music export companies and diversification of sources of revenue.

Geographically, the biggest export incomes came from the Nordic countries, the target of MOI! Sounds from Suomi, Music Export Finland’s flagship project in 2010-2011. The second largest income came from German-speaking Europe. In addition to the biggest export markets, Finnish music industry professionals saw, for instance, the USA, UK, Japan and Russia as very important target markets.

The growth in exports is also clearly evident in newly completed, Media Clever Oy conducted research on Finnish music export goodwill, according to which professionals in the various interest groups consider the opportunities for Finnish music exports to have again increased over the previous year. Areas studied include the interestingness of Finnish artists, bands and songwriters, the international competitiveness of music industry professionals, and the diversity of Finnish export music: the indices had increased from the previous year in all the areas studied. Those who believed most strongly in the export potential of Finnish music were international buyers and media as well as music export partners.

“Once the first mainstream artists and songwriters had made their breakthrough from Finland to the rest of the world, it became clear both in Finland and abroad that Finnish music can really bring in successful business for everyone. In Finnish songwriting and in the entertainment business more generally we have understood the power of all pulling on the same rope. Finland is a world leader in music education and content production – in almost all genres and styles – and because our content is in good shape, there is now demand on international markets. I see that in my work all the time,” Samu Haber, singer and songwriter for the group Sunrise Avenue, comments on the research. “In addition to HIM, Apocalyptica, Nightwish, Children of Bodom, The Rasmus, Sunrise Avenue and other trailblazers, dozens of Finnishartists and songwriters now enjoy great appreciation globally,” adds Music Export Finland’s Executive Director Paulina Ahokas.

New types of companies are operating in the music sector and it is becoming increasingly difficult to define the whole sector and its exports. “This year, we improved our research by inviting the support of a steering group consisting of key professionals from the various sectors of the music industry. The response rate was, however, still very low, and because we have been very cautious in our estimates, we can only say that the value of music exports is at least this 32.1 million,” comments Janne SilvonenofMedia Clever Oy. “The existing statistics indicate a very clear increase in the importance of the sector and a growth in exports,” Ahokas concludes.

Attachment: Research on Market Value and Structure on Finnish Music Exports in 2009 (pdf)

Further information:
Music Export Finland
Paulina Ahokas, Executive Director
Phone: +358 20 730 2230
Email: paulina@musex.fi