Music Business
The music business is an important part of the cultural and creative economy in Germany. In the public perception, it is often equated with the music industry, but this term describes only a specific sub-segment, namely the production and distribution of sound recordings and digital music products. The spectrum of musical economic activity, on the other hand, is much broader and also includes areas such as music instruction, the production and distribution of musical instruments and, in particular, the organization of live concerts."
Professor of Communication Science and Director of the study "The Music Business in Germany," published in 2015
Position Statements from the Berlin Appeals
In its 4th Berlin Appeal ,"Brave New Media World: Protect the Creators!", the German Music Council demanded that public broadcasting networks refrain from music dumping or using music from licensing models without appropriate copyright and performer remuneration (such as Creative Commons or buyout catalogues), and agree to remove time limitations on media libraries only with appropriate remuneration compensation for authors and producers for the omission of second and third broadcasts by the networks. For digital service providers such as streaming and download services, the council called for innovative remuneration systems (similar to the practices for mobile phones and telecommunications), the introduction of simple, fair payment models that are manageable for all participants (such as micropayment systems), and a territoriality principle.
In its 7th Berlin Appeal, "Music is Part of All Our Lives", the German Music Council points out that the precarious living situation of many creative people already had its origins in the decades before the Covid-19 pandemic in gaps and omissions in political action and the correspondingly deficient framework conditions. The council demands, among other things, that "greater consideration be given to the music business as an active contributor to our cultural diversity in the legislative framework of economic action, especially with regard to small and medium-sized enterprises."
Further information
Music Business Portal
In the Music Business portal of the German Music Information Center you will find further specialist articles as well as reports and statistics on the recorded music market, the instrument trade, music publishing, and much more.
Cultural and Creative Industries Initiative
In 2007, the German Federal Government launched the Cultural and Creative Industries Initiative to increase the competitiveness of this sector and further exploit its employment potential. It also aims to improve the employment opportunities of small cultural enterprises and freelancers. The central element of the initiative is the Competence Center for Cultural and Creative Industries, the first dedicated platform for this sector at the federal level.
German Musical Instrument Award
Since 1990, particularly high-quality and innovative products manufactured in Germany have been awarded the German Musical Instrument Award. The aim is to provide an incentive for increased innovation, efficiency, and thus competitiveness.
