The report presents insights from the organizations’ ongoing work with data collection and analysis, covering various topics such as the mobility of Danish musicians domestically and internationally, the demographic characteristics of different genres, the number of Danish jazz releases in 2023, their popularity on streaming services, and more.

For example, did you know that 188 Danish jazz albums were released in 2023, featuring a total of 648 musicians, 73% of whom are men? Or that Danish underground metal is gaining popularity in the USA, while folk and roots music are strengthening ties with Canada? Or that there are 72 chamber music associations in Denmark, which held concerts for 53,000 attendees in the latest season?

The insights are varied and intentionally broad. “Dansk Musikliv i Tal” differs from many other reports by not having a specific research question or conclusion. Instead, it contributes a range of nuances to a comprehensive picture of Danish music life by presenting insights and experiments from the data that the genre organizations work with daily. Over time, as more nuances are added, we will gain a better understanding of the music life’s scope, dimensions, and trends, which can help inform discussions and work within the industry.

Underlying Data Available
Alongside the report, the underlying raw data is made freely available. The hope is that this will inspire increased transparency and a willingness to share data within the music industry. Project manager Morten Ogstrup Nielsen says:

“One of the major shortcomings in the music industry is the lack of good, open data, as seen in many other industries. We have been inspired by the Basic Data Program and the view of data as a raw material and potential source of productivity and innovation. We don’t know in advance if anyone can make use of the data we are now releasing, but we want to give it a try, and we hope others will join our ambition to create good, open data for Danish music life.”

The report can be read in full at http://www.musikdata.dk, where the open datasets are also available.

About the Genre Organizations’ Data Work
The Danish genre organizations collectively aim to gather and disseminate documentation and knowledge of significant importance for the development of Danish music life, including supporting the work of the Danish Arts Foundation’s Project Support Committee for Music in promoting music life in Denmark and Danish music abroad.

The genre organizations base their activities on evidence, including systematic studies and analyses of music life to map opportunities and challenges in Danish music life and to develop goals and methods for how the genre organizations can best contribute to promoting music life.