Independent Music Now Makes Up 30% Of Australian Industry - Noise11.com
AIR logo

Independent Music Now Makes Up 30% Of Australian Industry

by Noise11.com on September 5, 2017

in News,Noise Pro

Research commissioned by the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has found that independent music has a 30% share of the Australian market.

Of the 30% indie share, 57% of the 30% comes from Australian music. By comparison, the US market showed 31.6% of revenue went to the indie sector in 2015.

The survey found that recording industry in Australia generates around $400 million of revenue and of that $154.8 million came from the independent sector. In perspective, the majors draw volume sales from a small group of artists like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Independent labels don’t have the blockbuster artists, so therefore the figure represents more indie artists than major artist sales.

In 2014-15, the independent sector in Australia released over 6000 singles and albums. 95% of indie releases were for new music.

Chris Maund, of Mushroom Group of Companies, states that “the independent sector is important for the industry, but also for the Australian community. We sign a lot more Australian artists than the majors, creating funding and opportunities for local talent,” says Maund. “Also indie labels can afford to take more risks, and so ensure the diversity of music. Almost every new music genre in history, from hip-hop, grunge to trance, were launched from indie labels – with the passion and low overheads to take such risks.”

Maria Amato, GM of AIR said, “This is truly a benchmark report that serves as the first indicator of the enormous cultural and fiscal value the Australian independent recording sector contributes to the Australian economy. For the 2014-2015 year, the findings indicate a 30% market share of a $400 million sector and present a view that the cultural value and contribution of music in Australia rests with the Independent sector”.

In an ever-changing market, it was found that 29% of revenue for independent music came from streaming based on the 2014-15 figures but more current data from Merlin is showing that almost two-thirds of independent labels now earn more revenue from streaming than downloads.

AIR engaged Deloitte Access Economics to conduct the survey.

Noise11.com

Related Posts

Mirusia Louwerse - Image By Damien Loverso
AIR Music Awards Nominees 2023 Announced

The 2023 Air Awards nominees have been revealed.

May 31, 2023
AIR logo
AIR Reveals Fast Track Fellowship Program

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) has revealed details of its Fast Track Fellowship program.

November 22, 2017
AIR logo
AIR To Showcase German Music Biz In First Music Passport

The German music industry will be displayed in Melbourne for the Australia Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) new program Music Passport.

November 14, 2017
Garbage photo by Joseph Cultice
New Music Releases For 10 June 2016

The Temper Trap, Garbage, Band of Horses, Nick Jonas, U2 (live), Paul McCartney, Air, Fitz & the Tantrums, Kongos, Tom Odell, Ngaire and Van Morrison lead this week's new music releases.

June 10, 2016
Courtney Barnett, music news, noise11.com
Courtney Barnett Sweeps 2015 Independent Music Awards Complete Winners List

Australia's Independent Music Awards have been announced for 2015 with Courtney Barnett taking away four awards including one for her label Milk! Records.

October 23, 2015
Michael and Matt Gudinski at FTM 2014 photo by Jayden Ostwald
Face The Music: Day Two Wrap Up

The second and final day of the Face The Music conference gave us something to look forward to next year, following a hugely successful sixth outing.

November 17, 2013
360 at the Independent Music Awards - Photo By Ros O'Gorman
CUB To Sponsor Independent Music Awards

Carlton Dry is the new sponsor for The Independent Music Awards.

August 14, 2013