Blog

Every year, some of the world’s biggest music events come to life not just through artists or organizers, but through the passion and dedication of volunteers. Behind every festival, community concert, and independent venue, there are people giving their time, skills, and energy – simply because they believe in music. Volunteers are not a side note in the music industry. They are its heartbeat.

Around the world, the festival scene is growing more diverse, dynamic, and decentralized. From major international events with tens of thousands of attendees to small grassroots gatherings in parks and city centers, festivals have become key cultural touchpoints for music lovers across all genres.

Being a musician is about passion, creativity, and the love of sound. But behind the stage lights and applause, there’s a reality we don’t talk about enough. A comprehensive UK study conducted by the University of Westminster and MusicTank revealed that 65% of musicians reported struggling with depression, and 71% had experienced anxiety or panic attacks. That’s up to three times more than the general population.

2024 was a strong year for the Danish music industry. According to new figures from IFPI Denmark, the recorded music market grew by 9.5% compared to the previous year – driven by a rise in both streaming revenue and the continued popularity of vinyl.

Music and national identity are deeply intertwined. At Beatnickel, we’re not just building a tech platform—we’re building a cultural infrastructure. When we ask “What is Danish music?”, we’re really asking: “How can we support and grow the musical identity that connects us all?”

Danish music is no longer just something we enjoy at local venues and festivals. It’s increasingly becoming an export product – a cultural asset with both artistic and economic value on the global stage. Behind this development stands Music Export Denmark (MXD), which has worked for over two decades to put Danish artists on the world map.