Blog

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.

When people hear the name Roskilde, they often think of the legendary Roskilde Festival. And for good reason – it’s one of Europe’s largest and most iconic music events. But Roskilde is much more than just a once-a-year celebration. It’s a living, breathing music city – all year round. That’s exactly why Beatnickel is perfectly placed in Roskilde Municipality.

How can a country like Denmark, often ranked among the happiest in the world, be home to a music industry where nearly one in five musicians report feeling unhappy? That’s the question raised by a new report from the Music Industry Partnership for Sustainable Development. Based on responses from over 1,800 Danish musicians, the report paints a stark picture: many musicians are struggling, not just creatively or financially, but emotionally and mentally.

Many musicians struggle to make ends meet. Streaming platforms pay next to nothing, gigs can be hard to find, and algorithms tend to favor those who are already famous. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Beatnickel, we’re building a platform that makes it easier to make a living from music – even if you’re just starting out.