Norwegian musicians' income goes up by 66% 1999-2009, while record sales decline by 50%

By Cory Doctorow at 8:46 am Wednesday, Oct 6

Espen writes: "A recent study of the Norwegian music industry has found that over the 10 year period from 1999 to 2009, the average income of music artists has increased (inflation-adjusted) by 66%, while record sales has halved. The reason is that income from concerts, collection agencies and public stipends has increased to more than make up the shortfall - and since record sales only pay, on average, 15% to the artist, the shortfall in record sales does not afflict them as much. The study suggests that record companies will become less important as an avenue to stardom - and that artists will have to take more responsibility for their own marketing."

Facts:
* Income from concerts has increased, on average, 136% from 1999 to 2009
* Income from collection organizations such as TONO, Gramo and others has increased 108% from 1999 to 2009
* stipends and other supports from the government has increased 154% from 1999 to 2009
* The number of registered active musicians has increased by about 28% during this period
* All figures have been adjusted for inflation.

Record companies lose, artists gain (Thanks, Espen!)