Katarinahuset, 2025-02-03
IFPI on streaming, AI and the future of music
IFPI Sweden is the industry organization for music labels, which ensures that artists and labels get paid when their music is played. They also run sites like Musikindustrin.se and Sverigetopplistan.se, and are behind the Grammisgalan. We swung by their office at A house Katarinahuset to talk about music trends, AI and AW.
Can you tell us a bit about what Ifpi does and the benefits for record labels/artists of being affiliated with you?
– Ifpi Sweden is the music companies’ rights and industry organization. We work to ensure that copyright payments reach the music companies and artists when a recorded song is used. By being affiliated with us, record companies and artists get access to collected royalties from, for example, radio and TV broadcasts and public performance of music. We also publish music industry statistics and reports, arrange training/seminars, run Musikindustrin.se, certify Gold and Platinum, run Sverigetopplistan.se, andorganize the Grammisgalan since 1969 and actually much more.
How do you see the impact of streaming on the music industry, and what do you think is the next big trend?
– Streaming has had a major and positive impact on the music industry. Sweden stands out as a country where the most music is streamed in the world. In 2023, music sales in Sweden increased by five percent, with more than SEK 2 billion worth of music sold. Of this revenue, 93% came from streaming. The next big trend could be new business models and technologies that further enhance the music experience.
What challenges and opportunities do you see with AI in music creation and rights?
– AI in music creation offers both opportunities and challenges. The technology can facilitate music production and create new creative expressions. At the same time, legal and ethical issues arise around copyright and the use of existing material in AI training. We think it is crucial to ensure that copyright is respected and that there is transparency around what music is used in AI systems’ training.
What music do you prefer to play in the office?
– We listen to very different styles of music in our office. Everything from pop, hard rock, country & funk. In our meeting room for Grammis, we naturally listen to mostly Swedish music in different genres.
What is the biggest buzz in your office right now?
– Right now, of course, we’re talking a lot about AI, discussing the latest trends in the music industry, compiling and closing the music year 2024, and preparing for Grammis 25 in March at the Annex.
Where to find you at AW in Slussen?
– We will of course hang around here in the area around Slussen. You can often find us at local restaurants and bars like Pet Sounds Bar and Klotet here in Katarinahuset but also the Hills and Riche Fenix which are favorites since before.
Read more about ifpi here
