Surge in Swedish Songwriters and Royalty Earnings Reflects Industry Growth
Swedish songwriters nearly doubled in number and many earn millions in royalties.
Key Points
- • Number of Swedish songwriters rose from 56,000 in 2008 to nearly 110,000 in 2024.
- • 200 songwriters made over one million SEK in royalties last year, a 600% increase since 2008.
- • Income from K-pop has increased by 1,000% since 2018 for Swedish writers.
- • Eight of the ten most streamed artists in Sweden are Swedish.
A recent report by Stim reveals that the number of songwriters in Sweden has almost doubled since 2008, with current figures showing nearly 110,000 songwriters receiving royalties in 2024, up from 56,000 in 2008. This surge positions Sweden as having four times more songwriters per capita than the UK, highlighting the country's burgeoning music scene.
Remarkably, the number of Swedish songwriters who earned over one million SEK in royalties last year increased to 200, demonstrating a 600% rise since 2008. However, it’s noteworthy that 80% of new members in the rights organization Stim earn less than 5,000 SEK annually, indicating a varied income landscape within the profession.
The report attributes some of this extraordinary growth to Swedish songwriters' success in international markets, especially the K-pop genre, where income has reportedly increased by about 1,000% since 2018. The phenomenon of 'glocalization' also plays a significant role, with local music streaming gaining popularity, as evidenced by eight out of the ten most streamed artists in Sweden being from the country. The chart-toppers for 2024 include international sensation Taylor Swift alongside homegrown talents Hov1 and Yasin.