Danish musicians are experiencing increasing international success on Spotify, where nearly half of their income now comes from listeners outside Denmark. A new report from the streaming service reveals that 45 percent of the royalties earned by Danish artists in 2023 were generated by international fans. This trend is part of a larger movement where music crosses borders more fluidly than ever before, driven by a global and digital youth culture.
“Danish music, even in the native language, appeals to foreign listeners who are attracted to the emotional expression of the music rather than the specific lyrics,” explains Johan Seidefors, Nordic music chief at Spotify. In 2023, 111 Danish artists each generated over half a million Danish kroner on the platform, totaling more than 311 million kroner. This marks a significant increase of over 75 percent compared to 2017, not only due to more active Danish artists, but also a general growth in the streaming industry.
Spotify pays out two-thirds of its revenue to rights holders, which can be independent artists or record labels. Therefore, not all income goes directly into the artists’ pockets, as the distribution depends on individual agreements with record labels. This development demonstrates how digital platforms like Spotify play a critical role in shaping the future of the music industry, not only in Denmark but globally.