Dutch Music Industry Hits €198 Million in Export Revenue

Last year saw a significant uptick for the Dutch music industry, with export revenues climbing to €198 million, marking a robust 15% growth from the previous year. This information comes courtesy of the music research bureau Perfect and More and was highlighted in the Telegraaf's Monday report.

Rising Above the Pandemic's Shadow

Despite these gains, the music sector's earnings have yet to surpass the high-water mark set in 2018. It's clear that the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic lingered into the early months of last year, still impacting the industry's overall performance.

Exploring New Horizons

The Dutch music scene is tapping into fresh international markets, with new demand arising from nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Chile, and Colombia. According to Frank Helmink, the director of Buma Cultuur, overseas event organizers are keen to book the most sought-after DJs from the Netherlands.

Dutch artists expanded their global reach last year, delivering performances in 84 distinct nations. The United States, Germany, and Britain topped the list of countries hosting Dutch musical talent.

Electronic Beats to Punk Vibes

The export value is largely driven by live performances, which account for about 70% of the total. Dance music predominantly fuels export success, claiming nearly two-thirds of the past year's figures. Nevertheless, there are surprises on the list, with Nijmegen punk band Antillectual breaking into the top five based on their 88 international gigs, a feat celebrated by their lead, Willem Heijmans.

Well-known Dutch DJs like Tiësto, Martin Garrix, and Afrojack consistently draw crowds abroad. On the orchestral front, André Rieu, although ranking 22nd, could see a climb with his impending world tour.

Anticipation for the Full Report

Details on the industry's international achievements will be elaborated in the full report, which is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Eurosonic-Noorderslag music event in Groningen.

music, exports, growth