The export value of Australia’s music industry is estimated to be worth AUS $195 million ($137m).
That’s according to a new report examining the cultural and economic value of Australian music exports entitled, Born Global: Australian music exports.
The estimated figure includes the combined export income of Australian artists, music publishers and record labels.
The research was conducted over three years by the University of Newcastle and Monash University, in partnership with Sounds Australia, APRA AMCOS and the Australia Council for the Arts.
The Australia Council has also released a summary report which presents key insights from the broader research and reflects global success stories of artists such as Flume, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Methyl Ethel and Courtney Barnett (pictured).
Some of the key insights from the report show that Government grants provided the largest source of export support among surveyed artists.
Those with support from both Government and industry reported the greatest export success.
Meanwhile, live performance remains the top source of income for Australian musicians in other markets.
The biggest markets for Australian music are the US, UK and Germany.
“The increased number, range and diversity of Australian musicians who are achieving international success is promoting a rich and nuanced sense of Australian creativity in a global context.”
Paul Mason, Australia Council
Australia Council Arts Practice Director for Music Paul Mason said: “Music is one of our nation’s most powerful cultural exports.
“When our artists connect with audiences around the globe, they are sharing culture and perspectives.
Added Mason: “The increased number, range and diversity of Australian musicians who are achieving international success is promoting a rich and nuanced sense of Australian creativity in a global context.”
“The insights from this research help to paint a clearer picture of the state of Australia’s exporting music industry, as well as the opportunities for its future, including potential avenues to support the continued growth of the industry.”
“More and more Australian musicians are now globally recognised household names, with music now standing alongside the powerhouses of Australian exports; food, agriculture, wine, tourism.”
Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS
APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston, added: “More and more Australian musicians are now globally recognised household names, with music now standing alongside the powerhouses of Australian exports; food, agriculture, wine, tourism.
“But we are at a critical time for our industry, at a crossroad when the economic models that support music are shifting around the world.”
“The opportunity now is to build on the work in the North America and European markets and to explore the full potential of Australian music exports and people-to-people links in the Asia-Pacific rim and South America.”
“This first-of-its-kind study unpacks the structures, support and international strategies Australia needs to have in place to ensure its artists are export ready.”
Professor Richard Vella, University of Newcastle
Lead researcher and University of Newcastle conjoint Professor Richard Vella, said: “Australian music has always punched above its weight on an international stage.
“The internet means musicians today operate in a ‘born global’ environment. They can digitally release their music at the same time in multiple countries without always having to begin by promoting their work locally.
“This first-of-its-kind study unpacks the structures, support and international strategies Australia needs to have in place to ensure its artists are export ready.”
Fellow researcher Associate Professor Shane Homan from Monash University, said: “Australia is well placed to build upon recent successes and establish long term goals and infrastructure that rewards governments, artists, managers and recording labels for sustained effort.”
“There is substantial scope to support Australian artists who have shown that they are innovators, and where live performance remains a key component of global success”.Music Business Worldwide
