Latest news with #IrishMusicRightsOrganisation
The Journal
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
What's your favourite way to listen to music?
NEW RESEARCH FROM the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has revealed that nearly two thirds of the Irish public listen to music daily, with the average adult spending 84 minutes listening each day. The report also shows that Irish consumers spent a €375m on music subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music. Advertisement While many still rely on radio and physical formats like CDs and vinyl, IMRO notes that digital platforms are becoming the main way people discover new music. So tell us: What's your favourite way to listen to music? Poll Results: Streaming (308) Radio (109) Vinyl records (94) CDs (65) Other (let us know in the comments) (33) I don't listen to music (8) Cassettes (3) Streaming Radio CDs Vinyl records Cassettes Other (let us know in the comments) I don't listen to music Vote
The Journal
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Ireland should imitate South Korea's K-pop success with music industry supports, IMRO says
IRELAND SHOULD TAKE inspiration from South Korea and develop structures to support the music industry similar to those that have led to K-pop's worldwide popularity, the Irish Music Rights Organisation has recommended. IMRO published a report on wide-ranging research into the Irish music industry today that shows the sector contributes €1 billion to the economy every year. Despite this, it also found that artists are struggling to work in the industry full-time, face financial precarity if they do, and often supplement their incomes by working in other sectors. The Irish music industry employs an estimated 13,400 people directly, but only 43% of those work in the sector full-time. The majority work part-time or supplement their income with other work, the research found. 'In fact, around 68% of IMRO members rely on additional sectors to sustain their careers, reflecting the widespread dependency on external income sources,' the report said. Employment within the music industry also tends to fluctuate with seasonal opportunities, especially during the summer months when most music festivals take place, IMRO said. People commonly find other sources of income in teaching, information and communication, and administration. IMRO said that other sectors provide financial stability, 'often offering higher-than-average wages compared to the music industry'. Among the recommendations that accompanied the research results was that the government support and promote musicians the way it has done with the Irish film industry, which has produced significant results in the form of international awards and production activity in Ireland. This could be done, IMRO suggested, by amending the Section 481 tax credit available to people in the film industry to include those who work in the music sector. That would 'introduce specific tax incentives for using Irish music within audiovisual productions,' IMRO said. Advertisement Another suggestion in the same vein is to establish a system like that found in South Korea. IMRO said that while Ireland is successful in cultivating grassroots and independent talent, it is 'seen to lack the level of state intervention and global marketing machinery seen in the likes of South Korea, where K-pop's global success is underpinned by systematic training programmes, high-budget productions, and strategic marketing'. Another significant and related challenge faced by musicians is the enormous disparity in the distribution of revenue garnered by streaming services like Spotify. IMRO noted that while digital platforms have helped artists when it comes to access and visibility, 'they have exacerbated income disparities, leaving many creators under-compensated'. 'Policies, grants, and innovative revenue models are needed to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports artists at all levels,' IMRO said. The report also recommended making the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, which has been piloted in parts of the country, a permanent fixture. It also recommended 'increasing access to project-based funding, and fostering opportunities for income generation through touring support, international showcasing, and professional development initiatives'. Another issue facing people in the industry is the development of generative AI models that can create music. Those models threaten musicians in two main ways – competition and plagiarism. Fair AI legislation and regulations to protect the music industry are what is needed, IMRO said. This should be done 'by fully implementing the EU AI Act to ensure platforms conform to their transparency obligations and that a regulated market is maintained for the licensing of existing copyright works', it recommended. Labour TD Alan Kelly, who serves as Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, said that while the research shows the benefits the music industry brings to the economy, it 'also serves as a timely reminder that passion alone cannot sustain a career in music'. 'Too many of our artists and songwriters are grappling with financial insecurity, exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the growing challenges posed by AI. 'Government must take these findings seriously.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Irish people love live music but we're not fans of the high cost of tickets, research shows
PEOPLE IN IRELAND love live music, but two thirds say the high cost of tickets is a barrier to them attending concerts, according to research commissioned by the Irish Music Rights Organisation. IMRO published a report on research into the state of the Irish music industry today that showed that the average adult in Ireland spends almost €1,000 per year on music related products and services, and that the industry as a whole contributes €1 billion to the economy annually. Live events are the most popular way people spend money on music, generating €786 million annually, IMRO's report said. On average, Irish adults spent €757 on music events last year. Big venue concerts accounted for the largest share, with people spending €298 on tickets. This was closely followed by music festivals, which drew an average spend of €194. Advertisement While people spend plenty of money on music events, the IMRO report said that 'many members of the public are feeling the pinch'. Two thirds (66%) of adults flagged the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs. Almost half (49%) also cited high accommodation costs as an issue when considering going to music events. Hotels have angered the public and been called out by politicians for hiking room prices around the times of high-profile performances. The upcoming Oasis reunion tour has been no exception and was highlighted by Tánaiste Simon Harris last year. 'I would encourage everybody to engage fairly in relation to this. The issues around price gouging, around hiking up things at the time of major events, doesn't actually help anyone but ends up giving our city bad reputation,' he said. Coldplay fans felt the sting of high accommodation prices when the band played in Croke Park last year. Ticketmaster, which dominates the market for concert ticket sales, has also come in for criticism from music fans for its use of 'dynamic pricing', which increases the cost of tickets based on demand. The cost of tickets for the upcoming Oasis tour caused enough outrage among the public that a bill is now in the works that would make dynamic pricing illegal. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Irish music industry contributes €1bn to national economy
Ireland's music industry has been highlighted as a significant contributor to the national economy, generating €1bn annually across live events and streaming services. In the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) 2025 music report, CORE Research found that the industry employs more than 13,400 people nationwide, with the average adult spending almost €1,000 per year on music-related products and services. Live events were found to dominate consumer expenditure, generating €786m annually, with the Irish public spending €375m on streaming services in 2024. On average, Irish adults spent €757 on music events last year, with concerts in high-capacity venues accounting for the largest share at €298. This was closely followed by music festivals, which drew an average spend of €194. The research revealed that dedicated music fans attended more live events than the general public, which the report said showcased their deeper engagement with live music. Rising costs Despite significant spending on music events, many consumers are feeling the pinch, the report warned, with two-thirds of adults flagging the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs. In addition, almost half also highlighted accommodation costs as an issue to going to music events. The report also highlighted how engrained music is in the lives of Irish people, with almost two-thirds of people listening to music on a daily basis. The average adult listens to 84 minutes of music daily, though younger adults (18–34) engage more, averaging 92 minutes. Streaming platforms remain the dominant mode of music access, with over half of the population subscribing to services such as Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Spotify holds the largest share of the market, reflecting its strong appeal among users seeking an extensive music library and personalised experiences, the report said. Despite significant spending by Irish consumers on digital platforms, concerns have been raised by numerous musicians about how much of the €375m reaches their pockets. Job uncertainty An estimated 13,400 individuals work directly in the music sector, but employment within the music industry tends to fluctuate with seasonal opportunities, especially during the summer months, the report warned. However, only 43% of those working in the music sector hold full-time positions, with the majority either working part-time or supplementing their income through jobs outside of the industry. In fact, around 68% of IMRO members rely on additional sectors to sustain their careers, reflecting the widespread dependency on external income sources. Despite the significant levels of interest and spending on music in Ireland, the dream of becoming a professional musician remains out of reach for many. The uneven distribution of revenue in streaming, where artists and songwriters receive a disproportionately low share, further complicates the landscape, with many artists struggling to earn sustainable incomes despite widespread distribution. To better protect the industry, IMRO is calling on the Government to enact several measures such as advocating for fair AI legislation, applying financial strategies for the film industry and replicating them in the music sector, and supporting Ireland's grassroots music venues. "Generating over €1bn annually and supporting more than 13,400 jobs, the music sector is not only a key driver of our creative economy, but a fundamental part of our national identity," said Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. "Irish people's passion for music - reflected in the remarkable levels of spending on live events and streaming - demonstrates the deep, enduring bond between our citizens and the artists who inspire them. 'But this report also serves as a timely reminder that passion alone cannot sustain a career in music. Too many of our artists and songwriters are grappling with financial insecurity, exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the growing challenges posed by AI. "Government must take these findings seriously. From making the Basic Income for the Arts permanent to ensuring fair AI regulation, we have a clear responsibility to support the people behind Ireland's musical success story.'
RTÉ News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Music industry contributes €1bn to Irish economy
The Irish music industry contributes €1 billion annually to the Irish economy, according to a new report published today by IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation). The report also states however, that despite the significant levels of interest and spending on music in Ireland, the dream of becoming a professional musician "remains out of the reach of many." In 'Music report 2025', IMRO found that live events (gigs and festivals) dominate consumer expenditure, generating €786 million annually. The research states that concerts in high-capacity venues account for the largest share at €298 million, while the average spend on music festivals is €194 million. IMRO Chairperson and singer/songwriter Eleanor McEvoy said that "at the heart of this report is a clear truth: Irish people don't just enjoy music - they live it." However, Ms McEvoy also pointed out IMRO's view that there is a need to ensure that musicians are "fairly compensated in the streaming economy", protected from emerging risks such as "unregulated AI," and supported through initiatives like Basic Income for the Arts and Section 481 reforms. The report provides information on consumer spending on streaming services, stating that the spend reached €375m in 2024 with 53% of adults subscribing to services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Spotify is the most popular streaming service the research found. The report also states that the average adult spends approximately €1,000 per year on music related products and services, with a spend of €757 per year on music events. The balance is spent on streaming, merchandise, and other music related products including physical media such as vinyl and CDs. This new research states that the Irish music industry employs over 13,400 people, however it warns that the work is "seasonal" and not a full time job. Concerns were raised at the cost of accessing music experiences, with two thirds of adults flagging the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs and almost half (49%) highlighting accommodation costs as another issue facing fans going to music events. IMRO highlights the organisation's concerns that despite significant consumer spending, many Irish artists struggle to make a living as annual income for full time music professionals is almost 40% lower than national average. The members are calling for better financial support and robust protections for music creators, including fair remuneration and safeguards against the "misuse of AI". Among the recommendations listed in the report, IMRO is seeking "specific tax incentives for using Irish music within Audiovisual productions", and continuation of support for Ireland's grassroots music venues. Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Media Alan Kelly launched the report and said that while he welcomes the findings, the report serves as a timely reminder that "passion alone" cannot sustain a career in music, adding that too many artists and songwriters are grappling with "financial insecurity," exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the "growing challenges posed by AI". Deputy Kelly also said that "Government must take these findings seriously." IMRO was set up to administer the performing right in copyright music on behalf of its members (songwriters, composers and music publishers) and on behalf of members of the international overseas societies that are affiliated to it.
