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The IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) has released its annual report on global music sales, and found that overall recorded music sales were down by ten percent in 2009. Additionally, sales are off a whopping 30 percent when compared to 2004. The IFPI noted some positive developments, with over 25 percent of revenue now coming from digital music. Legal digital sales grew by roughly 12 percent to $4.2 billion worldwide last year, though there was a 25 percent growth in the digital sector in 2008 and 30 percent growth in 2007. The IFPI attributed the slowdown of digital growth to illegal music piracy online. The worst markets for digital music are apparently those without a legal digital music retail option. The IFPI said that in Spain, which has one of the highest rates of illegal downloading in Europe, sales fell by 17 percent and the music market is now bringing in about one-third of what it did in 2001. France and Brazil were also singled out as “countries known for the historic vibrancy and influence of their music and musicians…with local artist album sales or the number of releases plummeting.” Japan reported flat digital revenue in the first half of 2009, with CD sales dropping 20 percent. According to the report, over 400 licensed digital music services are now available worldwide,

with over 11 million songs for sale. Single track downloads grew by ten percent in ‘09, with

digital album sales up by approximately 20 percent. Despite all of this, the IFPI believes that approximately 95 percent of music downloaded in 2009 was done illegally. IFPI Chairman/CEO John Kennedy commented on the report, saying, “Music fans today can acquire tracks and albums in ways not conceivable a few years ago – from download stores, streaming sites, subscription services, free-to-user sites, bundled with their broadband or a mobile phone handset.” — “It would be great to report that these innovations have been rewarded by market growth, more investment in artists, more jobs. Sadly that is not the case. Digital piracy remains

a huge barrier to market growth and is causing a steady erosion of investment in local music.

The collapse in sales and investment in France, Spain and Brazil, countries with traditionally vibrant music cultures, testify to this and are a warning to the rest of the world.” — “In 2009 the mood has crucially changed. It is now accepted that this is about the future of a broad base of creative industries that have huge economic importance and employ vast numbers of people. Governments, led by France, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK and New Zealand led the way in 2009 by adopting or proposing legislation to tackle piracy. It is vital these efforts are seen through to their conclusion and followed by other governments in 2010.”

http://www.rapindustry.com/news.htm

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