Equal Music 2040 aims to double the sector’s growth
Despite progress, the music industry remains structurally unequal. Less than a quarter of music creators are women, and decision-making positions in the sector are still heavily male-dominated. Experiences of equality and inclusion also differ significantly between men and women.
The Equal Futures in Music initiative has now convened influential stakeholders from across the music industry to create a common vision for a more equal music sector looking ahead to 2040. Gramex is actively involved in the initiative.
A transition arena brought stakeholders together
Published in May, the report An Equal Music Industry in Finland 2040 sets out ambitious goals, including doubling the value of the music industry and establishing a self-regulatory body for the sector.
The report is based on the Equal Futures in Music transition arena organised by Tomi Rantanen, a doctoral researcher in systemic design at Aalto University and a DJ. The transition arena examined the structures of the music industry through a future-oriented lens.
The transition arena methodology has previously been used, for example, in a process organised by Aalto University and Sitra in 2017 to develop proposals for Finland’s climate and energy targets. The redesigned arena developed by Rantanen aims to promote greater equality and inclusion within the structures of the music industry.
“Structural change requires a shared goal and long-term commitment to achieving it at every level of the industry. We have created the current operating culture together, and together we can also change it,” Rantanen says.
A total of 29 change-makers from across the music sector took part in the process, representing music creators and performing artists, record companies, the live and events sector, funders, organisations and music education.
Self-regulation and education at the core
The report’s key proposal is the establishment of a self-regulatory body for the music industry. This body would monitor and report on equality and inclusion measures, guide related funding, and intervene in problematic situations.
In addition, the report emphasises strengthening basic music education and hobby-based activities, as well as developing coaching and mentoring pathways to attract more diverse creators and role models to the sector.
The report also recommends improving access to data related to the music industry and enhancing recruitment practices.
Discussion on the future of the music industry
The An Equal Music Industry in Finland 2040 report and the future of the music sector were discussed at the Equal Music Industry 2040 event held at the Helsinki Music Centre on Monday, 11 May.
The discussion featured Tomi Rantanen alongside Vappu Aura, Director of Public Affairs at Teosto; Sari Aalto-Setälä, Executive Director of Music Finland; singer-songwriter Maija Vilkkumaa; music producer Jonas Olsson; Nasima Razmyar, Vice Chair of the Social Democratic Party of Finland; and Tapio Hakanen, Head of Yle Music.
The report was produced in collaboration by Aalto University, artist Asla Jo, Gramex, Hög Light & Sound, Mimmi Label, Music Finland, the Finnish Music Foundation, Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland, the Finnish Musicians’ Union, NODUS Sustainable Design Research Group, Playground Music, SheSaid.so Finland, Sony Music Entertainment Finland, the Finnish Music Creators’ Association, the Finnish Music Publishers Association, Tavastia Club, TAVATA, Tomi Creative and Teosto.
