Despite the dominance of streaming platforms, Icelandic music continues to perform significantly better in physical sales than in digital streaming, according to new figures from the Icelandic Record Producers Association.
Domestic releases account for 20.5% of total music streaming revenue in Iceland, compared with 34.2% of vinyl and CD sales. The figures refer to music released by Icelandic record labels, meaning Icelandic artists signed to international labels are counted as foreign releases.
What’s the Story?
Original source: RÚV
- Icelandic releases hold a larger share of vinyl and CD sales than streaming revenue.
- Record store owner says physical formats remain vital for artists’ visibility.
- Musicians are increasingly releasing singles over longer periods before compiling albums.
Changing Release Strategies
Jóhann Ágúst Jóhannsson, owner of Reykjavík Record Shop, said streaming services have transformed listening habits but do not signal the end of Icelandic music publishing.
“We have incredibly strong and vibrant musicians,” he said, adding that many listeners still want music in a physical format. Vinyl and CDs help make releases more visible, he argued, whereas music can become “almost invisible” among the vast catalogues offered by streaming services.
Jóhann said physical releases also play an important role in promoting artists, although producing records remains expensive. Many musicians supplement album sales with merchandise, pointing to Icelandic artist Lúpína, who sold items including T-shirts and postcards alongside the release of her latest album.
He also noted that younger artists increasingly build towards an album by releasing a steady stream of singles over an extended period before compiling them into a full-length record.
Public funding remains an important source of support for Icelandic music production and promotion, he said, although competition for grants is intense.
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