The Business of Production Music : A Value Chain Approach to the Swedish Market for Production Music

Abstract: Within this thesis we map the Value-Chains of the Swedish market for Production Music. The reason behind this is that the authors believe this sub-segment of the music industry to be relatively unexplored by business research. Thus increased knowledge should increase transparency for all market actors. We have gathered previous research regarding value chains in the music industry and compare this research to empirical findings on the Production Music Industry.  These findings are primarily gathered from three interviews with individuals in well informed positions within the industry. The three interviews are also backed up by secondary information found through industry websites and other vendors. Analysis indicates that there are two general forms of Value-Chains in the Production Music Industry that are significantly different from each other, and that these are either centered around the Swedish Performing Rights Organization STIM, or the relatively new internet based music library called Epidemic Sound. Specific forms of value delivered back and forth within these value chains consists of everything from education and coaching in production techniques, to monetary compensation and recognition. Analysis also shows that while there is a rather big difference in how the two general value chains are constructed, there seems to be less variation when it comes to how these value chains are governed.