DENMARK - Road Map
Fast facts
Dial Code: +45
Population: 5,8 million
Language: Danish
Capital City: Copenhagen
Currency: DKK
GDP Per Capita: $61.350
Labels, distribution & licensing
RECORD LABELS
The three international major labels Universal, Sony and Warner Music all have offices in Copenhagen.
Bigger Danish indie labels and distributors include:
Pop rock and metal
Jazz
Distribution
Here you can find an extensive list of most Danish record labels, big and small.
Publishing & Performance rights
Out of the big international publishers, Warner/Chappell is represented in Copenhagen. Sony ATV and Universal Music Publishing both have their respective Nordic offices in Stockholm, Sweden.
In addition to the majors, there are several native independent publishers with good connections to the Danish entertainment and film industry. Some of the bigger domestic indie labels also have their own publishing departments.
The publisher’s role is increasingly shifting towards becoming somewhat of a manager for songwriters, rather than “just” a publisher.
PUBLISHERS
More publishing companies can be found here.
PERFORMANCE RIGHTS
Collection of royalties and performance rights to songwriters go through Koda, the Danish performance rights organisation. Koda is well connected to other collection societies in the music industry and particularly those from the other Nordic territories.
Despite Denmark’s relatively small size, the country has a number of notable independent management companies – some of which are combined with a label or booking agency.
Danish management companies include:
A complete list of management companies can be found here.
Media, PR & Promotion
PRINT & ONLINE
The main print magazine for music is Gaffa, which is published in all three Scandinavian countries (translated by language). Another important Danish magazine is Soundvenue. Both are widely read by music consumers and are seen as the main publications for Danish and international music as well as the music industry. All print magazines have online editions.
Relevant music, culture, and lifestyle outlets include:
iByen by Politiken (Copenhagen only)
Major newspapers also cover culture and music, especially festivals. The biggest national newspapers are:
Extra-Bladet (tabloid)
There are a couple of Danish music blogs, but they generally have a very small impact on the market. Most big international blogs are well-known and read.
BLOGS
RADIO
The most popular radio station for new music is P3, which is owned and run by public broadcasting company DR (Danmarks Radio). Another relevant radio station is P6 Beat, which is also public but smaller and focuses on contemporary, alternative, and niche genres. P5 focuses on pop music.
For more specialized radio The Lake is a good example.
Commercial radio
A complete list of radio stations can be found here. Please note that regional radio in Denmark has very few listeners compared to for example Germany.
PR COMPANIES
The media field in Denmark is relatively small and it is not unusual for PR work to be undertaken in-house. However, there are several promo-agencies to choose from should you be in need of external PR services:
Live & Venues
VENUES
Copenhagen
Århus
Others
Festivals
Gutter Island Garagerock Festival
For a more complete list please see this overview of members of Dansk Live (includes festivals and venues)
BOOKING AGENCIES
Other
NETWORKING ARENAS
Spot festival – April/May
The most important networking and showcase event in Denmark is Spot festival in Århus. Spot festival has been arranged every year since 1995, currently around April and May. The three-day festival attracts most of the Danish industry and several international delegates from the Nordic countries and the rest of Europe, especially Germany. Rock, pop, and electronic music are all well represented, but there are no official restrictions.
When Copenhell Freezes Over – January
As a part of the run-up to Copenhell Festival, a showcase called When Copenhell Freezes Over is arranged in January for rock and metal music. The first festival was arranged in 2015 and showcased mostly Danish artists.
TAXATION
Value-added Tax
As Denmark is a member of the European Union, B2B-trade between businesses eligible to pay VAT is generally tax-free inside of the EU. With B2B-trade, it is the responsibility of the buyer to pay VAT according to the buying country’s laws. However, the buyer is allowed to apply for a refund when submitting their taxes, which makes the transaction practically tax-free. When selling to consumers, tax is collected by the country of the provider.
The standard and only VAT-rate for Denmark is 25%. Invoicing a promoter for a music performance is VAT-free, although entrance tickets and records are not.
Selling copyrights is subject to VAT.
If your business is domiciled outside of the EU it is possible to apply for a refund on the VAT when purchasing goods in Denmark. More information here.
If your income from sales within Denmark is less than DKK 50,000 during any 12 month period then you do not need to register for VAT. However, if you exceed that sum you should register for VAT at skat.dk. You can find more information here.
It is recommended that you check best practices with your local tax authorities and your accountant.
Income tax
If you are an EU or EEA citizen and stay in Denmark for six months or more then you are eligible to pay tax. The tax system for individuals on the payroll is quite complex and includes a labour market contribution and municipal taxes, as well as health and social security contributions.
It is very likely that a performing artist will be regarded as a receiver of a fee by the tax authorities rather than as an individual on the payroll – especially if the payments or the work/performance does not take place consistently for the same employer. When you are being paid a fee, the same rules apply as for Danish VAT – if it exceeds DKK 50,000 during any twelve-month period you should contact Skat.
It is recommended that you check best practices with your local tax authorities and your accountant.
Sources and more information:
http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/taxes/income-taxes-abroad/denmark/index_en.htm
http://www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oId=2064100&vId=0
http://www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oId=2159150&vId=0
http://www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oId=2122141&vId=0