DUP works for the Independent Danish music – from creation to success – in Denmark and abroad.

DUP is a non-commercial interest organization for small and medium-sized record labels in Denmark. DUP helps promote and develop the growth layer in Danish music and is a culture-bearing association, whose most prestigious role is to create the best possible conditions for artists and record labels, often run by idealists and entrepreneurs. The organization has existed since 2002 and since then it has worked to strengthen the growth-layer of Danish music.

Nowadays, record companies are maneuvering in a market dominated and influenced by majors. It’s a reality that the major labels, through fusions are becoming fewer and larger. 10-15 years ago, large indie-labels, the size of the smallets majors existed, but today only four majors remain (SonyBMG, Universal, EMI og Warner), together controlling over 70% of the market in Denmark. This leaves little influence and room for the independent artists and labels, who, in DUPs experience, often are squeezed by the more commercial goods, which the majors invest in, in order to satisfy their share-holders.

DUP is not categorically against the major labels, who have previously, in many ways, been predecessors for, or partners to, the smaller labels – a.o. as distributors of the independents music. But the development shows, that it’s necessary for the independent labels to unite and work for fair terms. Hence, DUP works to gain the best possible conditions for the small labels on both a national and international level.

DUP has five focus areas:
1. Influence in cultural politics and in the business
2. Influence on and development of international music politics
3. Knowledge sharing and visionary thinking
4. Visibility of Danish music abroad
5. Common trade- and production deals

1. Influence in cultural politics and in the business
This is our starting point and the heart of the organization. DUP acts as a mounthpice and represents the members, but also the Danish grassroots in relevant connections. DUP has, a.o., been a part of:

• Development of the Musiczone (as a part of the Music Alliance)
• Preparation of “Musikken spiller med – 15 anbefalinger til regering og folketing”
• Creation / development of ”Pladeproduktionsstøtteordningen” (The Danish Ministry of Culture)
• Creation / development of ”Music Export Denmark” (MXD), (The Danish Ministry of Culture)
• Paneldiscussions at a.o. SPOT Festival
• Impala boardmeetings, where the independent European musicbusiness works together for better terms
• WIN boardmeetings, (Worldwide Independent Network), where the independent sector meets in a worldwide network

Besides from this, DUP regularly speaks the opinion of the organization in the press, as well as in other business-related venues (Midem, Copenhagen Music Week, SPOT, Popkomm, mv.)

2.  Influence on and development of international music politics
DUP has a seat in the board of the international trade association, IMPALA (Independent Music Companies Association). IMPALA is the European association of independent labels. The associations works, a.o., against monopolies, and has spoken for the EU-comission in the case of the SONY/BMG fusion.

DUP are also on the board of the worldwide association WIN (Worldwide Independent Network). WIN works, like IMPALA, against monopolies, but on a global field. Recently WIN initiated the negotiation organ MERLIN, commonly referred to as “the 5th Major”. MERLIN negotiates deals for the independent labels which the labels would never be capable of pursuing single handedly.

We see these memberships as very important to DUP, as they strengthen our global network, experience, knowledge and influence.

3. Knowledge sharing and visionary thinking
We believe in a strengthening of the musicbusiness by creating possibilities for exchanging experiences and new ways of thinking. Everybody can learn from each other – a.o. at our member-meetings, lectures, participation at festivals and relevant B2B conferences.

4. Visibility of Danish music abroad
DUP releases the international magasin BOOMBOOM once every year. The purpose of the publication is to raise awareness and knowledge of Danish music and the Danish music industry. The magasin is published in an exclusive quality in English and targets the international music business.

5. Common trade- and production deals
DUP seeks to negotiate common deals that can be of use to all members. With around 50 labels, DUP can secure the members a part of the operational advantages available under DUP.
DUP follows the development on the digital market and guides the labels, a.o. through our cooperation with MAQS Law Firm