Digital sales more profitable for musicians than CDs and records

Irish musicians are now earning more from digital revenue than physical sales of CDs and records.

According to a new report by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), 2015 saw the first increase in global music sales in nearly two decades, with digital revenues overtaking physical revenues for the first time.

This was mirrored in Ireland where digital revenues in that year at €16.3m surpassed physical revenues at €16m for the first time. Growth in streaming revenues was particularly pronounced and also overtook downloads for the first time in 2015.