The music industry is a powerful sector of the cultural and creative economy in Germany, contributing significantly to creativity, innovation and economic growth. The industry encompasses music production, music publishing, music marketing, music distribution, live events and instrument manufacturing and distribution, i.e. music labels, music publishers, concert, tour and festival organisers, artists' agencies, management, clubs and specialist music retailers, as well as the artists themselves.

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The music industry is a significant economic factor, generating billions of euros in sales and tens of thousands of jobs in Germany. With its economic spill-over effects - which extend far beyond the music industry - it contributes to the creation of value in the economy as a whole. This potential must be recognised politically in order to secure the future of the industry in all its diversity.

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Germany's very dynamic music industry faces many challenges. A secure framework must therefore be created to strengthen its cultural, social and economic role. In addition to the stabilisation and expansion of the culture pass and the promotion of young talent, the need for innovation in terms of measures for ecological sustainability and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles are of great importance. The integration and regulation of artificial intelligence in music recommendations and music production requires clear legal guidelines to ensure fair licensing models. Labour law issues such as the Working Hours Act, bogus self-employment and the Artists' Social Security Fund are other key issues. The industry advocates equal treatment with other cultural sectors, for example through a reduced VAT rate for music products, and calls for a level playing field to maintain the diversity and quality of advice in music retail and to safeguard local jobs. It also believes that music education, which is essential for the future of music culture and the music industry in Germany, is at risk.

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The music industry strives to represent its diverse interests, including through the Forum Musikwirtschaft, in order to remain a driving force for innovation and creativity in Germany. Finding a balance between competition, promotion and regulation that makes economic sense without jeopardising the music ecosystem is a key task in ensuring the future viability of this important economic sector.