Sweden's STIM Reports Record Royalties Abroad

Swedish collecting society STIM has reported income generated from abroad reached an all time-high in 2005.

According to its preliminary accounting figures, 282 million kronor ($35.6 million) was collected from oversees in 2005, up 16% from the previous year. The previous best was 270 million kronor ($34.1 million) in 2001.

"For over ten years music written by Swedish composers reaped big success in the U.S. as well as Germany, England, Holland and France," STIM's director of information and communications Margita Ljusberg says. Ljusberg adds that the figures illustrate a "sensational upturn" following three years of "gradual decline."

The enduring international popularity of ABBA was again in focus last year. The legendary pop band's "Dancing Queen" was the most-played Swedish song in England, according to STIM. The sample of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" in Madonna's worldwide hit "Hung Up" and the ongoing success of the musical "Mamma Mia!" were also strong points.

The society also highlights rising Swedish artists Eric Prydz, who had a hit with the dance track "Call On Me," and José González, whose breakout single "Heartbeats" was written by Karin and Olof Dreijer of the local electronic group the Knife.

"The mixture and the number of the songs that generate the significant increase in revenue from abroad shows the strength of STIM's repertoire which is unique in an international perspective," the organization's CEO Kenth Muldin comments.

A comprehensive final report will be issued April 15.