The sales of CDs in Poland amounted to zł.344 million in 2012 up from zł.300 million in 2011, according to EMI Music Polska. This makes Poland an important exception compared to other countries, where sales of music in traditional formats are decreasing, Piotr Kabaj, president of EMI Music Polska told daily Rzeczpospolita. 

Poles preferred local sounds, with the albums of Polish artists dominating the top 10 of the most popular records in the country. That’s according to the Official Retail Sales Chart (OLiS) compiled by pollster TNS Pentor and the Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry.

The best selling album in Poland last year was “Myśliwiecka” by Artur Andrus (Mystic Production). While Adele’s “21” (XL Recordings/Sonic), Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” (Universal Music) and Gotye’s “Making Mirrors” (Universal Music) ranked second, third, and ninth respectively, the remaining six spots were taken by Polish musicians.

But while CDs were the most popular format, digital music formats are gaining. The value of the market in Poland rocketed from zł.24 million in 2011 to zł.44 million in 2012, according to EMI. Consultancy PwC estimates that 2013 revenues from this sector in Poland will reach $17 million, with CD sales at $105 million.

Streaming services are growing more popular as well. In mid-February Spotify began offering its streaming service in Poland. Spotify already has competition in the Polish market with firms like Deezer, WiMP and Rara, but there is an increasingly large market as well. According to EMI, revenues from streaming services rose 80 percent y/y in 2012.

Marta Mardosz