The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada rank highly on the list of the 12 countries that produce the best music in the world, being home to many of the most iconic music acts of all time.
If the world has a single universal language, it is music, which is produced and enjoyed in every corner of the planet. Whereas music was often siloed within a country’s or region’s borders in the past for the most part, the internet era has made it simple for listeners to find eclectic music from anywhere in the world at the touch of a screen.
The global music industry grew to $25.9 billion in 2021, an 18.5% gain that was primarily driven by a 21.9% surge in streaming subscription revenue. With streamers able to freely discover music they would’ve had limited access to in the past, it’s intensified the debate about which countries produce the best music in the world and thus, which region’s music listeners should search out to try and find their next favorites.
While music is highly subjective, like all forms of art, we can still draw some general conclusions based on the consensus of a large body of music lovers’ opinions on the subject, which is what we’ll do in these rankings.
Before we check out the list, we wanted to see what burning questions people have about the music industry and how different countries produce music. To do that, we turned to OpenAI’s artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT.
The following are six of the top questions people have about the music industry according to the language learning model. We then asked it follow up questions to get the most relevant answer to each. Here are the questions and ChatGPT’s responses.
Question 1: What are the top music producing countries in the world?
ChatGPT’s Answer: It is difficult to determine the "top" music producing countries in the world, as success in the music industry can be measured in a variety of ways and can vary greatly from country to country. Some specific factors that can contribute to the success of a country's music industry include the popularity and commercial success of its musicians and bands, the level of investment and support from the government and other organizations, and the overall size and strength of the music market in that country.
Question 2: Which countries have the most successful music industry?
ChatGPT’s Answer: Some countries that are known for having strong and successful music industries include the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These countries have a long history of producing successful and influential musicians and bands across a wide range of genres, and have a large and diverse music market.
Overall, the music industry is a global phenomenon and there are many countries with strong and successful music industries.
Question 3: What are the unique characteristics of music produced in different countries?
ChatGPT’s Answer: Music produced in different countries may use different languages and lyrics due to local linguistic traditions and cultural influences. For example, music produced in France may be sung in French, while music produced in Japan may be sung in Japanese.
Overall, music produced in different countries can have unique characteristics that reflect the local culture, musical traditions, and individual styles of the musicians and music producers.
Question 4: How do different countries influence the global music industry?
ChatGPT’s Answer: Some specific ways in which different countries influence the global music industry include:
Exporting popular music and musicians: Some countries have a strong presence in the global music industry due to the success of their musicians and bands. For example, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have all exported many popular musicians and bands that have achieved international success.
Setting trends and influencing the sound of popular music: Different countries can also influence the global music industry by setting trends and influencing the sound of popular music. For example, the music scenes in countries such as Brazil and Cuba have had a significant impact on the development of genres such as samba, bossa nova, and salsa, which have gained widespread popularity around the world.
Influencing the development of new technologies: Different countries can also influence the global music industry by developing new technologies that change the way music is created, recorded, and distributed. For example, Japan has been a leader in the development of electronic music technology, while the United States has been at the forefront of digital music distribution.
Question 5: How do music producers in different countries differ in their approach to music production?
ChatGPT’s Answer: Some specific ways in which music producers in different countries may differ in their approach to music production include:
Use of different musical instruments and equipment: Music producers in different countries may use different musical instruments and equipment due to local availability and cultural preferences. For example, a music producer in India may be more likely to use traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar or tabla in their music production, while a producer in Brazil may be more likely to use instruments such as the cavaquinho or berimbau.
Use of different musical styles and genres: Music producers in different countries may be influenced by different musical styles and genres due to local traditions and cultural influences. For example, a music producer in Nigeria may be more likely to incorporate elements of Afrobeat or highlife into their production, while a producer in Cuba may be more likely to incorporate elements of salsa or reggaeton.
Question 6: How do different countries support and promote their music industry and music producers?
ChatGPT’s Answer: Some common ways that governments and other organizations support and promote the music industry in different countries include:
Funding for music education and training programs: Many countries invest in music education and training programs to help nurture the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals. These programs can include funding for music schools, scholarships, and other initiatives.
Investment in music infrastructure: Governments and other organizations may invest in the development of music infrastructure, such as concert venues, recording studios, and other facilities, to support the growth of the music industry in their country.
Promoting local talent: Governments and other organizations may promote local talent by providing funding or other support for the development of local musicians and bands, and by promoting their music through various channels such as radio and television.
Protecting intellectual property rights: Governments and other organizations may work to protect the intellectual property rights of musicians and music industry professionals in their country, such as by enforcing copyright laws and supporting initiatives to ensure that musicians are fairly compensated for their work.
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Now that we know a little more about the inner workings of the music industry, let’s check out which countries have mastered it by diving into the countdown of the 12 countries that produce the best music in the world.
12 Countries that Produce the Best Music in the World
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Our Methodology
To determine which countries produce the best music according to a large sampling of global music lovers, we turned to The Top Tens’ ongoing ranking of the countries with the best music, which can be voted on by anyone. There was little doubt which two countries would rank at the top of music lovers’ collective list. Which one took the top spot? Read on to find out.
12 Countries that Produce the Best Music in the World
Disclaimer: The following write-ups are generated primarily by ChatGPT and not everything ChatGPT outputs is accurate, so its responses have to be taken with a grain of salt. However, for the most part it’s proven to be a powerful research tool. In some instances the responses have been edited for style and clarity, or additional information has been added by the author.
12. Russia
Kicking off the list of 12 countries that produce the best music in the world is Russia, which has a diverse music scene that includes a range of genres and styles. Russian music has a long and rich history, with traditional music styles such as folk, choral, and classical music being an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
In recent years, the Russian music scene has also included a variety of contemporary genres such as pop, rock, hip hop, and electronic dance music. Russian music has gained international recognition and Russian artists have gained a significant following both in Russia and abroad.
11. Italy
Italy has a vibrant and diverse music industry, with a range of genres and styles that reflect the country's rich cultural history. Italian music has a strong tradition of opera, classical music, and folk music, and these styles continue to be an important part of the country's music scene.
Popular Italian musicians include famed tenors Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, as well as blues and rock singer Zucchero, who has released a number of successful albums and has a large following in Italy and internationally. Italian pop singer Ferro has also had a successful career both in Italy and abroad, being known for his emotive and powerful voice, as well as his socially conscious lyrics.
10. France
France cracks the top ten among the countries that produce the best music in the world, thanks in part to its thriving hip hop and rap scene. French artists such as IAM, MC Solaar, and Booba have gained international recognition for their work, with French hip hop and rap often being influenced by the country's diverse cultural heritage and political and social issues.
France has a strong tradition of classical and opera music, and is home to some of the most famous composers in the world, such as Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. The country is also home to world-renowned opera houses such as the Paris Opera and the Opera de Lyon. France also has a creative pop and rock music scene, with some of the most popular French artists in the space being Daft Punk, Phoenix, and Air.
9. Ireland
Traditional Irish music, which includes genres such as folk, Celtic, and traditional Irish dance music, is an important part of the country's cultural identity and continues to be popular in Ireland and internationally. The Irish music scene is an important part of the country's cultural identity and continues to evolve and influence the global music industry.
The Irish music industry is supported by a number of organizations and initiatives, such as the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). The country also has a number of music festivals and events, such as the Electric Picnic and the Cork Jazz Festival, which showcase the talent and diversity of the Irish music scene.
8. India
India has a long tradition of classical music, which includes genres such as Hindustani and Carnatic music. Classical music is an important part of the country's cultural identity and is still widely appreciated in India, which ranks 8th among the 12 countries that produce the best music in the world.
Bollywood music has also become popular both at home and abroad in recent years, being known for its catchy melodies, energetic dance numbers, and romantic themes. India also has a growing electronic dance music scene lead by Indian DJs and producers such as Anish Sood, Lost Stories, and Nucleya. Indian electronic dance music often incorporates elements of traditional Indian music and is influenced by the country's diverse cultural heritage.
7. Japan
The Japanese music industry is supported by a number of music festivals and events, such as the Fuji Rock Festival and the Summer Sonic Festival, which showcase the talent and diversity of the Japanese music scene. The Japanese government also provides funding and support for the music industry through initiatives such as the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which promotes the development and promotion of Japanese culture and arts.
Some of the most popular Japanese artists include pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki, nicknamed the “Empress of Pop”, Hikaru Utada, who gained international recognition for singing the theme songs to the Kingdom Hearts games, and rock band One OK Rock, which is known for its energetic live performances and powerful lyrics.
6. Australia
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, with many popular artists and genres helping elevate it so sixth place on the list of the 12 countries that produce the best music in the world. Some of the most popular genres of music in Australia include rock, pop, electronic, and hip hop, and the country has produced several iconic musicians and groups, including Kylie Minogue and AC/DC.
Australia also has a strong live music scene, with many music festivals and concerts held throughout the country. Some popular Australian music festivals include the Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, and Groovin' the Moo.
