Big Dutch pop artists such as Guus Meeuwis, Suzan & Freek and Roxy Dekker make a comfortable living and even earn a substantial income. But for most musicians, this is not the case. They earn considerably less. In the fourth episode of "Oh Ja Joh?!", we speak to media researcher Yosha Wijngaarden about her research into the salaries of Dutch pop artists.
In collaboration with the advocacy group BAM! Popauteurs, Yosha Wijngaarden conducted a survey of 314 Dutch artists, songwriters and producers in the pop music sector. In this survey, they answered a range of questions about their music careers, income and well-being. The results showed that half of Dutch artists earn just 415 euros a month. That is less than 5,000 euros a year.
Mental wellbeing
The result? 50% of musicians work a further 19 hours a week alongside their music careers just to make ends meet. In addition, many artists struggle with anxiety and symptoms of depression. This is a particular problem amongst female pop artists. How can the playing field be so uneven? What might be a solution to this? And finally: what can you do to support up-and-coming musicians?
Listen to the fourth episode of "Oh Ja Joh?!" via your favourite podcast app and find out.
- Researcher
- More information
Read the full research paper (Artiestenmonitor 2025) on the website of BAM! Popauteurs.
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