The Sound of Frankfurt

Music and the music industry have been very important in Frankfurt for many years. After the war, under the influence of American GIs, the city soon became the jazz capital of Germany. Years later, techno and hip hop, German New Wave (Neue Deutsche Welle) and rock and pop “made in Frankfurt” secured their own place in music history. The spectrum of successful producers and composers from the Main metropolis ranges from Sven Väth via Moses P to Frank Farian, who wrote hits for Boney M. here. The location has a dense network of companies covering all stages of music production and marketing. There are also numerous locations, initiatives and clubs.

A lively and varied scene
Reinhard Besser is one of Frankfurt’s flagship advertising and film music companies. Advertising, TV and film scores are produced in the many sound studios. Labels such as Hazelwood, INFRAcom or Essay Recordings manage local acts like Shantel. His Bucovina-Sound has also become popular outside of Germany. Major concert agencies like Marek Lieberberg, Shooter and Wizard Promotions as well as many independent bookers ensure that musical work is marketed successfully.

For composers, sound engineers and sound designers, the cooperation with local companies in the advertising industry and the film industry is a very successful one.

The Frankfurt Music Guide (see right “Download”) gives a good overview of the Frankfurt music industry: it lists producers, event organisers, sound recording equipment manufacturers and many other companies and organisations.

Classical music
Old Opera House (Alte Oper), Ensemble Modern, Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra of the Hessische Rundfunk, and Frankfurt Opera (Oper Frankfurt) are outstanding examples of classical music production companies and are leaders in their sector throughout Germany. The Frankfurt Opera has been voted the best German opera house on several occasions.

Frankfurt Music Fair
The largest international trade fair for musical instruments, music software, sheet music and accessories take place every year. Together with the Prolight+Sound fair, which is run in parallel, this impressive event proves that music is an economic asset that doesn’t only support artists.

Promoting future talent
A broad spectrum of state and private further educational and training institutions demonstrates the competence of the location. Talent is nurtured in many music schools from an early age. Education institutions such as Dr. Hoch’s Conservatory (Dr. Hoch’s Konservatorium) or the High School of Music and Performing Arts Frankfurt (Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt) are the organisations that develop future talent within the industry.

Key players & organisations

3p Gesellschaft für Kommunikation, Hazelwood Music Production, INFRACom!, Intergroove, Essay Recordings, Josef Weinberger Musikverlage, Melodie der Welt, Edition Peters, VUT Mitte.