Epidemic Sound: The Pioneering Music Production Collective

Epidemic Sound is a revolutionary Swedish music company and artist collective that has redefined the creation and licensing of production music for digital content. Founded in Stockholm in 2009, the company has grown into a global force, providing a vast, high-quality catalog of tracks that soundtrack millions of videos, podcasts, and broadcasts worldwide.

Early career

Epidemic Sound was established in 2009 by entrepreneurs David Stenmarck, Hjalmar Winbladh, Jan Zachrisson, and Peer Åström, a Grammy-winning producer and songwriter. The concept was born from a need to solve the complex and costly issue of music licensing for online creators, who often faced copyright claims on platforms like YouTube. The company built a unique, tech-driven platform and began collaborating with a network of composers and musicians, primarily from Sweden, to create an exclusive library of original, royalty-free music.

Breakthrough

The company's breakthrough came with the explosive growth of the digital creator economy in the mid-2010s. As platforms like YouTube and Facebook prioritized licensed content, Epidemic Sound's model—offering unlimited access to its entire catalog for a subscription—became the industry standard for professional creators. This pivotal shift cemented its status not just as a library, but as a major patron and distributor for a vast array of electronic, pop, rock, and hip-hop producers.

Key tracks

Burbank — This upbeat, synth-driven track by composer and frequent contributor Ooyy exemplifies the modern, cinematic sound that has become a staple in tech and lifestyle vlogs globally.

Night Shade — A moody, atmospheric piece by Kylie Dailey, showcasing the depth and emotional range available within the company's extensive instrumental catalog.

Sun Goes Down — An energetic indie-pop track by artist RYYZN, highlighting how the platform also fosters vocal-forward songs that rival commercial releases.

Voyage — This expansive, orchestral electronic composition by Coma-Media demonstrates the high production value and cinematic scope of the music curated by Epidemic Sound.

The company's success is built on its direct partnerships with thousands of composers, ensuring they receive fair, transparent royalties whenever their music is used. This artist-centric model has attracted top-tier talent, continuously expanding a catalog that spans genres from ambient and lo-fi to energetic dance and corporate rock. Their music now underscores content from major media companies, independent filmmakers, and global brands, making it one of the most heard music sources in the digital realm.

For listeners exploring the sounds of modern Scandinavian electronic and production music, similar artists include Kavinsky for his retro synthwave style, Little Dragon for their eclectic electronic pop sensibility, The Radio Dept for their dreamy, textured soundscapes, and Josef Salvat for his polished, emotive pop productions.

The innovative music from Epidemic Sound's vast collective of composers is regularly featured on a wide array of radio stations, particularly those focusing on electronic, ambient, and contemporary instrumental formats. Online radio streams dedicated to background music for work or study, as well as independent music stations exploring modern composition, frequently program tracks from their ever-evolving library.

The expansive and genre-defying music from Epidemic Sound's artist network can be heard across numerous radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the perfect soundtrack for any moment by tuning into the variety of stations available on onairium.com, where the pulse of modern production music is always playing.