A fortnight ago, The Official Charts company confirmed the news that album streaming will start to be included in the weekly chart rundown as of this weekend; today, the IFPI (aka the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) have confirmed that as of this summer, new music will be released every Friday.
Currently, singles are released on Sundays (and albums on Mondays), two days that contradict various other global markets. As of this July, both single and albums will be released worldwide at 00.01 local time every Friday.
The change follows consultation with indies and majors, alongside music retailers, and sees Friday being deemed as the the release day in all key countries around the world – essentially this move will mean that artists will be able to release their music on the same day globally. Additionally, whilst little extra is known at this time, the UK’s Official Charts Company has confirmed that chart-announcement days (which historically have been Sunday evenings), will also be moved to coincide with the aforementioned changes.
A spokesperson for The Official Charts Company said “Following the announcement that the record industry is moving to a synchronised global release day of Friday, we will also be looking to move the UK chart announcement day. Exact details are to be decided but Radio 1 will continue to be the home of the Official Chart.”
