Published
Thu, Feb 26, 2015, 17:07
- The changes will come into play this summer.
A new global release day for albums—Friday—has been decided by International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
As Billboard report, the adjustment will take effect this summer. This global release day will mean albums no longer come out on different days in different countries: traditionally, release dates for albums have varied in different markets such as the US, UK, Europe and Asia. The IFPI say the decision has been made following "many months of discussions with groups across the music sector." The changes are aimed to fall in line with people's listening habits and also to combat piracy.
IFPI released a statement which reads: "Why is global release day such a smart idea for today's music business? First, because it is what our consumers want. Music fans live in the digital world of today. Their love for new music doesn't recognise national borders. They want music when it's available on the internet—not when it’s ready to be released in their country. An aligned global release day puts an end to the frustration of not being able to access releases in their country when the music is available in another country. This is particularly prevalent in a world united by social media, where fans can instantly see friends or family in other countries enjoying the music they want."
It continues: "Global release day is about celebrating new music. By creating a single day for new releases across the world, it's an opportunity to re-awaken the excitement and anticipation of new music everywhere [...] And there is another benefit: the global release day narrows the gap on piracy by making it less likely that consumers will go to pirate sites when they can't get new releases in their country. This will help channel revenues back to the legitimate rights owners."
There has been opposition to the move in some quarters. As Billboard points out, this week Beggars Group chairman Martin Mills said: "I fear this move will also lead to a market in which the mainstream dominates, and the niche, which can be tomorrow's mainstream, is further marginalized. I fear it will further cement the dominance of the few—and that is exactly what it is intended to do."
Photo: Amoeba Music in LA