IFPI Sets Global Record Release Day As Friday

IFPI: Friday On Their Minds

The music business has FRIDAY on its mind.  That will be the new worldwide record release day as opposed to the traditional TUESDAY, with the shift coming later this SUMMER, according to sources.

The INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE PHONOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY made the expected announcement this morning, "following consultation with artists, musicians unions, record companies and retailers."

Release days currently vary from one country to another, causing frustration for consumers when music fans in other parts of the world can access new releases before them. As well as helping music fans, the move will benefit artists who want to harness social media to promote their new music. It also creates the opportunity to re-ignite excitement and a sense of occasion around the release of new music.

The move to an aligned global release day will also reduce the risk of piracy by narrowing the gap between release days in different countries.

Retailers internationally are committed to working with the labels and artist communities to ensure the successful implementation of the move.

From summer 2015, new albums and singles will be released at 00:01 local time on FRIDAYS. Music consumers everywhere will know to look for new releases on FRIDAYS regardless of where they are.

Consumer research by TNS across seven markets shows FRIDAY and SATURDAY as the most preferred days for new music release among consumers who expressed an opinion. More than two thirds of those with a preference (68%) chose one of the two days.

The move to a global release day follows several months of discussions between group representing retailers, record companies, artists and musicians unions, including:

IFPI, representing some 1300 record labels worldwide

FIM, representing musicians’ unions and associations globally

FEATURED ARTISTS COALITION representing UK performers

Leading retailers and representative organizations, including AUSTRALIAN MUSIC RETAILERS ASSOCIATION (AMRA), E.LECLERC, EL CORTES INGLES, ENTERTAINMENT RETAILERS ASSOCIATION (ERA) (UK), HMV, ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF SPECIALIST CONSUMER ELECTRONICS RETAILERS (AIRES), MEDIA-SATURN, MUSIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION  (MUSIC BIZ US), MONDADORI RETAIL, THE ORCHARD, RDIO, SPOTIFY, NAPSTER and ITUNES. 

RIAA CHAIRMAN/CEO CARY SHERMAN's comments were representative of the support for the move: “There's a strong consensus for a singular global release day. Consumer research and feedback has informed the decision that FRIDAY is the optimal choice. More than ever, the music industry has become global, and we represent international companies marketing international acts in multiple markets. Geographic lines are often irrelevant to digital marketing strategies and fans' expectations of instant access to their favorite music. This change will be good for fans and good for the business."

THE ORCHARD's outspoken SCOTT COHEN was another champion: "I'm delighted with the decision to create a single global release day for music and for that date to be a FRIDAY. Adhering to national release dates in a connected world makes no sense anymore. But organizing our business around the consumer makes perfect sense. The weekend should be about fun and discovering new music. And since this is what consumers already do it feels great to give them just what they want.”

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