Friday will replace Tuesday as new music release day.
The new change starts Friday, July 10. Tracks will be released at 12:01 on Fridays each week in more than 45 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the British-based organization that acts as a music-biz United Nations, hopes that the move would benefit the industry as a whole, since it would reduce piracy (since albums often come out before the United States internationally), allow artists to focus their social-media campaigns and, using the words of the IFPI’s statement, “re-ignite excitement and a sense of occasion around the release of new music.”
The Music Business Association, an organization that represents U.S. music retailers, as well as the likes of Spotify, Rdio and many international music stores have voiced support of the initiative.
“Music fans live in the digital world of today,” IFPI CEO Frances Moore wrote in a statement. “Their love for new music doesn’t recognize 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.”
“More than ever, the music industry has become global, and we represent international companies marketing international acts in multiple markets,” RIAA chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said in a statement. “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.”
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