Music industry considering a new global album release day
The music industry is considering a new global release day that may see all countries releasing new albums on Fridays (instead of the traditional Tuesdays). The change will likely be implemented around July 2015. According to Billboard, the main reason for the change is to combat music piracy.
“While some sources say its a done deal as far as the major labels and the IFPI and RIAA are concerned, other sources insist the issue has yet to be fully decided. The main reason why the industry is moving toward a global street date — instead of letting each territory pick the day that they feel is best for their respective markets, which is the way it works now — is to cut down on global piracy.
With Australia now having a Friday street date, digital piracy begins almost immediately around the globe, as the new release is shared across the web before fans in the U.K. (which has a Monday street date) or the U.S. (which has a Tuesday street date) have a chance to purchase the music legally.”
The change could be awkward for retail sellers of physical albums. Having an album release early in the week gives them more time to move units. “This global street date is necessary for the industry but unfortunately it will be awkward for the physical retailers to change their ways of doing business,” a label source told Billboard. “Now, they could have two-thirds of their sales in one day.”
Other entertainment industries (like home video) have long adopted the traditional Tuesday release day. It will be interesting to see if they follow the music industry’s change.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
