Starting this summer, the club may be the only thing goin’ up on a Tuesday. In an effort to reduce piracy and boost sales, the music industry at large is moving to universally release albums on Friday. Traditionally, albums have been released on differing regional schedules (Monday in the U.K. and Tuesday in the U.S.), but the rise of the Internet as a means of music distribution has complicated that. The IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) has the record industry all TGIF after they came to the conclusion that an “aligned global release day” would benefit artists, labels and distributors as well as prevent piracy. Spotify, Rdio and U.S. music retailers under the Music Business Association have vocalized support for the shift, which will apparently take effect this summer.
Why? Firstly, Friday means payday for many consumers and research showed fans are most inclined to buy music on Fridays and Saturdays. More music bought = more money for artists and music stores. Secondly, the move will prevent piracy because album releases will be more universal. Instead of an album being released in Europe on a certain day and in the U.S. at a later date, albums will soon be released on one specific date in an effort to counter piracy and illegal sharing. Â Finally, social media and digital marketing of albums will be more streamlined by having a universal release day.
Although major labels and retailers are supportive of the switch (for obvious reasons), it will be interesting to see how independent labels and producers react.
via Rolling Stone.
