Record Industry May Create A Standard Album Release Date
The record industry is considering implementing a standard global album release date--meaning records would be released the same date on every continent. So instead of new albums being released on a Monday in the UK and then that Tuesday in the US, music executives are considering changing the release date globally to a Friday. According to Billboard, the industry's move towards the global date is being supported by the RIAA and IFPI as well as the major labels--and is in part an effort to reduce 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.
A Friday standard album release date would mean new albums get released on payday and at the start of the weekend, when consumers have money in their pockets and are very likely to spend it. Digital service providers, physical merchants, and the major record labels aren't necessarily in agreement about the whole thing however. While some argue that early street dates get more records sold, others are eager to do whatever it takes to cut down on piracy, and the rest are concerned about the way a standard album release date would permanently change the way physical retailers have done business for so long. Quoting one anonymous label executive, Billboard points out:
"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. Now, they could have two-thirds of their sales in one day... [which would impact retail operation]."
The opposition also argues that the consumer has been conditioned to go to the record store on Tuesday and are worried about--not only the shift of the American record industry--but a consequent shift in the entire US marketing industry.
What do you think? From a music head's perspective, a good move--or nah? Click the link below for the full article and let us know what you feel in the comments section.
