I never understood the global release schedule. Traditionally, an album is released on a Tuesday in the States, the Monday prior in England and parts of Europe and the Friday prior in Australia and other regions. I remember when I interned at a record label many moons ago, my boss explained it to me as offering people in other regions extra incentive not to just purchase the U.S. import. But in the digital world, it made even less sense because once an album is released legally in one region, it will leak on the internet globally.
According to a new report by Billboard, that's all about to change, as the global release date for all albums starting this summer will always fall on a Friday.
"[Music fans] want music when it's available on the internet — not when it's ready to be released in their country," International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) head Frances Moore told Billboard. "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."
There seems to be some blowback from certain industry players about Friday being the day for releases, with some saying it might affect sales for indie artists, but no elaboration as to why. Regardless, this is what it is… starting this summer all releases will be out on Fridays.
How do you feel about the change?
