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After many months of rumour and debate, it was confirmed today that the release day fo new music will be aligned globally on a Friday.
The IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) revealed the news in a statement on their website earlier today, in a decision which they say was made "following consultation with artists, musicians unions, record companies and retailers."
Release days currently vary from country to country, which the IFPI claim causes frustration for consumers when music fans in other parts of the world can access new releases before them.
The move hasn't been universally welcomed though - Beggar's Group founder Martin Millis told Music Week that a Friday release day would eliminate "one of the trading week’s two peaks, and the ability to re-stock and rectify errors before the week’s second peak."
He added, "I fear their consultation has been a charade, and the market leaders were always going to push this through. I fear this move will also lead to a market in which the mainstream dominates, and the niche, which can be tomorrow’s mainstream, is further marginalised. I fear it will further cement the dominance of the few – and that that is exactly what it is intended to do."
Global release day will take effect from summer 2015, with all new albums and singles release at local time on Fridays.
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