Friday confirmed as global release day for new music

New music will be released every Friday from this summer, following a decision announced by the music industry today.

Singles are currently issued in the UK on Sundays, with albums released on Mondays – but the new move means new singles and albums will be released at 00.01 local time every Friday. 

The change comes after global record labels association IFPI announced today that Friday will be deemed as release day in all key countries round the world, following consultation with indie and major labels, artist representative organisations and music retailers. 

The move means that artists will be able to instantly release their music on the same day worldwide, instead of releases being staggered through the week, on different days in different countries. 

For instance, next month’s Madonna album Rebel Heart will be released on Monday in the UK, Tuesday in the US, on Friday in Germany and Australia – but, were it released after the summer change, it would be released on Friday in every country around the world. 

The change is expected to have an impact on chart compilers around the world – and the Official charts Company issued the following statement: "Following the announcement that the record industry is moving to a synchronised global release day of Friday, we will also be looking to move the UK chart announcement day. Exact details are to be decided but Radio 1 will continue to be the home of the Official Chart."