The NME Chart – a top 40 reflecting the NME Radio playlist – launches Monday 2nd November and is compiled by the Official Charts Company, based on both physical and download sales of tracks that feature on the NME Radio playlist.
According to the publishers, NME Radio has fast become an essential listen for any fan of the alternative genre, allowing its audience to hear NME-recommended artists first. The NME Chart will recognise a mix of established and up-and-coming breakthrough acts that tend not to appear in the traditional broadcast media thereby making The NME Chart more relevant for the true alternative fan.
The chart will comprise single and album tracks – meaning a track does not have to be released as a single in order to appear in The NME Chart. Digital sales have grown massively in recent years and are expected to play a vital part in the chart, offering a fantastic opportunity to smaller bands and labels.
NME publishing director Paul Cheal (pictured) says: “NME was responsible for publishing the first ever singles chart in the UK, all the way back in 1952. It’s appropriate then, as the singles market has enjoyed a massive resurgence thanks to digital downloads, that we are once again able to provide an official NME Chart. At a time when the main charts are dominated by pop acts, we hope the NME Chart will become a valuable tool not just for NME's audience but also record labels.”
The Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot adds: “We are delighted to be working with NME to create this brand new chart, which will provide a shop window for UK music fans’ favourite alternative music. It feels apt to be working together again with this famous music brand, that created the singles chart as we know it and love it, six decades ago.”
NME was responsible for the first ever UK chart which launched in 1952 before being taken over by The Official Charts Company in 1960 and today’s announcement marks the music brand’s return to the charts.
About NME
IPC Media says: “NME is the longest published and most respected music weekly in the world. Every week it gives its readers the most exciting, most authoritative coverage of the very best in contemporary music. NME was responsible for publishing the first ever UK singles chart on 14 November 1952. Percy Dickins, joint founder of NME, compiled the results by telephoning a selection of record stores. The first number one position was occupied by Al Martino's 'Here In My Heart'.”
About The Official Charts Company
The OCC says: “The Official Charts Company (OCC) is a joint venture between record labels’ body the BPI and ERA, the Entertainment Retailers Association. The OCC is responsible for the commissioning, marketing, distribution and management of the UK’s industry standard music and video charts and is endorsed by the BVA (British Video Association). The Official Charts Company compiles its charts from sales information gathered across all key distribution (or entertainment) channels including all major high street retail chains, independent stores, supermarkets, mail order internet retailers and digital music service providers. This market research sample equates to 99% of the total UK Singles market; 98% of the total UK Albums market and 90% of the total UK DVD market.
The download business is growing massively with sales of digital singles up 37%.
Singles sold:
89 million (2007)
115 million (2008)
150 million plus projected (2009)*
*The Official Charts Company”
