Australia’s music charts are changing in response to streaming services which allow popular historic songs to linger in the charts at the expense of new talent.
Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) CEO Annabelle Herd said, from September, the ARIA Main Charts (Singles and Albums) and the Australian Artist Singles and Albums Charts would focus exclusively on music released within the last two years, while the ARIA On Replay Charts would showcase titles released more than two years ago.
Ms Herd said the changes come after more than 12 months of modelling and consideration to determine how best to promote the dynamism of new music consumption and remove barriers for new Australian music.
“These updates ensure the ARIA Charts continue to evolve in step with the listening habits of Australian music fans,” she said.
“We’re creating clear space to spotlight exciting new music while recognising the lasting impact and relevance of timeless classics through our ARIA On Replay Charts.
“Our aim is to support the discovery and celebration of great Australian music at every stage of its life.”
Ms Herd said the key Chart Updates were:
- ARIA Main Charts to feature only releases within two years of their release date.
- Introduction of new ARIA On Replay Charts for releases older than two years.
- Special provision allowing older titles to re-enter ARIA Main Charts to reflect major viral moments or syncs for older tracks:
- If the title has not appeared in the Top 100 for at least 10 years.
- Upon label request and sufficient activity for a Top 30 or higher placement.
- Eligible titles can remain on the Main Charts for up to 10 weeks.
