Recorded Music NZ today announces a substantial change to The Official NZ Music Charts. Beginning Saturday April 22, a brand new set of Catalogue Charts will be issued each week alongside the existing Charts.
Albums and Singles will now appear in one of two locations each week – a main Top40 Chart devoted to new and current releases OR a brand new Catalogue Chart featuring the most popular older releases.
The Top40 Charts will impose a strict 18-month limit on the recordings appearing there. The clock starts ticking from the first week a recording enters the chart and if, after 18 months, it is still performing it automatically moves to the Catalogue Charts instead, carrying its full Chart history with it to continue on its journey toward historical Chart longevity records.
Recorded Music NZ Chart Compiler Paul Kennedy explains the changes:
“In a streaming-dominated world in which old favourites are often on perpetual repeat for many music fans, some titles never leave the chart while a large quantity of very deserving new music never charts at all.
“By splitting the charts into two, we can continue to celebrate the most enduring albums and songs in their own new charts, while also freshening up the Top40.
“We hope these new Catalogue Charts will not only be a new additional tool for the industry but also an interesting insight for music fans by shining a light on the most enduring hits of years, and decades, gone by.”
The new Catalogue Charts and related rule changes for the Top40 have been developed to address feedback from artists, right holders and the wider music community during our online survey and interviews in 2022. We heard that while artists and industry value the charts as a historical record, a promotional and measurement tool, they need a refresh to remain relevant in today’s world where most people are enjoying music via streaming services.
In some special circumstances, older releases will be eligible to re-enter the Top40 charts. For further information about this and the changes generally CLICK HERE.
Questions can be directed to Chart Compiler Paul Kennedy at paul@recordedmusic.co.nz. Alternatively we always welcome your feedback via feedback@recordedmusic.co.nz