From today, Friday 10 July, Fridays will become the official new release day for new music albums and singles in more than 45 countries.

Despite strong opposition from some quarters, global record industry body the IFPI says that its research shows that Friday will be an effective choice for the business.

Until now, tracks and albums have been released on different days of the week in different countries – from Mondays in markets such as France and the UK, through Tuesdays in the US and Canada and to Fridays in markets such as Australia and Germany.

Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, said:  “The switch to New Music Fridays is about getting new music to fans at the time they most want to enjoy it, whether in physical stores or online. It’s also an opportunity to recreate excitement around the release of music – the message is “Think Friday, Think New Music.”

The switch from Mondays to Fridays in the UK is also being reflected through the UK’s Official Charts, which move from their Sunday slot.

Various UK artists and retailers are engaged in promotional activity to support their release on the first New Music Friday.

These include Polydor-signed artists Years & Years, who played a midnight event at HMV’s flagship 363 Oxford Street store in London last night (Thursday, July 9) to perform songs from their debut album Communion and sign copies of the album.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI and BRIT Awards, commented:

“In a business that is increasingly digital and global, the logic for a global release day is compelling. Fans don’t understand why they have to wait to legally access music that has already been released in other countries.

“It makes sense to consider the time of the week when interest in entertainment, digital activity and physical footfall is building towards its peak.

“Fans are telling us they would like new music ready for the weekend, so Friday appears the best choice.”