UPDATE 3/27/15 2:22 p.m.: Aaaaaaaaand now we have the official day that the music industry will be shifting standard release dates: July 10. Mark your calendars!
Thanks in part to a discussion spawned by Beyoncé's game-changing surprise album (see also: the disruptive impact of the internet on record sales), the recording industry has adopted Friday as the official global standard release date. This change is set to take effect this summer, and has been framed as a way to cut down on the global piracy that resulted from staggered international releases (traditionally albums are released in the UK and France on Monday, the US on Tuesday, and Germany on Friday).
However, a statement released today by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) suggests that the change is being implemented for the benefit the music consumers, who allegedly prefer to hear new music on Fridays and Saturdays. "Music fans live in the digital world of today," wrote IFPI head Frances Moore. "Their love for new music doesn't recognize national borders. They want music when it's available on the internet—not when it's ready to be released in their country. An aligned global release day puts an end to the frustration of not being able to access releases in their country when the music is available in another country." In other words, in time for the weekend.
Lead Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images