Billboard charts is considered one of the most definitive rankings for every genre in the music industry, and indie albums are no exception. Independent labels have been having their albums ranked by Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart for a couple of decades now. However, the ranking parameters have now changed, allowing more independently-owned labels to be considered for this prestigious ranking.
The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) is partnering with Billboard to embrace inclusivity and altering the requirements to be considered “independent.” Included in this change, the Billboard weekly independent albums rating will be the official ranking for A2IM as well.
For a label to be considered independent it must be independently owned and in control of its own masters; i.e. not under the umbrella of one of the major labels. But previously, to be included on the Billboard charts, an indie label must also have run their distribution independently or through an independent arm of a major label.
Now, the rankings have widened to include independent labels who do run their distribution through major labels; this now opens the list up to labels such as Disney Music Group and Big Machine Records.
“The team at A2IM and I are deeply honored to be able to work with Billboard to enact changes to the Top Independent Albums chart that will better showcase the best and brightest of the independent music community,” said A2IM president and CEO Dr. Richard James Burgess in a statement. “This is just one of the many ways that independent artists and labels have become a powerful presence in the industry. We hope to continue to work to let their voices and their music be heard.”
This is a welcome adjustment, as now there’s no discrimination between distribution uses. This collaboration between Billboard and A2IM is beneficial for all parties. Now, no matter who the label decides to distribute through, as long as they are independent they will be included. Here’s to change and inclusivity moving forward!
