UK acts claim 13.7% share of global albums sales in 2014

UK acts claimed a 13.7% share of global albums sales in 2014. The figure represents an improvement on the 13% share in 2013 and is the highest figure since BPI records for British artist album sales around the world began. The achievement is highlighted in the BPI’s Music Market 2015 report, offering analysis and commentary on market trends in 2014. It can be bought from the BPI shop. In all, five of the Top 10 global recording artists of the year were British – One Direction, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Sam Smith and Pink Floyd – with the tally increasing to six if the dual nationality of AC/DC is included.

“The achievements of UK artists and labels in 2014 were truly outstanding,” said BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor. “They dominated sales at home like never before, releasing all of the top-10 best-selling artist albums of 2014, while climbing higher than ever in the charts overseas.

”Music is a tremendous exports success story for the UK – all around the world, fans are listening to the records we produce, supporting not only our balance of trade but a positive image for Britain overseas. It’s encouraging to have a government that backs British music exports and understands the key role music plays in projecting Britain’s identity as a creative powerhouse.”

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid MP said: “The popularity of British music at home and abroad is, appropriately, only going in ‘One Direction’. These record figures are fantastic news and show the enormous demand for UK music all around the world.”

Pick up the this week’s issue of Music Week for more comments about British music abroad and how the government can help further boost the UK music industry’s export power.

Source: Music Week