Bandcamp Statistics To Be Included In Official NZ Music Charts

Starting today, both the Official New Zealand Music Charts and the Independent Music NZ charts are set to include physical and digital sales from Californian-based online music store Bandcamp. Currently, the charts incorporate figures from Spotify, Google Play and Apple Music as well as physical retailers such as The Warehouse and JB HiFi.

The change comes as Recorded Music New Zealand aim to make the charts more reflective of the way New Zealanders consume and purchase music.

"Bandcamp has become a popular destination for local music fans, especially those looking to explore the full depth of independent and innovative music available out there today," says Recorded Music New Zealand Data Manager Paul Kennedy. "Being able to fully reflect that diversity of music in both the Official Top 40 and the IMNZ charts is something we are very pleased to be able to do."

Last April, Billboard reported that Bandcamp had nearly one million registered fans, and had paid artists $150 million since it was founded in 2008.

Bandcamp’s Chief Curator Andrew Jervis says of the move: “We’re delighted that sales happening on Bandcamp will now count towards the New Zealand charts because it should help more fans find more amazing music.”