New Zealand charts add Bandcamp data

Image: Auckland artist KINGS

From last Friday, the Official New Zealand Music Charts and the Independent Music NZ charts began to include physical and digital sales from Californian-based online music store Bandcamp.

Trade body Recorded Music New Zealand, which compiles the charts, explained it continues to evolve them to accurately reflect all the ways that New Zealanders consume music. 

Its Data Manager, Paul Kennedy, pointed out, "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. 

"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."

The NZ charts have previously also incorporated figures from Spotify, Google Play and Apple Music as well as physical retailers such as The Warehouse and JB HiFi.

Streaming was included in the Singles Chart two years ago, and the Album Chart in June 2016. 

Bandcamp’s Chief Curator Andrew Jervis says of the latest move, “New Zealand has so many amazing labels and artists, many of whom use the site. From labels like Flying Nun to Loop Recordings, and a massive array of artists from established acts like Fat Freddy’s Drop and Connan Mockasin, to up and coming groups like Yoko-Zuna, the new New Zealand music scene is alive and kicking. 

“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.”

Dylan Pellett, General Manager of Independent Music New Zealand, comments, “Bandcamp has become one of the easiest paths to market for New Zealand labels and artists. IMNZ is really happy to include their statistics into the charts ecosystem and we’re confident this will be of great benefit to all independent artists and labels.” 

Set up in 2008 catering mostly for independent artists and labels to sell and promote their tracks directly to fans. Bandcamp had notched up 1 million registered users by last April. The company claims fans have paid US$187 million since it began, and $5.1 million in the last 30 days alone. 

There are no stand-alone user and revenue statistics for New Zealand or Australia. 

Aside from Andrew Jarvis’ name checks, other New Zealand acts currently posted on Bandcamp include The Naked & The Famous, Shapeshfter, Tami Nielsen, DJ Kush Boogie, Courtney Hate, Princess Chelsea, Rhian Sheeran and Stalker. 

Australian acts include Rufus, ing Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard12-Foot Ninja, Client Liaison, Hockey Dad, Camp Cope, I Heart Hiroshima, Dreamtme and Drunk Mums.