UK To Launch Official Americana Albums Chart

The UK Americana Music Association has partnered with Official Chart Company to debut The Official Americana Albums Chart, the first chart in the United Kingdom dedicated to Americana music.

The Official Americana Albums Chart was revealed on Bob Harris’ BBC Radio 2 Country broadcast and first published Friday (Jan. 29) on OfficialCharts.com. The chart is based on album sales and streams, and will also feature artists whose work is influenced by Americana. The Official Americana Albums Chart will be published each Friday on OfficialCharts.com.

“Given the integrity and authority of Official Charts Company, I couldn’t be more thrilled that a new Americana chart will be produced by this prestigious outfit,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Americana is a vital and thriving musical art form. Its influences are global. It’s no surprise to me that the UK have recognized the expansion and legitimacy of the Americana genre before any of the American chart services, given their appreciation for music and the arts as culturally important.”

“I am so pleased to see the founding of a new Americana chart,” says Harris, a well-known BBC Radio 2 Country show personality. “It is important and appropriate that the popularity of this wonderful, vibrant and creative genre is acknowledged in this way.”

“We are always looking for ways to spotlight specific areas of music consumption in the UK,” adds Official Charts Company Chief Executive Martin Talbot, “and Americana is a genre that is thriving in terms of new artists and events across the country.The launch of the Americana Albums Chart will provide a fresh and official insight into yet another fascinating genre.”