Album Sales Up at Midway Point of 2011, First Time Since 2004
As we roll into the second half of 2011 (already?!), we have music sales data for the first 6 months. Due to acts like Adele, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga (all of whom I should dedicate less ‘ink’ to), music sales have increased versus the same point in 2010. This is the first time that midway sales have increased from the previous year since 2004, reports the aptly named Hollywood Reporter.
“155.46 million albums have been sold in 2011 — up 1% compared to the 153.96 million that had been sold up through July 4, 2010. A year ago, we were down 11% stacked next to year-to-date 2009. The last time album sales were up mid-way through the year was in 2004, when we were up by 7% (sales week ending June 27, 2004). ”
“What’s helping overall album sales this year isn’t necessarily new releases, but reissued older titles that are selling strongly at big box retailers. Catalog albums are up by 7% year-to-date, compared to “current” titles, which are down 4%. (Current titles are generally those released within the past 18 months.)”
