I’ve had some information passed to me from the company who manage our releases concerning UK chart rules. There’s been some recent Official Chart Company rule changes and we have to make sure the the forthcoming album counts for chart eligibility.

In the UK, the OCC compile the charts and define what does and doesn’t count for chart eligibility.

An instant gratification ‘single’ track from the album is fine when people pre-order the album. Any other digital bonus content (such as a bonus live download EP) is fine as an incentive to boost sales however it has to be offered only on the day of release, not before hand. Certain items of merch bundled with the album also have to be offered separately from the album in order that ‘bundle’ sales count for the charts which is a new ruling.

I’ve also been asked if I can supply an iTunes exclusive version of the album with a couple of extra tracks that aren’t on the album. At such late notice this is really pushing it. We still technically have two days left in the studio, and there is at least one idea I never got time to flesh out. Will I have the time? Is it worth the stress? I’m going to give myself till the end of the week before I make my decision.

Today…editing and mixing a track on Pro Tools. No time for marketing!