Independent music continues to surge in 2021
The independent music market share has continued to grow for the fourth consecutive year to 27%
Last updated 13th Apr 2022
For the fourth consecutive year, the independent music market share grew in the UK, rising to 27% in 2021, according to figures released by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
This boost - which is bolstered by classic LP releases and a flurry of indie albums breaking into the Top-10 Official Album Charts - marks a 29% rise in the year to date.
The figures mark a continuing trend in the independent music world, with the 2021 independent share being up from 25.9% in 2020 and are noticeably higher than the 22.1% figure registered in 2017.
This upward trend is also reflected in the UK vinyl market, having jumped in 2021, accounting for four in every ten (39.5%) vinyl LP purchases – up from 33.9% in 2019.
Reflecting on the figures, Geoff Taylor - Chief Executive of BPI, BRIT Awards & Mercury Prize - said, “The UK has an enviable independent music scene, and enhances choice and variety to new and existing British talent. This continued growth demonstrates that indie labels and artists are thriving in the age of music streaming, and are particularly succeeding in the vinyl revival. We’re delighted to see the indie sector going from strength to strength, contributing to the growth of the UK music industry as a whole.”
Looking to 2022, BPI predicts this positive trend will continue.
Official Independent Albums Chart 2021 Top 10 ©Official Charts Company
Arctic Monkeys / AM (Domino Recordings)
Adele / 25 (XL Recordings)
KSI / All Over The Place (BMG)
Central Cee / Wild West (Central Cee)
Adele / 21 (XL Recordings)
Arctic Monkeys / Whatever People Say I Am (That’s What I’m Not) (Domino Recordings)
Wolf Alice / Blue Weekend (Dirty Hit)
Bo Burnham / Inside (The Songs) (Imperial)
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds / Back The Way We Came Vol.1 (Sour Mash)
AJ Tracey / Flu Game (Revenge Records)
Official Independent Singles Chart 2021 Top 10 ©Official Charts Company
KSI / Holiday (BMG)
Tom Zanetti / Didn’t Know (SIC)
Adele / Someone Like You (XL Recordings)
Central Cee / Commitment Issues (Central Cee)
Central Cee / Loading (Central Cee)
Arctic Monkeys / Do I Wanna Know (Domino Recordings)
Arctic Monkeys / Why D’you Only Call Me When You’re High (Domino Recordings)
Shouse / Love Tonight (Onelove Recordings)
Adele / Rolling In The Deep (XL Recordings)
Passenger / Let Her Go (Nettwerk)
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