NME launches the official NME Chart

IPC Ignite’s iconic music brand NME today announces the launch of the official NME Chart – a multi-platform proposition reaching well over 1million people a week

The NME Chart – a top 40 reflecting the NME Radio playlist – launches Monday 2nd November and is compiled by the Official Charts Company, based on both physical and download sales of tracks that feature on the NME Radio playlist.

NME Radio has fast become an essential listen for any fan of the alternative genre, allowing its audience to hear NME-recommended artists first. The NME Chart will recognise a mix of established and up-and-coming breakthrough acts that tend not to appear in the traditional broadcast media thereby making The NME Chart more relevant for the true alternative fan.

The chart will comprise single and album tracks – meaning a track does not have to be released as a single in order to appear in The NME Chart. Digital sales have grown massively in recent years and are expected to play a vital part in the chart, offering a fantastic opportunity to smaller bands and labels.

NME publishing director Paul Cheal says: “NME was responsible for publishing the first ever singles chart in the UK, all the way back in 1952. Its appropriate then, as the singles market has enjoyed a massive resurgence thanks to digital downloads, that we are once again able to provide an official NME Chart. At a time when the main charts are dominated by pop acts, we hope the NME Chart will become a valuable tool not just for NME's audience but also record labels.”

The Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot adds: “We are delighted to be working with NME to create this brand new chart, which will provide a shop window for UK music fans’ favourite alternative music. It feels apt to be working together again with this famous music brand, that created the singles chart as we know it and love it, six decades ago.”