The organization is saying that the change will benefit the industry as a whole, since it would reduce piracy (since albums very often come out before the USA internationally), allow artists to focus their social-media campaigns and, using the words of the IFPI's statement, "re-ignite excitement and a sense of occasion around the release of new music." The decision, which had been in the works since at least last summer, came after the IFPI talked with artists, unions, labels and retailers. It also cited consumer research that suggested Friday and Saturday were the days people would be most interested in buying new music.
The Music Business Association, an organization that represents USA music retailers, as well as firms such as Spotify, Rdio and many international music stores have stated their support of the initiative.
"Music fans live in the digital world of today," IFPI CEO Frances Moore wrote in a statement. "Their love for new music doesn't recognize national borders. They want music when it's available on the Internet – not when it's ready to be released in their country. An aligned global release day puts an end to the frustration of not being able to access releases in their country when the music is available in another country."
Rich Bengloff, chief of the American Association of Independent Music, released the follow on the change: "A2IM supports the concept of a global street date but, for a variety of business reasons as spelled out in our previous comments, there are a number of business hurdles that make Fridays less optimal for the United States marketplace, and independents in particular. That said, as part of the worldwide music community, A2IM will endeavor to make the transition as smooth as possible for our members and our commerce partners and a success for our artists' fans."
"More than ever, the music industry has become global, and we represent international companies marketing international acts in multiple markets," RIAA chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said via a statement. "Geographic lines are often irrelevant to digital marketing strategies and fans' expectations of instant access to their favorite music. This change will be good for fans and good for the business."
Despite many positive sentiments, not everyone is excited about the shift. Martin Mills, who's in charge of the British-based indie Beggars Group, told The Guardian he felt the move was "crazy" and would negatively affect independent music labels.
"It astounds me that the major labels are not listening to their customers, their interface with their artists' fans," he said. "I fear their consultation has been a charade, and the market leaders were always going to push this through. I fear this move will also lead to a market in which the mainstream dominates, and the niche, which can be tomorrow's mainstream, is further marginalized. I fear it will further cement the dominance of the few – and that that is exactly what it is intended to do."
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