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.
