As the music industry continues to reshape itself in the face of new consumption patterns, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) is taking a new approach to the way it constructs its charts.
From September, the ARIA Main Charts (Singles and Albums) and the Australian Artist Singles and Albums Charts will focus exclusively on music released within the last two years. One of the aims of the change is free up space on the Main Charts for new Australian artists by reducing the requirement for them to compete with 60 years of contemporary music whenever they hope to chart.
Newly introduced ARIA On Replay Charts will showcase titles released more than two years ago. The ARIA On Replay Chart was previously known as the Catalogue Chart. It had been tracked for some time but not widely shared.
The ARIA charts track music sales, streams, and downloads.
Given the way ‘old music’ can become ‘new music’ when reintroduced to new audiences via social media and viral videos, special provision allowing older titles to re-enter ARIA Main Charts has been made, to reflect major viral moments or syncs for older tracks:
- If the title has not appeared in the Top 100 for at least ten years
- Upon label request and sufficient activity for a Top 30 or higher placement
- Eligible titles can remain on the Main Charts for up to ten weeks
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: “These updates ensure the ARIA Charts continue to evolve in step with the listening habits of Australian music fans. We’re creating clear space to spotlight exciting new music while recognising the lasting impact and relevance of timeless classics through our ARIA On Replay Charts. Our aim is to support the discovery and celebration of great Australian music at every stage of its life.”
The changes will be implemented after the close of the 2025 ARIA Awards eligibility period to avoid impacting this year’s nominees.