How Can I Support Build Something Better in the UK Album Chart?

Why does getting into the chart matter?

For one thing, it’s cool! When I was a kid I dreamt of having an album up there on the top 40 wall in HMV. I had long assumed such things aren’t possible without major label backing, but that has changed in recent years. Pet Needs cracked the top 20 last week, and the Lottery Winners proved last year that you can even get to Number 1 with the support of enough fan power. For another, me and producer Frank Turner worked so hard on this album and if it does well here, it’s that much more likely to be heard by more people. In a saturated music industry it’s harder than ever to get any airtime - this record will not be reviewed in the papers or, for the most part, heard on the radio. If it does well in the chart, that’s a reason for festivals, DJs, critics to pay attention.

Can’t I just listen on Spotify?

A lot of folks don’t know that streaming services like Spotify basically don’t pay artists. The rate paid is fractions of a penny per play - 10,000 streams gets you about thirty quid. It costs money to make records, of course, so if we only stream and don’t buy, then very soon artists like me won’t find it viable to have a career.

Why do I need to buy it in a chart eligible way?

In the past, because I have never taken myself very seriously, we have missed a lot of opportunities to hit this target. This time we have pulled out all the stops to ensure every sale in the U.K. - including those from the merch table at gigs - will count. I wouldn’t change the path I’ve trodden in music for the whole world and I am grateful everyday that I have been able to meet and collect so many amazing listeners at shows up and down these isles. There is a magic and a freedom to being DIY and I’ll never stop. But it can mean sometimes that audience is underestimated. Many - if not most - of the records of mine out there in the world have never been released in a way that was recorded. In truth, I have many, many times the number of people it takes to chart following me on social media and listening on Spotify. If even a quarter of the people reading this bought the record, we’d be laughing.

Spotify is so convenient though! I really want to stream it!

I get it! I use it too. And your streams do make a difference in another way - financially, they are basically worthless, but when a festival director or promoter is considering booking an act, the first thing they’ll do is check out their Spotify numbers. It’s an indication to them that the act - me, for example - has an audience that will buy gig tickets. If you as a listener really want to maximise your support for an artist or band, hands-down the best approach is BOTH: buy the album (any physical form counts, and digital from Bandcamp does too if it is downloaded) and listen on streamers too.

Will you be on Top of the Pops?

After the unmitigated success of my campaign to bring back Gladiators, I think it’s only a matter of time.