Kiwi Music Hits Another High Note

News release charts - 1
August 22, 2003

Kiwi music hits another high note

Kiwi music hits another high note today with the top three albums in the latest Top 50 chart being recorded by local artists.

It was only three weeks ago that four of the top five spots were held by New Zealand musicians but this is the first time the top three albums have been local recordings.

Hayley Westenra's third album Pure remains at number one after four weeks in the Top 50 album chart.

Bic Runga's evergreen Beautiful Collision retains second spot after an incredible 56 weeks in the Top 50.

And in third spot is Elemeno P's debut album Love and Disrespect.

Wellington-based music researcher Dean Scapolo says having New Zealand acts in the top three of the album charts creates history.

"We have had the top two on several occasions and we have done the top three in the singles charts in the 1960s - but that was before the Recording Industry Association came into the picture with the official charts.

"We have also held the number two to number six positions on the chart on November 7, 1969 but this is something really special," he says.

"There are two other albums I believe will achieve high placings on the chart this year - Salmonella Dub and Zed.

"I think they both will do well, so we just may do the top three again this year. Top five may be asking a bit much considering our size in the world market, but top three is still a great achievement."

Scapolo is a self-confessed music 'nut' and runs a web site that surveys visitors in an effort to find the most popular album of all time, the top 10 favourite NZ albums and the 10 favourite 'Greatest Hits' albums.

He says that while the landmark achievement is something to celebrate, album sales in the 21st century are low by comparison.

"With Internet downloads and CD piracy and copying, things aren't as good as they have been for Kiwi artists. The real music fans are concerned about the future of the industry; there's no doubt about that."

In the latest Top 50 chart released by RIANZ yesterday, former number five 'White Sunday' by Mareko falls to 14 while Pacifier takes 16th slot with its self-titled album and Blindspott is at number 17 with 'Blindspott'.

RIANZ chief executive Terence O'Neill-Joyce salutes the achievement but also thinks we can do better.

"We want the top five, and we can do it," he says. "There's no doubt about the quality of New Zealand music and the commitment of everyone involved from studio floor to the airwaves.

"It's something we can all be proud of and an inspiration to all who make music in Aotearoa."

ends

Issued for RIANZ by Pead PR

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