Years & Years launch New Music Fridays with midnight show at HMV London

Years & Years marked a moment in history last night, launching their new album Communion with a midnight performance at HMV’s legendary Oxford Street store.

The band played a storming set as the new album became one of the first new releases of the global music industry’s New Music Friday initiative.

MORE: Check out this week's new single and album releases

As well as performing their new single Shine, the electronic pop trio played a selection of tracks from Communion, including Desire, Take Shelter and their previous Number 1 single King.

A bit of late night @yearsandyears before #NewMusicFridays tomorrow? Oh go on then! 🎤

A video posted by Official Charts (@officialcharts) on Jul 9, 2015 at 4:03pm PDT

New Music Friday is the new international initiative being launched by the music industry around the new global release day every Friday. Historically, new music has been released on Mondays in the UK and on various other days around the world – including Tuesdays in the US, Fridays in Germany and Australia. 

But, from today (July 10) all new single and album releases will switch to Friday release around the world, allowing artists to directly promote their music to their fans around the world at the same time, wherever they are. Other releases out today include the new Little Mix single Black Magic – a full listing is available here.

The move also means that the Official Charts will also be announced on Fridays in future, with the BBC’s Radio 1 Official Chart Show being announced in its new slot by Greg James this afternoon, between 4pm and 5.45pm. Get to know our new Official Chart host in our interview below: 

MORE: Why is Global Release Day happening and how will it affect the music industry?

BPI and BRIT Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor says, "In a business that is increasingly digital and global, the logic for a global release day is compelling. Fans don't understand why they have to wait to legally access music that has already been released in other countries. 

It makes sense to consider the time of the week when interest in entertainment, digital activity and physical footfall is building towards its peak.  Fans are telling us they would like new music ready for the weekend, so Friday appears the best choice.”