In a massive shakeup to the Aussie music industry, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced major changes to its Singles and Albums charts, as well as the addition of the “On Repeat” chart.
For readers who have no clue what the ARIA is (or only know it for its iconic annual awards show), the ARIA advocates for Aussie music, representing both major and independent producers. It is also home to the ARIA Charts, which are curated by “data collected from a combination of physical and digital retailers, and music-streaming services”.
On Tuesday, the muso big dawg announced major changes to its charts, which will impact the way projects are listed on the ARIA chart, as well as their eligibility for a highly coveted ARIA Award.
Here’s what we know.
What are the new ARIA changes?
On Tuesday, ARIA announced that its main charts — Singles, Albums and the Australian Artist Singles and Albums Charts — will focus solely on music released within the last two years.
In addition, it will be bringing the Aria On Replay Charts (previously known as the Catalogue Chart), which will spotlight music released more than two years ago.
Alongside the new guidelines, ARIA has put in place “special provisions” which allow older projects to re-enter the main charts to reflect “viral moments, syncs for older tracks” or “significant anniversaries”.
This includes:
- If the song / album hasn’t appeared in the Top 100 for the last ten years.
- A label must request if there’s sufficient activity for a spot in the Top 30 or higher.
- Eligible titles can remain on the Main Charts for up to ten weeks.
Why did ARIA change its charts?
Per the ARIA website, the changes were made to “better support” Australian music, homegrown talent and emerging artists. It also claimed that these changes will depict “contemporary music consumption” on the charts.
“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,” ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd shared.
“Our aim is to support the discovery and celebration of great Australian music at every stage of its life.”
The lack of Aussie titles in the ARIA Charts has been a pressure point for the muso big dawgs for YONKS. Speaking to PEDESTRIAN.TV back in 2023, Herd described the lack of Aussie musos on the charts as “alarming”.
“We exist to shine a spotlight on Australian artists and are facing a crisis,” Herd said.
“Talking to people in the industry, it’s the worst it’s been for a very long time.”
Fingers crossed, this change in the methodology boosts Aussie artists to the top!!!
Will these changes affect the 2025 ARIA Awards?
To avoid the 2025 ARIA Awards eligibility period, the new changes will take place on September 1, 2025.
At the time of writing, the ARIA Top 10 Albums Chart includes:
- Order Chaos Order — Calum Hood (AUS)
- Look At Me Now — OneFour (AUS)
- Short n’ Sweet — Sabrina Carpenter (US)
- I’m The Problem — Morgan Wallen (US)
- Phantom Island — King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (AUS)
- +-=÷X (Tour Collection) — Ed Sheeran (ENG)
- Hit Me Hard And Soft — Billie Eilish (US)
- The Highlights — The Weeknd (US)
- Addison — Addison Rae (US)
And the ARIA Top 10 Singles goes as follows:
- “Ordinary” — Alex Warren (US)
- “Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter (US)
- “Undressed” – Sombr (US)
- “Love Me Not” — Ravyn Lenae (US)
- “Back To Friends” — Sombr (US)
- “Pink Pony Club” — Chappel Roan (US)
- “Beautiful Things” — Benson Boone (US)
- “Birds Of A Feather” — Billie Eilish (US)
- “Lose Control” — Teddy Swims (US)
- “Die With A Smile” — Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars (US)
With these changes, it’ll be extremely interesting to see how the charts flip and if these amendments truly uplift Aussie musicians and their titles.
We will be watching (and listening).
Image source: Getty Images
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