Official Charts Company Launches New Homegrown Albums Chart Celebrating British Artists

The Official Charts Company has introduced the Official Homegrown Albums Chart, a new weekly ranking aimed at celebrating British artists' achievements in the domestic albums market. This chart debuted on September 11, with its first broadcast highlights set for September 13 on BBC Radio 1's Official Chart First Look Show. The chart showcases the most popular albums from U.K. artists released in the past year, using OCC music consumption data for ranking.

To be eligible, artists must be born in the U.K., hold a U.K. passport, or have been a permanent resident in the U.K. for over five years (or have at least 50% of group members meeting these criteria). The chart has been developed with the support of major and independent labels, as well as the Association of Independent Music (AIM) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF).

Notable current British music stars such as Olivia Dean, RAYE, PinkPantheress, Lola Young, and Sam Fender have experienced significant commercial success in the last year. Chris Austin and Becca Monahan, co-managing directors of the OCC, highlighted the chart's purpose: to showcase the strength and breadth of British artists making a substantial impact with fans.

Annabella Coldrick, chief executive of the Music Managers Forum, expressed delight at the chart's launch and praised the Official Charts Company's response. Aled Haydn Jones, head of BBC Radio 1, emphasized the importance of championing British artists and supporting the chart's launch through their new First Look show. The Homegrown Albums Chart is the latest specialist ranking from the Official Charts Company, which has recently expanded its chart offerings with the introduction of the Official R&B U.K. Chart.