Laura Klonowski
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) have announced brand new and exciting changes to UK music certification 45 years since the launch of sale certifications by the organisation. The weekly Silver, Gold and Platinum record certifications in Britain issued by the record label trade group will now be issued under the BRITs brand.
The move means the certifications will still be administered by the BPI – which owns and organises The BRIT Awards – but will be become an official part of The BRITs family. Which will enable the awards to reach a much larger audience while keeping the BRIT Awards engaged with music listeners all year round.
Speaking about the re-brand Geoff Taylor, the Chief Executive of BPI & BRIT Awards, said: “The BPI’s Platinum, Gold and Silver Awards are woven into the narrative of British music and are the official mark of a record’s popularity. On social media fans love to celebrate their favourite artists reaching a big new milestone. Given that The BRITs are the UK’s biggest platform for artistic achievement, with millions of fans at home and around the world, it makes sense for the BPI to bring the official sales awards under the BRITs banner.”
The shift means that the weekly consumption achievements for singles and albums will now be promoted via the BRITs’ social channels. And In addition to the Platinum, Gold and Silver certifications, a new BRIT Certified Breakthrough Award is also being introduced, and will be awarded to acts whose debut album has passed combined sales of 30,000 units.
Among the first artists to be awarded certifications bearing the BRITs logo will be Stormzy, One Direction, Camila Cabello, George Ezra and The Weeknd.
What do you think of the new BPI, BRITs branded certifications? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @CelebMix.
