The new-look Indie Chart, based on new criteria for independence, will replace the former focus on independent distribution, and will be accompanied by new Independent Breakers charts.

These additional new charts - a Singles Breakers and Albums Breakers Chart - will provide a brand new platform for new, developing talent from the UK’s renowned independent community.

The changes have not only been devised to bring new relevance to the independent charts, but they have also created a new marketing and promotion platform for the entire independent label sector.

The Independent Chart was originally created in 1978, the brainchild of Cherry Red Records founder Iain McNay. First published in the UK music trade magazine Record Business in January 1980, the chart quickly established itself as an important chart for hundreds of enterprising Independent D.I.Y. punk and new wave record labels during that time.

The initial criteria defined an independent release as any record which was released by a label with independent distribution, in an era when major record companies were self-distributed and smaller labels used alternative routes. Today, however, with even majors outsourcing their own distribution to independent operations, this criterion has become less relevant.

Under the new rules, a download or CD will be eligible for the Official Independent Charts if it is released on a label which is 50% or more owned by an independent (or non-major)company, irrespective of the distribution channel through which it is shipped or delivered.

In addition, two new charts will be launched to reflect “breaking talent”. The Official Independent Breakers Charts - for singles and albums, respectively - will be open to independent releases by artists which have not previously been featured in the Top 20 of the Official Singles or Albums national charts.