US albums sales hit all time low

The United States has seen its biggest drop in album sales since records began this week.

Nielson SoundScan, which tracks sales data, reported that only 3.97million albums were bought in the US in the last week. The lowest weekly sales it has recorded since they began tracking in 1991 and the first time it has fallen below the 4 million mark.

Overall, the American music market has seen a worrying trend in total album sales in the last year, already being down by 14.6% when compared to last year and dropping by 100,000s every quarter.

A number of record executives have attributed the trend to the growth of streaming services such as Spotify and Last.FM, but with recent number one records going to those who shift less than 100,000 copies, how long does this format have?

[Via NME]

More News

Bonnie "Prince" Billy shares new single 'Hey Little'

Will Oldham, the enigmatic force behind Bonnie “Prince” Billy, has unveiled his new single 'Hey Little', lifted from his latest studio album We Are... 6 months 3 weeks ago

Gee Whiz! drop new single 'Fireworks'

Gee Whiz! (exclamation mark absolutely mandatory) arrive in a blaze of distortion and delirium with 'Fireworks', a track that feels like piling into... 6 months 3 weeks ago

Anna Calvi announces new EP 'Is This All There Is?'

Anna Calvi has announced her bold new EP 'Is This All There Is?', set for release on the 20th March, and featuring a stellar cast of collaborators,... 6 months 3 weeks ago

Kris Dane shares new single 'Beyond The Wall'

There’s a quiet authority to Kris Dane’s songwriting that earns your attention. On 'Beyond The Wall', the Belgian artist delivers a meditation that... 6 months 4 weeks ago

Maisie Peters shares new single 'My Regards'

Maisie Peters has unveiled 'My Regards', the commanding new single from her upcoming album 'Florescence', due out 15th May. Inspired by country icons... 6 months 4 weeks ago

Sorry return with new singles 'Billy Elliot' and 'Alone in Cologne'

London alt-rockers Sorry have released two fresh singles, 'Billy Elliot' and 'Alone in Cologne', offering fans a final preview before their upcoming... 7 months 1 day ago

Broken Social Scene announce new album 'Remember The Humans'

Toronto’s beloved indie collective Broken Social Scene have confirmed their long-awaited return with a brand new studio album 'Remember The Humans',... 7 months 2 days ago

Arlo Parks shares new single 'Heaven'

Arlo Parks continues to redefine the contours of her artistry with the release of 'Heaven', the latest single from her highly anticipated third album... 7 months 3 days ago

Luke Dame delivers new single 'Wyoming'

There’s something quietly devastating about Luke Dame’s 'Wyoming'. It doesn’t shout its pain. It sits you down in the middle of an emotional... 7 months 4 days ago