Official Charts Company Launches Homegrown Albums Chart

The Official Charts Company (OCC) introduces the Official Homegrown Albums Chart, a new weekly ranking that celebrates U.K. artists achieving the greatest impact within the domestic albums market.

The chart officially launches Friday, September 11, on the OCC website. Its initial broadcast highlights are scheduled for Sunday, September 13, on the BBC Radio 1 Official Chart First Look Show.

This ranking will feature the top albums from U.K. artists released within the preceding 12 months, compiled using OCC's music consumption data.

Eligibility for the new chart aligns with the BRIT Awards' definition of a British artist. An artist qualifies if they were born in the U.K., hold a U.K. passport (even with another nationality), or have maintained permanent residency in the U.K. for over five years. For groups, at least 50% of members must meet these criteria.

The U.K. music industry, including both major and independent labels, supported the chart's development. The Association of Independent Music (AIM) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF) actively championed its creation.

Chris Austin and Becca Monahan, co-managing directors of the Official Charts Company, stated that the U.K. remains a leading music market with an extraordinary pipeline of creative talent. They expressed hope that the chart will become a vital new measure of success for U.K. artists, from emerging talents to established names.

Annabella Coldrick, chief executive of the Music Managers Forum, called it "great news for British artists." She noted that MMF members advocated for a homegrown chart for two years to spotlight U.K. artists and boost fan engagement domestically. Coldrick highlighted the prominent support from BBC Radio 1 as a potential significant boost for U.K. talent.

Aled Haydn Jones, head of BBC Radio 1, affirmed the station's role in championing British artists. He expressed pleasure in supporting the chart's launch, viewing it as another opportunity for artists to be discovered and celebrated weekly by listeners. Jones described it as a great addition to the Official Charts offering.

This launch occurs as British music continues to achieve substantial commercial success both domestically and internationally, with artists such as Olivia Dean, RAYE, PinkPantheress, Lola Young, and Sam Fender making a major impact in the past year.

The Homegrown Albums Chart represents the latest specialist ranking from the Official Charts Company. The OCC has expanded its chart offerings this year, including the introduction of the Official R&B U.K. Chart, which spotlights British R&B artists and new releases weekly.