- Strong Q1 Release Schedule Shows Promise for Growth in 2003 -
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Christian Music Trade
Association (CMTA) today announced that its 2002 year-end album sales remained
stable at 49.6 million units, virtually equal to music sales for 2001, said
Frank Breeden, president of the CMTA.
Total sales of contemporary Christian and gospel albums ended the year at
49,664,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan. 2001 sales were 49,965,000
units. Album sales at Christian chain retailers and mainstream outlets were
up, eight percent and 2.4 percent respectively, while Christian independent
retailers experienced a 10.5 percent decline in 2003. The overall music
industry is reporting a decline of more than eight percent in CD sales.
"2002 started strong for Christian and gospel music sales, following our
biggest year ever in 2001. It appears that alongside a lean release schedule,
the slower economy finally reached us a little in the fourth quarter to bring
us even in sales over the year. Still, in the current overall music industry
environment, which has sales down for the second straight year, we are pleased
that our format held steady. And, we are optimistic about the first quarter
of 2003; its potential for putting us back on a strong growth track is great,"
said Breeden.
Worship music continues to be a big story in Christian music. Michael W.
Smith, the 2002 Dove Award Artist of the Year, leads the worship trend and is
the artist story for 2002. Smith's "Worship" album ended the year at number
four on the Christian charts, and since its release on September 11, 2001, it
has never been out of the Top Ten. That Platinum record was followed up by
"Worship Again," which sits at number 10 at year's end. MercyMe's worship-
focused debut record "Almost There" and Integrity's "Songs 4 Worship: Shout to
the Lord" were the sixth and seventh biggest sellers in 2002.
Also notable in 2002 was the return of Christian and gospel music's top-
selling Kirk Franklin and Amy Grant. Franklin's first album since 1998,
"Rebirth of Kirk Franklin," ended the year as the third best-selling record in
Christian music. Grant returned after a five-year hiatus with "Legacy ...
Hymns & Faith" and has the 12th best-selling record for the year. And, the
WoW brand continued to show muscle with "WoW Hits 2003" and "WoW Christmas"
scanning more than 750,000 units in the last quarter.
The Christian and gospel music industry is looking ahead to the first
quarter of 2003, when several top-selling artists will release new studio
projects. Platinum and Gold-sellers Steven Curtis Chapman, Bill Gaither, Jars
of Clay, Donnie McClurkin, Third Day, Jaci Velasquez, Avalon, Sandi Patty and
Newsboys all have albums slated to release between January and March 2003.
WoW will release two new editions -- "WoW Gospel" and "WoW Worship."
"It is unusual for our industry to have so many heavy hitters releasing
projects in the early part of a new year, but it's great news. I especially
think this will be a boost for independent Christian retailers whose sales
rely on these core artists. Across the board, all retailers who carry
Christian music will have much to sing about in the coming months," Breeden
said.
The CMTA (http://www.cmta.com) is the contemporary Christian and gospel music
industry's trade organization responsible for managing the Christian SoundScan
and creating opportunities for growth and penetration of the marketplace for
music-related products, services and activities that communicate the gospel
throughout the world. Founded in 1964, the 5,000-member Gospel Music
Association (http://www.gospelmusic.org) is dedicated to educating the public and the
music industry concerning the mission and role of gospel music in today's
world. The GMA produces the Dove Awards(TM), which recognizes achievement in
all genres of Gospel music and is the premiere television awards show for the
contemporary Christian and gospel music industry. The 2003 Dove Awards(TM)
will be held at The Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville on Thursday,
April 10, 2003.
For detailed chart information, contact Tricia Whitehead at
spinhouse@bellsouth.net
SOURCE Christian Music Trade Association
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Related links:
http://www.cmta.com
CONTACT:
Tricia Whitehead of Spinhouse Public
Relations, +1-615-599-7746, or e-mail, spinhouse@bellsouth.net,
for Christian Music Trade Association
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