10.07.2006: Mundy makse history and opens up the Charts for non-CD Artists:	Ron Healy
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Mundy made history last week when he became the first artist to make it into the official Irish Top 20 on downloads alone The live version of 'July' went into the Charts at number 16 even though it is not available as a physical CD, which is apparently what IRMA had stated must be the case to be eligible. Now, without the benefit/hinderance of a record label and without the cost of physical CD duplication and the diffilcult-to-get retail distribution, Artists can get into the Charts just as easily as label-supported Artists. In fact, maybe even easier, since it is well known that Artists at our level depend hugely on networking and promotion over the Internet. Indeed, that's one of the reasons for IrishUnsigned's existence. Now, we shall see if the Irish charts really are representative of what we buy. From an IrishUnsigned point of view, what this means - beyond any shadow of a doubt - is wider access to the Charts for Independent Artists, and therefore wider airplay and wider exposure. Of course, it also now throws the light onto Radio schedulers as it will illustrate whether their programming is, in fact, based on giving the listener what they want (proven by the Chart positioning as Industry always stated), by now devoting more time to the Artists in the Chart who aer not label-contracted. The sales that count are based on data from Apple iTunes, Eircom Music Club, Mycokemusic, Vodafone, Sony Connect, Bleep, Wippit and easyMusic sites. There has also been a suggestion that recent addition to the downloads market Outersounds (www.outersounds.ie) may also have their data included since it fulfills all the obligations that IRMA require. If this is the case, considering the fact that Outersounds is unashamedly in support of Independent Irish music, then there is nothing stopping Artists maximising their potential exposure from being in the Charts - something that I, personally, have always advocated as a means to an end. If any Artist out there is considering a release in Ireland, get in touch and we will see what we can do to advise you.

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