Unsigned band gatecrash top 40 under new chart rules

Virtually unknown outside their native Colchester until now, Koopa have been able to exploit the new chart rules introduced at the beginning of the year, which allow any digital downloadable single to be eligible for the UK top 40 singles chart irrespective of when it was released.

Prior to the introduction of the new chart rules, digital downloads were only eligible two weeks after a CD's release, but the changes have so far led to some curious chart re-entries.

Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars', a top 10 hit in July 2006, has re-entered the UK top 40 at number nine. Similarly, Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy', one of 2006's biggest selling singles, went in at number 30 last weekend, returning after an eight-month absence.

The changes to UK chart rules could mean good news for small independent record labels, which cannot match the marketing clout of the industry's big four -- Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music Group.

Some music industry analysts have also said that permanently including digital downloads will give a more accurate idea of the buying habits of UK music fans.

Scott Colothan, editor of Gigwise.com , said: "It now shows that bands don't need to face the uncertainty of getting signed for their music to make an impact on the general public.

"Simply by marketing themselves on websites such as MySpace and spreading their music by word of mouth, they can be in people's living rooms and now in the charts.

"Other bands are certain to follow suit and this could be an ongoing trend. Of course, this is bad news for the record labels, which could stand to lose money to the unsigned competition."

Joe Murphy, singer and bassist for Koopa, added: "With the new rules, it does give hope for genuine talent. You don't need to be dictated to by the big boys, by the record labels."

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