Singles downloads boost sales

A BOOM in digital downloads and hit releases by big-name acts such as The Killers, Snow Patrol and Take That boosted last year's music market beyond expectations.

The BPI, which represents the recorded music business, said that throughout 2008 the UK single tracks market, driven by growth in download sales, grew by a third.

With more than 115 million single tracks sold across all formats, 2008 was the biggest sales year on record in terms of units sold.

The digital albums market grew particularly strongly, with 10 million sold – a 65 per cent rise on 2007.

The digital format now holds 7.7 per cent of the albums market as a whole.

BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor said: "Every business and consumer in the UK is having a tough time, and these difficult trading conditions make the resilience of the UK's music market all the more notable.

"During a recession, people look for purchases that are excellent value for money and bring a lot of enjoyment."

The BPI said that, although the physical supply chain had suffered with the likes of Woolworths and Zavvi going into administration, sales had migrated to supermarkets and online stores.