2024 was another year of growth for music sales. Figures from the UK's Entertainment Retailers' Association (ERA) indicate that pure sales increased by 7.9% in the first half of 2024, with vinyl sales rising 13.5% year-on-year to £86.3 million. CD sales in the UK also saw growth, increasing by 3.2% to £57.9 million!
To welcome another year filled with music and memories, we present Part 2 of our 2024 Year In Review, exploring the amazing campaigns, releases and chart activities we were fortunate to be involved with during the latter half of 2024.
JULY:
In the summer of 2025, beloved Townsend Music queen Kylie Minogue returned with 'My Oh My' her first new track since 2023's Tension LP, featuring American artist Bebe Rexha and Swedish singer Tove Lo. The release hinted at exciting prospects for Tension II, the upcoming album from which the single is pulled. Enthusiastic fans enjoyed CDs, Recycled Frosted Clear Cassette and Violet 7” Vinyl from the Kylie Minogue Official Store.
Manchester's Courteeners revealed the pre-order for Pink Cactus Cafe, their seventh studio album co-produced by Liam Fray of the band. The pre-order campaign included exclusive formats, a complimentary 7" vinyl with all bundles, and pre-sale access to tour tickets. Excited fans engaged with TM and the band's store announcement on Instagram, resulting in over 56,000 views and 1,338 likes, making it our most popular post of the year!
July was marked by a series of vinyl reissue campaigns from artists including The Prodigy (with 2004's Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned), Johnny Marr (2004's Boomslang), and The Kinks, who released a new 7-inch vinyl edition of 1964's 'You Really Got Me / It’s All Right'. This edition was limited to 1,964 numbered copies with a 7” print, celebrating the band's 60th anniversary. Noteworthy releases included the tenth studio album by the Scottish rock band Travis, L.A. Times, which reached #2 on the UK Official Album Chart.
AUGUST:
On August 9 Scotland's finest alt-rockers Twin Atlantic returned with the digital edition of their latest album Meltdown. Released on the band's own label, Staple Diet, in partnership with Townsend Music D2C+ and Absolute Label Services, the album's return to the band's rock roots garnered some of the best reviews of the band's career, with Kerrang! Magazine describing it as "the perfect Twin Atlantic record"
With the physical editions set to release in October, TM shared the new music through Instagram Reel Collaborations that showcased acoustic versions of the album tracks and the feature article 3 Records That Shaped The New Twin Atlantic Album + Signed Test Pressing Giveaway.
"We literally put everything into this with our loyal fans in our minds every step of the way which kept us pushing through hard times or tough decisions. So thank you to you all for giving our band life and purpose" - Sam McTrusty, Twin Atlantic
New D2C+ campaigns arrived in August in the shape of ex-Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan's ROADRUNNER, the follow-up to 2022's debut The Reckoning, plus Britpop precursors, Boys Wonder, with the announcement of their "great lost album" Question Everything. Releases included reissues from Rick Astley and Alan Parsons, and a seventh studio album by Irish pop rock group The Script, whose Satellites reached #2 in the UK Official Album Charts. Online, August was dominated by Manchester rock icons Oasis, whose announcement of a comeback tour after years of discord and speculation took the internet by storm, sparking endless discussions and unbridled excitement. One certainty is that if you secured a ticket, you're among the fortunate few, and we hope you enjoy watching this legendary band in 2025!
SEPTEMBER:
In September, we shared our biggest news of the year when Dutch distributor and vinyl producer Artone announced its acquisition of Townsend Music. As highlighted in the Music Week article about the acquisition, TM's model of supporting white-label artist-led online stores and independent music retailers has consistently achieved Top 10 placements.
We are thrilled to join a group that includes Bertus Distribution, the pressing plant Record Industry, and labels such as V2, Music On Vinyl, and Music On CD. Townsend Music will become an essential part of Artone’s end-to-end solution, and we are excited to continue our growth and expansion plans. We extend our gratitude to every customer who has helped us reach this point.
“Our goal has always been to become a truly global D2C company for music and merchandise.” Bruce McKenzie, Sales Director, Townsend Music
Fans of Kylie captivated by July's tantilising 'My Oh My' single had their wishes fulfilled with the full announcement of Tension II, which promises to delve deeper into the electronic realm. Those shopping at the Kylie Minogue Official Store could access exclusive formats and pre-sale tickets for Kylie's headline tour dates.
Other significant campaign launches in September included The Darkness with Dreams On Toast, scheduled for release in March 2025 (heralding an exciting new era for the band), and The Lottery Winners' KOKO (Keep On Keeping On), the sequel to their 2023 chart-topping album A.R.T.
Releases included Terrorvision's WE ARE NOT ROBOTS, launched through their own Total Vegas Recordings in collaboration with D2C+, reaching #2 on the Official Rock Chart. The band stopped by Townsend Music HQ to autograph the formats, which are exclusively sold on the Terrorvision Official Store.
At the end of the month, Blossoms pulled it out of the bag to secure their fourth Official Album Charts #1 album with Gary.
OCTOBER:
In their second major appearance in the Townsend Music 2024 Year In Review, our beloved Shed Seven achieved an extraordinary chart accomplishment, solidifying one of the most significant chart comebacks in British rock history. The band secured their second UK #1 album of the year with Liquid Gold, released on Cooking Vinyl Records, which includes reimagined orchestral versions of their most cherished songs.
The band joined the ranks of Abba, Queen, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift, becoming the 20th act to achieve two UK #1 albums in a single calendar year. It couldn't have happened to a nicer group of lad. Even the legendarily hard-to-impress Liam Gallagher was inspired to comment!
"Congratulations to shed 7 for there remarkable achievement respect LG x" - Liam Gallagher via Twitter.
Was it ever in doubt? On the final day of the month, Kylie Minogue's Tension II reached the #1 position on the UK Official Albums Chart, earning some of the most enthusiastic press reviews of her career. The Independent remarked: "Tension II appears bolder, tougher, and more inventive than its predecessor, yet it maintains the same fun and lively atmosphere."
"The sharp craft of Tension II confirms that this is Kylie Minogue’s world, we’re just fortunate enough to live in it." - The Line Of Best Fit
On the subject of timeless pop queens who rose to fame in the late 80s, Betty Boo released physical copies of her newest album, Rip Up The Rulebook, on October 11 in collaboration with Townsend Music D2C+. Retropop gave the album a ★★★★ review, stating, “She’s having a good time, we’re having a good time – and we wouldn’t have it any other way!” Signed editions were available from the Betty Boo Official Store.
Other October releases through D2C+ services included the much-anticipated debut album Day By Day by Wakefield indie-soul group Skinny Living and the enchanting Blind Faith by Irish singer-songwriter Gemma Hayes.
At the month's end, Britrock icons The Wildhearts ended a long hiatus by announcing a new line-up, a new tour, and a new album titled The Satanic Rites Of The Wildhearts, set for a March release via Snakefarm Recordings.
NOVEMBER:
In November, chart triumphs included The Courteeners, whose album Pink Cactus Cafe rose to #2 on the UK Official Album Charts. Following them, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe achieved their fourth Official #1 album with their sixth joint studio album, Together At Home.
Glasgow indie/dance icons Primal Scream also made a chart return. Their album Come Ahead, the band's first in eight years, was released on November 8, along with a Release Of The Week Collaborative Reel.
In November, new D2C+ partnerships were announced, including news from Reading rock band The Amazons about their highly anticipated second album, 21st Century Fiction. Scheduled for release in May, the album aims to "explore the inner conflict of a man in his late 20s grappling with unrealistic ideals of masculinity and feelings of unfulfilled potential", starting with the impactful single 'Living A Lie'.
Also with D2C+, the one and only Chesney Hawkes announced his comeback project Living Arrows, featuring signed formats and exclusive 4-track acoustic CDs available with bundles at the Chesney Hawkes Official Store. The album, slated for release in March 2025, was produced and co-written by BRIT Award winner and Grammy nominee Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, One Direction) and includes the inspiring anthem 'Live Forever'.
DECEMBER:
On December 29, BBC 1 broadcasted the first of two new episodes of The Split, a prominent drama featuring Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan, this time set in the sunny surroundings of Barcelona. Singer-songwriter Olivia Broadfield composed four tracks for the show; her previous soundtrack for the third series of The Split surpassed Adele in sales, reaching #2 on the Apple and Amazon album charts. The Split: Barcelona EP is available on CD with a signed print at the Olivia Broadfield Official Store in collaboration with TM D2C+. Merry Splitmas!
Another D2C+ partnership releasing in December was The Twang's Jewellery Quarter 24k Edition, a limited edition Gold/Black Splatter Vinyl commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Midland massive's second full-length album. This unique version, re-recorded and remastered, marks the album's first time on vinyl. The band teamed up with Townsend Music's Instagram for a Test Pressing giveaway and a Release Of The Week Reel to showcase it.
Finally, during the Christmas season, our esteemed partners at London Records released a limited edition of East 17's Christmas #1 hit, 'Stay Another Day'. This classic song, a festive season favourite, quickly sold out in its Limited Edition Ice Clear 7-inch Vinyl format. Embracing the holiday spirit, London Records contributed £1 from each purchase to the music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins.
Catch up on Townsend Music 2024 Year In Review - Part 1.