The all-star “Flood Relief: Artists For The Flood Appeal” album was the best-selling album Down Under last week, and has shipped platinum (70,000) in less than seven days since it was rush-released on Jan. 24. The current leader on the ARIA Compilation Chart enjoyed over-the-counter sales upwards of 15,000 units in its first three-and-a-half days on sale. Over seven days, the sales figure is now north of 40,000 units.
The major TV networks are all supporting the album’s ad campaign, each playing the commercial in prime time and doing so without fee.
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“The response to the ‘Flood Relief’ CD from the general public has been outstanding,” comments Sony Music Australia chairman and CEO Denis Handlin. ” Special thanks must also go to the Australian media who have generously donated advertising, music retailers who have given it their full support and of course the artists and songwriters who appear on the album.”
Proceeds from each sale will go to the Salvation Army Flood Appeal. Sony Music’s “Bushfire AID” CD from 2009 sold more than 110,000 copies and raised upwards of $1.7 million Australia for victims of the Victorian bushfires.
In other flood-related news, the Queensland Music Network (Q Music) has launched an online Rock N Roll auction to raise funds for The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
Among the items up for grabs is a chance to meet Katy Perry at her Brisbane show, an opportunity to visit Rammstein backstage at the Perth Big Day Out, a private show by Brisbane alternative rock group the Gin Club, and signed collectables from Iggy and The Stooges. Airline V Australia has donated return premium economy airfares to Los Angeles, where the buyer will disembark for the Coachella Festival with a pair of VIP tickets.
While the Australian music industry is brainstorming on fundraising initiatives, the flood stricken state of Queensland is bracing itself for another lashing of severe weather. Cyclone Yasi is due to arrive in the north of the state on Wednesday. As a precaution, a Townsville concert featuring Joe Cocker and George Thorogood on Wednesday night has been postponed.