After all the waiting to see if it was really going to happen, Koopa - the pop/punk band from Essex, England is officially the first unsigned band to break into the UK top 40 charts. They entered the charts at number 31 on Sunday with their debut single, “Blag, Steal and Borrow”.

With the new UK charts rules now in place, this means that download sales alone qualify for chart entry. Not only are unsigned bands included, but also back catalogues from bands like the Beatles can now re-enter the charts via downloads.

It will be interesting to see if there will be a mass press campaign for older bands to get back into the charts as I find this a bit controversial. Back catalogues coming into play could prevent new and younger bands from getting a good chart placement.

Even so, right now Koopa must be pretty happy with themselves and for good reason. They have now paved the way for other bands like them who normally wouldn’t stand a chance at breaking into the charts and receiving the recognition that goes along with it. This will give other unsigned bands hope for the future!

Though the rules have changed, bands should know that it still takes a lot of hard work and determination to achieve what Koopa has today. They have worked hard and have had people around them to help them to successfully gain a large fan base, they have been ‘working’ the internet using websites like Myspace to gain fans and have been playing live shows.

The icing on the cake now is that once bands get to a certain point, they don’t have to worry about being unsigned to enter the charts. Bands can now rely on the public to help determine how far they succeed without having to depend on record companies alone.

Watch Koopa’s video for “Blag, Steal and Borrow”

Koopa - Official Website
Koopa on Myspace

By: Jenny May