While She Sleeps shunned the album charts to support their friends

While She Sleeps have confirmed that their fan-fuelled new album Sleeps Society has already proven to be a massive success – despite the band releasing it completely independently and without official chart eligibilty.

The quintet opted for a "groundbreaking, fan-oriented community" release on album number five, revealing that their independence as a band has meant that they've been able to rehire crew members and help those in need during the pandemic.

"At the beginning of this album we made the decision to independently distribute the vinyl and CD copies of it," they say of Sleeps Society. "This enabled us to rehire our touring crew, support our local business and give opportunities directly to the people around us who needed it, in a year where our industry and culture had been hit hard.

"This decision meant our sales would not be counted as ‘chart eligible’."

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Despite this, they continue: "We started the Sleeps Society to create a sustainable future for our band, the people around us, our crew, families and collectively this felt more important.

"The reaction to the album so far has been completely incredible and although our sales figures aren’t being counted as ‘official’, we are so proud to tell you that ‘unofficially’ we are Number Four in the UK album charts today.

"This would be our highest-ever chart position. Your sales directly support our band, crew & the future of Sleeps. Thank you all so much.”

Incredible work, everyone!

When initially announcing their Sleeps Society model, WSS explained that, "With the future of live performances uncertain, the Sleeps Society will enable a secure existence for WSS and gives us the opportunity to stay connected with our fanbase, developing new ways to provide for our supporters and fill the void left without live music. In these uncertain times, this is the difference between life and death for the future of WSS. We aren’t prepared to be another band forced to give up simply be­cause the system isn’t designed to support the artist."

Detailing how it would work, While She Sleeps added, "With the monthly support of our fans, the band will be able to break free from the traditional music industry method of 'cash advances’, where artists are essentially borrowing large sums of money and giving up the rights to their songs, only to spend the years that follow in debt which oftentimes becomes insurmountable and crippling.

"The Sleeps Society ensures a solid future for WSS and creates a new model of survival for artists and bands alike. We will be delivering the highest level of fan involvement and fostering a symbiotic relationship as the Sleeps Society becomes an integral part of Sleeps’ existence."

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