Major labels in the US release new albums on Tuesdays.
One of the first "music business" jobs I had was working at a record store. Always heard the reason Tuesday was chosen for new releases was because it makes distribution easier. Sunday has traditionally been limited in terms of retail hours and most shipping companies don't deliver on Sundays, so it a Tuesday release gives everybody a little extra time to get things in order.
And that makes sense...
But as more and more releases are being sold digitally, will that matter in the future? Maybe. Labels want a great first week in Billboard and Tuesday is the day that allows a full seven days of sales to be counted.
If you're not interested in Billboard and aren't worrying with a physical product, I suggest releasing your album on the first Friday of the month, since the majority of people in the US get paid on the last day of the month, the 5th of the month, or on Fridays. Going with a "First Friday" release means your fans have a better chance than average of having spending money in their pockets!
More thoughts on release dates via NPR...
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