Masterclass: The Ultimate Guide to Music Data for Music Managers with Soundcharts

Name: Masterclass: The Ultimate Guide to Music Data for Music Managers with Soundcharts
Uploaded: 2025-06-05T05:53:51.000Z
Duration: 2 h 4 min 5 s

Introduction to MMR and Soundcharts

Michelle Tranquillo introduces MMR's mission to unite music managers across Europe, representing over 3000 managers.

The Empower program aims to strengthen European managers globally through education, advocacy, networking, and research.

Links for more information will be shared in the chat; a brief survey will follow the session for feedback.

Agenda Overview and Introduction of Ayel Kagan

Ayel Kagan from Soundcharts is introduced; he will discuss music data and analytics.

Soundcharts aggregates data about artists and their works since 2015, focusing on music data importance.

Understanding Music Data

Music data is categorized into five main blocks: social networks, rankings, playlists, media broadcasts (TV/radio), and sales.

Traditional monitoring has expanded online; Soundcharts aggregates decentralized data from various platforms.

Importance of Music Data Today

Data availability has increased significantly; real-time insights are now accessible compared to historical methods.

Artists today have more comprehensive data than label executives did a decade ago with expensive equipment.

Evolution of Industry Roles

The industry now includes roles like data scientists that didn't exist ten years ago; professionals increasingly rely on data.

Storytelling in presentations often incorporates various data points to illustrate artist success.

Challenges with Fragmented Data

Access to current landscape information is easier due to evolving technology and reduced physical sales.

Introduction to Data Tools in Music Management

Gerrub introduces himself via video, explaining his busy schedule and focus on data tools as a manager.

He is the head of administration at B Sharp, a management company for artists and projects.

With over 10 years in the music industry, he transitioned from project management to business management.

Importance of Financial Data

Emphasizes the significance of financial data, often delayed in reporting, especially copyright earnings.

Monitors various analytics tools to assess artist health and performance across platforms.

Regularly checks Spotify for Artists to analyze specific releases' performance.

Using Sound Charts

Has used Sound Charts since 2017; acknowledges its evolution and added features over time.

Initially focused on playlist placements; now integrates broader data insights into daily activities.

Saves time by accessing real-time data insights for all artists without extensive searches.

Analyzing Campaign Impact

Uses Sound Charts to track investment impacts, such as radio play effectiveness in different countries.

Can access organized playlists by position and release date for detailed analysis post-release.

Discusses challenges with tracking copyrights and revenue associated with plays.

Streamlining Data Requests

Simplifies requests for grant support by using consolidated data from Sound Charts instead of manual checks.

Understanding Artist Metrics

The speaker uses financial tools like Curve for management and has access to a comprehensive database.

They compare artists' strategies and collaboration potential through data analysis.

Discussion on the importance of metrics in artist development, with a focus on audience demographics.

Choosing the Right Metrics

Small artists should not focus on streams or sales due to lack of data; understanding audience is key.

As projects grow, more data becomes available; various tools exist for tracking radio plays and analytics.

Sound Shots offers a 360-degree approach to monitoring artist performance without manual ranking checks.

Proactive Data Monitoring

It's crucial to select reliable tools for analyzing data and gaining insights into artist performance.

Notifications about unusual activity are more efficient than manually checking dashboards.

Sound Shots provides daily updates and live refreshes for real-time monitoring of artist activities.

Artist Profile Insights

Overview section shows high-level audience numbers across platforms like Instagram and Spotify.

Users can add missing social profiles to track all relevant sources in one tool.

Setting up alerts helps users stay informed about significant changes in an artist's metrics.

Analyzing Radio Plays

Users can dive into specific metrics, such as radio play statistics over time by market.

Leveraging Small Radio Stations for Promotion

Broadcasting on small radio stations increases chances of community engagement and track plays.

Working with PR agents can be beneficial; share your story about web radio momentum.

Free tools allow monitoring of radio plays and playlist entries, enhancing visibility.

Understanding Artist Engagement Metrics

Track social content to understand audience demographics and engagement levels.

Compare engagement rates with similar artists to gauge market position.

Identify gaps in radio plays versus playlists to set achievable goals.

Utilizing Data for Strategic Decisions

Playlist contact details are not stored due to GDPR concerns; use Spotify for creator info.

Early data analysis is crucial for identifying trends and accelerating growth.

Set up alerts to stay informed about significant changes in artist metrics.

Comprehensive Tracking Across Platforms

Monitor various platforms including TikTok, assessing post performance through views and engagement.

The platform tracks a wide range of global streaming services beyond Western markets.

Use comparison tools to analyze artist strengths across different regions.

Insights on Live Performance Opportunities

Understanding Audience Insights Across Platforms

The tool provides insights on views and listeners for artists in specific cities across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram.

Users can analyze their artist profile and similar profiles to identify consumption patterns in different locations.

Limitations exist; markets with little to no audience data are not available, but top markets are referenced.

Tracking Followers Across Multiple Platforms

It's unclear if followers on different platforms are counted once or multiple times; Spotify counts them as unique followers.

Influencer connections can be seen through notable followers appearing multiple times across platforms.

Assessing Artist Position in Niche Markets

The tool allows users to find artists within specific niches, such as hip hop from France, and see how they rank among peers.

Additional filters can be applied to discover trending profiles gaining traction.

Discovering New Talent and Tracking Growth

Users can filter artists by growth percentage on Spotify over a specified period to identify potential talent.

Artists can be added to favorites for real-time tracking of stats on one page.

Festival and Venue Insights

A new feature shows information about festivals, including lineups and social stats for venues globally.

Subscription Flexibility for Artist Tracking

Subscriptions allow changing tracked artists after 28 days using a credit system while maintaining comparison capabilities.

User Experience and Data Coverage Comparison

The platform offers an easy-to-use interface that may outperform competitors in accessing data efficiently.

Real-Time Alerts for Playlist Entries

Discounts and Historical Data

The platform offers a 70% discount for the first three months with coupon code M70.

Historical data is available since 2015, with at least three years of data for any artist.

Users can export up to 50,000 rows of data via CSV from the platform.

Live Gig Data and Tracking

The platform tracks live gig data including venue sizes and festivals.

Future updates will provide comprehensive concert listings from various providers.

Custom metrics creation in the dashboard is not yet possible, but users can export data.

API Access and Radio Tracking

An API will be available for automating reports and integrating with Google Sheets.

The platform tracks over 2300 radio stations globally, especially in France and Europe.

Users can review charts of most played songs on specific radio stations.

Data Insights for Emerging Artists

For artists with few listeners, audience reports are recommended when they have at least 1000 followers on social media.

Focus on actionable goals by analyzing similar artists' performance rather than empty graphs.

Addressing Discrepancies in Data

Differences may exist between Apple Music plays and reported numbers; users can report discrepancies for investigation.

How to Track Venues and Concerts?

The venue tracking tool is in early stages; insights will be available soon.

Users can filter venues by location, capacity, and music genre (e.g., blues or country).

Upcoming features will allow users to see an artist's concert history in France.

Future Enhancements for Concert Tracking

Complete concert history for artists in France will be displayed, including upcoming concerts.

Plans to track more sources and determine if concerts were sold out are underway.

Prospecting Tools Available

Discovery tools help find evolving artists based on relational metrics rather than absolute numbers.

Current listings focus on "pathening" artists with profiles on Spotify.

Filtering Artists Based on Criteria

Users can filter artists by growth metrics like Shazam counts or Instagram followers.

Listings can be customized based on play counts and geographical criteria.

Conclusion of the Session

The session concluded with thanks and a reminder about the recording being sent later.

Introduction to Sound Shots

Michelle introduces Ayel Gigan and the agenda for the session.

Ayel Gigan introduces himself and Sound Shots, an analytics company based in France since 2015.

Overview of the presentation on music data and a video from artist manager Geralt.

Understanding Music Data

Sound Shots categorizes music data into five main blocks: social networks, rankings, media broadcasts, TV, radio, and sales.

Emphasis on traditional monitoring alongside new online channels for data aggregation.

Importance of music data analytics for artists and managers today.

The Evolution of Data Availability

Data is more accessible now than ever due to digital transformation; real-time reporting is available.

Artists have more insights about their profiles compared to label executives a decade ago.

The industry has evolved with new professions like data scientists emerging.

Increased Education in the Industry

Many roles in the industry now require understanding of data analytics that didn't exist ten years ago.

Storytelling in pitches often includes relevant data points to illustrate success stories.

Access to current landscape information is easier for everyone involved in music.

Challenges with Fragmented Data

The rise of user-generated content has led to increased fragmentation of music data sources.

Tracking multiple platforms like Spotify and YouTube presents challenges for analysis.

Sound Shots aims to create a backbone for navigating this complex landscape.

Video Presentation by Geralt

Geralt shares his experiences using various data tools as a manager despite not being present live.

Music Industry Management Insights

Experience in Music Industry

Over 10 years of experience in the music industry, initially focused on project management and marketing strategies.

Transitioned to business management at Bishop, handling artist administration including budgeting and contracts.

Financial Data Tracking

Financial data is often delayed; revenue reports may take time to reflect actual earnings.

Monitoring various analytics tools is essential for tracking artist health and performance across platforms.

Tools for Artist Performance Analysis

Regularly checks Spotify for Artists to analyze specific releases' performance.

Utilizes Sound Charts since 2017 for real-time data insights, saving time in daily activities.

Analytics and Campaign Tracking

Importance of Analytics Tools

Sound Charts provides a comprehensive view of artist performance without replacing Spotify's detailed analytics.

Tracks investment impacts through analytics, such as radio play and influencer campaign effectiveness.

Radio Play and Copyright Tracking

Uses charts to monitor radio play effectiveness related to PR campaigns.

Compares generated revenue with reported plays for copyright investigations.

Data Management Efficiency

Streamlined Data Collection

Previously collected data manually from multiple platforms; now uses centralized tools for efficiency.

Accesses necessary information quickly for grant applications or support requests.

Comprehensive Project Health Overview

Artist Comparison and Data Analysis

Discusses the use of a pro account for accessing a comprehensive database to compare artists.

Highlights the tool's ability to discover new talents and strategize collaborations.

Mentions questions about differences between Soundshots and Charmetric, planning to address them later.

Understanding Metrics for Artists

Emphasizes the importance of selecting relevant metrics based on artist size and development stage.

Advises small artists to focus on audience demographics rather than streams or sales due to lack of data.

Suggests using social networks for insights when starting without editorial support.

Tools for Artist Development

Introduces various tools available for tracking radio plays, analytics, and music marketing.

Advocates for choosing reliable tools that provide proactive notifications about artist performance.

Describes Soundshots as a platform offering daily updates and live refreshes on data points.

Using Soundshots Effectively

Explains how users can search specific artist profiles and set alerts for important updates.

Details the overview feature showing audience demographics across platforms like Instagram and Spotify.

Encourages adding all possible sources to track an artist comprehensively in one tool.

Setting Alerts and Analyzing Data

Discusses setting up alerts for chart entries or playlist features to stay informed quickly.

Suggest exploring specific metrics like radio plays by market over time for deeper analysis.

Getting Your First Play on Radio

Small artists often get their first play on satellite or web radio, which may seem insignificant but is a crucial step.

Artists should engage with the radio station on social media to increase visibility and potentially gain more plays.

Working with a PR agent can help leverage early radio plays as momentum for future projects.

Tracking Radio Plays and Playlist Entries

Tools are available to visually track which radios play an artist's songs and when those plays occur.

Soundshots provides alerts for recent radio plays, even for free users, helping artists stay informed about their exposure.

Monitoring playlist entries allows artists to communicate with distributors about new placements.

Understanding Audience Engagement

Tracking social content helps understand audience demographics, including gender and age distribution of fans.

Comparing engagement rates with similar artists in the same niche provides valuable market insights.

Identifying differences in radio and playlist presence among comparable artists aids in setting achievable goals.

Data Accessibility and Artist Comparison

While contact details for playlists aren't provided due to privacy regulations, data comparison remains essential.

Artists without extensive data can still monitor audience numbers and receive updates on significant changes.

The platform notifies users of important developments, allowing them to react quickly as their presence grows.

Comprehensive Data Tracking Across Platforms

Soundshots tracks engagement across various platforms like TikTok, providing insights into post performance.

Users can export detailed reports on any artist's performance metrics from multiple global platforms.

Artist Comparison and Metrics

Discusses comparing artists' fan bases in different regions, such as North America vs. Europe.

Emphasizes the importance of metrics when choosing cities for live performances based on audience demographics.

Suggests reviewing concert history of similar artists to identify successful venues.

Audience Insights

Highlights the significance of analyzing audience data across platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Notes limitations in audience data for markets with little to no presence, e.g., French artist in Australia.

Explains how follower counts may overlap across platforms, leading to potential double counting.

Niche Assessment

Describes using tools to assess an artist's position within their niche, such as hip-hop rap from France.

Allows filtering by criteria to discover artists gaining traction or relevant stats.

Encourages tracking growth metrics like followers on Spotify for strategic insights.

Tracking Multiple Artists

Suggest adding multiple artists to favorites for real-time stat tracking on one page.

Compares performance metrics among similar profiles to identify trends and opportunities.

Mentions the ability to analyze song-level performance for favorite artists generating streams.

Festival and Venue Insights

Introduces a new feature showing festival lineups and historical data for 46,000 festivals.

How to Track Artists with Subscription?

You can change the artist you track after 28 days with a subscription.

The free plan allows tracking up to 50 rows of data for artists.

The user interface is consistent across mobile and desktop, making data access easier.

What are the Key Features of the Tracking Tool?

The tool covers many platforms that competitors do not, enhancing data depth.

Real-time alerts for playlist entries are a significant feature; set them up on Fridays for best results.

A 70% discount is available for the first three months using coupon code Emma 70.

Data History and Reporting Capabilities

Historical data availability varies; at least three years of data is standard, with some points going back ten years.

Reports can be exported in CSV format, allowing access to large datasets (up to 50K rows).

Concert Data Tracking

Concert data includes venue sizes and festival information; sourced from multiple platforms like Ticket Master and Spotify.

A new concert view will soon provide comprehensive listings from various providers.

Future Developments and Custom Metrics

Plans to include TV station tracking are underway but not yet implemented.

Creating custom metrics within the dashboard isn't possible yet; however, an API allows automated reporting.

Radio Station Tracking Capabilities

College stations in France and Europe are tracked extensively; over 2,300 radios globally are included.

Understanding Data Tracking for Emerging Artists

Key Insights on Artist Growth

For artists with few monthly listeners, focus on audience reports when available.

Analyze the demographics of first fans to tailor growth strategies effectively.

Research similar artists in the same niche to identify potential growth opportunities.

Actionable Goals and Tools

Set actionable goals based on data rather than relying solely on sparse charts.

Regularly check artist profiles only when significant changes occur; set up alerts for updates.

Use intercom chat for inquiries about discrepancies in radio play tracking.

Venue Tracking and Concert Insights

The venue feature is still developing; currently allows filtering by location and capacity.

Upcoming features will include insights into concert history and ticket pricing.

Future updates aim to track more sources for concert data, including sold-out statuses.

Prospecting Tools Available

Discovery tools are being developed to help users find trending artists relationally, not just by numbers.

Overview of Artist Profiling

Currently, only performing artists with a Spotify profile are considered for talent searches.

Specific filters can be applied to find artists with at least 1-2% growth in listeners or social media followers.

Listings can be narrowed down by genre, location, and listener counts, resulting in a targeted scouting list.

Using Filters for Scouting

Additional criteria include airplay frequency, such as more than 100 but less than 1,000 plays.