What is Radio Tracking? 

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     A lot of people I talk to along my journey in music confuse what Radio Tracking really is.  So here it is.  Radio Tracking is the systematic tracking of individual songs across all media markets around the globe done by uploading your music into their database as well as using a tiny little code that is embedded into the meta data of a song called an ISRC Code. (International Standard Recording Code).  Radio Trackers scan both interactive and non-interactive radio stations and track the number of plays, streams, downloads etc. 

 

     There are 2 major companies that cover all media outlets around North America and they are the big daddy players when it comes to Radio Airplay Tracking, Music Charts (Billboard, Canadian Music Charts and many more), Magazines, and most retailers and that is Luminate (formerly Neilson/BDS) and Mediabase.  I’ll get back to them in a moment. 

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                                  What are Radio Tastemakers? 

 

     Now Radio Trackers gets confused with Radio Tastemakers.  They are the people who pitch your music to various radio stations.  This can be quite a costly marketing strategy however it can prove to be very effective if done right.  We have discovered some reliable companies that offer artists real radio airplay and have packages that will work within any budget. One of them is Play MPE, a Destiny Technologies company based out of Vancouver, BC.

 

     In all honesty airplay on physical radio stations is an uphill battle at best for independent artists.  If you can afford a good radio promo package, then you have to try and the airplay during peak hours and not in the middle of the night in a small market (small town radio station). Many of my friends and colleagues got their “big break” from local radio station contests or a “Battle of the Bands” contest or landing a publishing deal for a movie that goes big, like “Spiderman”.    

 

              What is Interactive/Non-Interactive Radio? 

     

     So, back to Radio Tracking.  When I talk about Interactive Radio, I’m talking about Radio or Playlists that can be changed or manipulated.  For example, Spotify, Jango, or local radio stations’ playlists or queues can be changed, modified, or requested for different songs by the listener.  That makes them Interactive.  On the other hand, Satellite Radio Stations have set rotating playlists that are pre-determined and cannot be changed or manipulated by any outside source and they are called Non-Interactive Radio.  

                                             

                           What is Luminate (fromerly BDS)? 

    

     Luminate is the rebranded evolution of what was formerly known as Nielson BDS (Broadcast Data Systems) and Soundscan.  It now serves as the unified platform for tracking music sales, airplay, and consumer engagement, continuing the legacy of these industry-standard tracking systems under one medernized umbrella..

     Luminate tracks airplay on interactive and non-interactive radio as well as cable music channels. They capture more than 100 million songs annually on more than 1600 radio stations in over 140 markets in the US (including Puerto Rico) and 30 Canadian markets. In order to have a chance at making any of these charts’ artists must upload STRIPPED FILES only in high-quality MP3. No music with any junk data, or cover art will be accepted. Wave files do work however they are converted to MP3 automatically when uploaded. KRZ Publishing offers the “Stripping” service as part of our Publishing or Sync Agreements  

 

                                             What is Mediabase? 

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     Mediabase was created in 1985 by a company called “IHeartMedia” under the name “Mediascan” but changed names in 1987.   The now called Mediabase was discovered by Nancy and Rich Meyer and was the first mass-airplay monitoring company. They are a 360% reporting service that has quickly become another industry standard.  

 

     Mediabase produces song charts and airplay analysis of songs in more than 2 dozen formats based on monitoring more than 1800 radio stations in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and Canada in over 180 markets. They also monitor HD formats, video channels, and satellite radio. They provide vital airplay information and in-depth analytic tools for media professionals. They define the success and popularity of recorded music and give an insight into consumer listening trends thus helping marketing firms and companies plan their campaigns.  

Like Luminate, Mediabase requires STRIPPED, high-quality MP3’s uploaded as well as all the album, artists, and track info.  

 

                                     Luminate VS. Mediabase  

 

     It really boils down to this. Luminate tracks their airplay the modern way, using computers. It seems like the ideal way to track anything however there is a downside. Yes, computers are extremely accurate and that is how they built their reputation, but their counterpart, Mediabase uses real people to listen and track their songs. I know what you’re thinking, the whole human error thing right? But the people listening can make notes or special remarks about the DJ’s talking about the song or people calling in, or if it was requested etc. it provides a more detailed and a specific listening experience.  

 

     Another point to keep in mind is Mediabase and Luminate only monitor 80% of the same stations so in order to get full coverage you will need to upload your music to both entities.  Here is a link to help guide you in the right direction ----->>>> HOW TO PROPERLY REGISTER YOUR MUSIC WITH LUMINATE & MEDIABASE

                                                 

                                                      In Closing 

 

      There is no doubt at all that your music should be uploaded and registered with these 3 previously mentioned entities to give yourself the best chance you can in a very challenging and evolving music business. This is something you can do yourself it just takes is your time but well worth the effort it takes!

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