SoundScan is an electronic network that collects weekly retail figures from over 17,000 music stores in the U.S., including chains like Tower, Wherehouse, and BestBuy. It's owned and operated by a company based in White Plains, New York, called VNU Marketing Information. This company sells their information to corporate subscribers like record labels and concert promoters for lots of money. Since 1991, the Billboard charts have been based on SoundScan data.
How does SoundScan scan all those sounds? Barcodes. Subscribers can track sales figures for artists in particular regions, compare sales figures within genres, and monitor the efficacy of the tiniest indie promotional effort or the biggest Britney blowout. Needless to say, VNU also offers BookScan and VideoScan services.
The switch to SoundScan data more than a decade ago drastically altered the Billboard charts. Whereas before the charts had been compiled from dubious data delivered by radio stations and record stores, SoundScan provided an uncompromising retail x-ray of music-buying America. Lots of established acts (payola-propped stalwarts who, in fact, weren't so established) lost out to breakout bands in genres like hip-hop, metal, and country.
If you're an up-and-coming musician, you need to register your album with SoundScan to officially take part in the music industry. Download a PDF version of the form here. You'll also find instructions on how to receive your very own barcode
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
When the passion of music is real
No comments:
Post a Comment