Decoding the Algorithm for Pop Music

fb4f writes "Over at Modplug, they have an article describing a mathematical algorithm to predict if a given song will become a hit or not. Paraphrasing the article, a Spanish company called Polyphonic HMI has made a business out of analyzing song submissions and predicting their "hitability". Here's their description of the algorithm and here's their FAQ. They claim to have predicted the commercial success of Norah Jones through this method. Here's my question (which is not fully answered in their FAQ): if they (music company executives) are currently using the algorithm to screen submissions for their "hitability", can we (people who listen to music) use the same algorithm to reject recycled tunes and encourage originality? I for one, still like the fresh talent and community feel of the tracking scene."

Comments

Karma Hit

[Aliencow]

Someone should make an algo to calculate which Slashdot comments will be moderated up to 5. Should be pretty easy...as long as you bash SCO!

Re:Karma Hit

[teamhasnoi]

Someone should make an algo to calculate which Slashdot comments will be moderated up to 5. Should be pretty easy...as long as you bash SCO!

It's tough to come up with an algorythm for slasdot moderations. SCO bashing will not guarrentee anything. In fact, I used some software similar to that mentioned in this article, and determined that this comment will be modded +5.

SCO RULES!
Bill Gates is your friend.
I enjoy RFID!
I can't get enough of that Jon Katz!
Linux is for little girls.
Look at my newest casemod! I put a flashlight in there!
Hilary Rosen is a super-fox!
I peed in your coffee.
The Simpsons/Matrix/Starwars/LordoftheRings totally sucks.
DRM is the answer to everything!
I just patented food!

These comments alone would not gain a +5, however, the self-referencial nature of this comment will.

Granted, this software is still in beta.

My Pop Music Algorithm

[anaphora]

If Singer.Belly.isShown() then mod.singer.+1sexy
If Singer.Voice.isScreaming() then mod.singer.+1punkfav
If Singer.Gender.isMale() then mod.singer.+1prepubescentgirls
If Singer.Label.isRIAA() then mod.singer.+1popular
If Singer.Style.isOriginal() then mod.singer.-1original

Sounds like the formula for movie success

[Lupulack]

40% Action
30% Comedy
30% Romance
0% Madonna

( with credit to Jay Leno )

DaVinci's Notebook - Title of the Song

[Threed]

TITLE OF THE SONG - DaVinci's Notebook

Declaration of my feelings for you
Elaboration on those feelings
Description of how long these feelings have existed
Belief that no one else could feel the same as I

Reminiscence of the pleasant times we've shared
And our relationship's perfection
Recounting of the steps that lead to our love's dissillusion
Mostly involving my unfaithfulness and lies

Penitent admission of wrongdoing
Discovery of the depth of my affection
Regret over the lateness of my epiphany

CHORUS:
Title of the song
Naive expression of love
Reluctance to accept that you are gone
Request to turn back time
And rectify my wrongs
Repetition of the title of the song

Enumeration of my various transgressive actions
Of insufficient motivation
Realization that these actions led to your departure
And my resultant lack of sleep and appetite

Renunciation of my past insensitive behavior
Promise of my reformation
Reassurance that you still are foremeost in my thoughts, now,
Need for instructions how to gain your trust again

Request for reconciliation
Listing of the numerouss tasks that I'd perform
Of physical and emotional compensation

CHORUS

Acknowledgement that I acted foolishly
Increasingly desparate pleas for your return
Sorrow for my infidelity
Vain hope that my sins are forgivable
Appeal for one more opportunity
Drop to my knees to elecit crowd response
Prayers to my chosen deity
Modulation and I hold a high note...

CHORUS