Decoding the Algorithm for Pop Music

Posted by CmdrTaco on Sunday November 23, 2003 @04:06AM from the where-math-money-and-music-mesh dept.

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."

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Re:Mod parent up by thrash242 · 2003-11-23 06:45 · Score: 0, Redundant

You consider Limp Dickzit and Korn original and not bland? What do you consider bland and unoriginal, pray tell?

For originality, you usually have to go to bands that most people never hear of, since originality is not a marketable attribute.