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Topic: Hit Song Science |
Rich Weiss
From:
Woodland Hills, CA, USA
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Posted 18 Mar 2004 10:55 pm |
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From the RPM Direct newsletter today:
>> Hit Song Science Scores A Hit On First Attempt – Anastacia's "Left Outside Alone"
Polyphonic HMI recently announced that it has guided the production of it's first hit song. The first song, to be released whose producer used Hit Song Science (HSS) as a production tool has reached "Hot Rotation" upon release in its debut market. The song, Anastacia's "Left Outside Alone", was released to radio in Europe in late February and already is burning up the charts. Radio Hamburg's program director, Marzel Becker says the song "performs very well(as per audience feedback) and we've put it in hot (heavy) rotation." The song was produced by Glen Ballard and Dallas Austin with additional production and mixing done by Grammy-winning producer Ric Wake who used Polyphonic HMI's service, Hit Song Science (HSS), to calibrate the work for optimal
mathematical patterns. "HSS takes a song that sounds like it might be a hit and makes sure it can be one. With finely tuned adjustments in the mix we can ensure it has the optimal mathematical patterns for maximum market performance," said Wake who has been using the new HSS technology in his studio for several months. "With that base covered, the odds of success are tremendous." "Hit Song Science does not take the place of golden ears and gut instinct", said Mike McCready, CEO of Polyphonic HMI. "Much like the x-ray machine is a tool
that gives doctors objective and scientific information about the body, HSS is a tool that allows artists, producers and music industry executives the ability to see their music and their markets in ways that were previously impossible. Even with great ears however, the best in the industry are wrong a lot more often than they are right. The stark reality for every music label is that songs that sound and feel like hits get promoted on a regular basis, but strangely do not perform in the market. Most of these songs do not have what Polyphonic has determined to be optimal mathematical patterns that compel people to want to hear the song again and again, or better yet, go out and buy it. This is not because of some mind-controlling element hidden in the music, rather simply because the music connects with them on a visceral level. HSS helps the labels avoid promoting the kind of songs that are destined to be duds no matter how much they sound like hits. And that can save literally millions of dollars for the music industry."
For more information visit URL=http://www.polyphonichmi.com]www.polyphonichmi.com[/URL]
[This message was edited by Rich Weiss on 18 March 2004 at 10:57 PM.] |
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erik
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 4:29 am
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| I suppose it means a poorly conceived and written song can also be a hit if it has the math behind it. There are certainly many out there. |
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John Steele (deceased)
From:
Renfrew, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 9:30 am
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That reminds me of the old Flintstones episode in which Barney and Fred decide to become hit song writers. They read a an analysis which tells them the formula: "Hit songs about mother - 64%, Hit songs containing nonsense lyrics - 56%, Hit songs containing a reference to trains - 72%" etc. So, they roll all of it together, with predictable ridiculous results.
The other factor I was tempted to mention in B.D. Bassett's recent "hits" thread (but didn't, 'cause I didn't want to sound like a curmudgeon):
Today's scene is the only one in which a previously unheard track would be released on a "greatest hits" album. That's just ridiculous, and speaks to the extent of the arrogance and control of labels/radio.
Some of Shania Twain's last recorded output was superhyped by Lemming Records Inc. and deemed to be a "smash hit" before any of it was even made available to the public.
Who knew that George Orwell was actually writing about the music business ?
-John
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www.ottawajazz.com |
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Walter Stettner
From:
Vienna, Austria
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 9:49 am
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John,
You said it! I was wondering myself about those announcements of the "next smash hit" by .....Some of these "hits" were even nominated for gold or platinum before the actual release!
If all it takes today to have a smash hit is market analysis and computer programming, we're living in sad times. If this (musically) worthless crap is called "music" I'd rather not be referred to as musician anymore.
Thank God that there are still a lot of real musicians and music lovers around who appreciate good music played with musical capability, fire and fun!
Kind Regards, Walter
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 2:38 pm
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Mathematical analysis is a good thing ...
There isn't a pro football team that doesn't use a variety of Scouting/Tendancies Programs in their program. Wanna compete in the NFL without 'em ...
Computer aided analytical techniques are being used to do marvelous things ...
Anyone have an MRI lately ...
I think its cool that a group of folks have developed a "Musical Tendancies" program ...
Just my opinion ...
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www.horseshoemagnets.com [This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 19 March 2004 at 02:41 PM.] |
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Rich Weiss
From:
Woodland Hills, CA, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 2:49 pm
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quote:
The math is trivial:
HR = PY
Where:
HR = "Heavy Rotation"
PY = "Payola"
[This message was edited by Rich Weiss on 19 March 2004 at 02:50 PM.] |
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 3:43 pm
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Rich I am sure there is an element of PY still around, but yet you can't pay for complete drek and get it on the air.
There has to be something there, no matter how marginal to educated ears.
HSS IS something I would be interested in seeing though. |
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 5:18 pm
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| I strongly recommend to all to read the mid '50s short science fiction story "The Subliminal Man", if you can ever find it. I think about the plot with every advertisement that tries to manipulate... |
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Gene H. Brown
From:
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
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Posted 19 Mar 2004 6:31 pm
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Well, if achey breaky heart can be a hit, I guess there's hope for just about anything if it has enough money behind it.
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If You Keep Pickin That Thing, It'll Never Heal!
;)
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