1. How did DRT start? It all started one day as I was talking to an associate. We notice that more and more of the songs that we were promoting were being played on digital radio. At the time, it was referred to as Internet Radio. As we began our research, we discovered that no one was really monitoring the activity of songs on digital streaming radio. As a record promoter, you always want to know what is going on with the songs you are promoting and be able to illustrate to your clients that you are working for them. In talking to some of the main monitoring companies, we found out that they were not interested in monitoring airplay on digital radio as well as some small-market FM stations. These stations are known to support new and developing artists and are much easier to garner airplay from. Being that this was a void in the music industry, we thought if no one wants to do it, maybe we should try and develop something. What started off as an internal software to show our clients that their song was being played at various levels of radio, has now turned into a global monitoring company – DigitalRadioTracker.

 

1. How does DRT separate itself from other companies alike? DRT prides itself on being added value to the music industry. We like to say, “DRT is competition to no one, but value for everyone!” We are in a space of our own. Nielson BDS/Billboard and Mediabase predominately monitor the top 200 metro market Terrestrial FM stations in the U.S. DRT’s focus is monitoring global digital streaming radio stations. We all monitor some of the same radio stations in the U.S., but DRT also monitors radio stations worldwide. We produce global airplay charts whereas they produce charts based on U.S. data only. If an artist/record label really want to understand what their song is doing at radio and have a complete picture of the airplay story, they will want to look at all three reports DRT, BDS and Mediabase.

 

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1. How important is it for independent artist to connect with DRT? It is vital for an artist to have their music tracked by third-party monitoring companies such as DigitalRadioTracker. I cannot express the importance enough. In the music industry, one of the hardest things to obtain is validation as an artist. A song’s analytics is one of the main ways the music industry determines whether an artist is trending or not. It can also be used to determine how successful an artist or song may become. 

 

1. Is it required for all music to be submitted through DRT, to be registered with DRT? No one has to register a song with DRT. DigitalRadioTracker is the only monitoring company in the world that does not require any special encoding or fingerprinting. By using its proprietary software, DRT can track songs from the first time it is played! Other monitoring sources cannot monitor a song unless someone sends the song to them to be encoded first. This is especially important as spins are often missed on songs which can affect promotional strategies and royalties on a project. One of the unique things about DRT is that we also track different versions of a song such as a feature or remix. DRT has simplified the process in getting a song tracked. Get your song played at least one-time on any of the 5000+ stations that DRT monitors and a DRT file will be created on that song. Register for a FREE DRT Account on our website and then login to our web portal to generate a DRT Report at any time on your song. It is that easy! DigitalRadioTracker is also the only company in the world to provide a FREE artist/song/broadcaster searchable database to our users which contains over 45 million song titles. This has been an invaluable resource tool for independent artists. Other monitoring companies charge to access their database.

 

1. How can your clients monetize the information they obtain from DigitalRadioTracker? DRT is utilized by artists, publicists, managers, promoters, radio station programmers, DJs, music industry executives and more! The global airplay data that DRT collects is very useful to artists and record labels because they can use the information to book shows and tours, set-up interviews, sell merchandise or promote their songs to other radio stations to secure more airplay. Artists and record labels can also use the airplay information to assist in collecting royalties on their music and increase their fan base. Or they can use the data to develop promotional strategies and learn which markets to further promote and market their music. Before now, there was no other monitoring source providing this level of analytics for new independent artists and record labels to be able to monetize their brand.

 

1. What need, caused you to create DRT certified artist plaques? One of the things we noticed in the music industry is that many independent artists do not receive any type of accolade. DRT has always been about giving a voice to the unheard. Our DRT Certified Plaques are some of the highest quality in the music industry. They are made using 100% Italian solid wood frame, superior quality printing on plexiglass and 3D raised inserts. DRT is the only company in the music industry to use Augmented Reality technology in our plaques. This feature allows you to scan your plaque with your phone or tablet and it will play the artist’s music video! To qualify, an artist must have a single charted on any of the official DRT Charts for a minimum of one week. This can be at any chart position from 2014 to present. We are excited to provide recognition where it is deserved and offer independent artists an opportunity to display their success and enjoy a lifetime of memories with their DRT Certified Plaque!

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1. Who was the first label or artist entered into the DRT database, and why? When we first created DRT, we developed a proprietary software 

that allowed us to track thousands of radio stations at one time. DRT’s software is fully automated, so we did not have to manually add any artist or label to the system.  

 

1. Are there any guidelines for what is considered good vs. bad music, if so what are they? With music monitoring, we simply track the airplay of all songs. We don’t judge a song on whether it’s good or bad. In some ways, programmers and DJs make that decision by what they select to play. What DRT does, is log what is being streamed into our database and timestamp it. That data is then compiled for DRT Reports as well as weekly charts. 

 

1. With DRT being so big in the music industry, does that bring forth other companies trying to buy the company out? Although we have just started our 10th year anniversary, we are still growing as a company. The music industry has an interesting way of working when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. Our goal is to build an even stronger global brand before any type of exit. Being that DRT is in a space of its own, it is about attracting the right situation. For DRT its about legacy and making a difference in the music industry. As for any buy-out, time will reveal if that’s the direction for DRT.

What can we expect from DRT over the next 5 years? Our goal is to continue to educate the music industry during the pandemic and beyond and illustrate that digital radio is a solid force and will be around for many more years. We want DigitalRadioTracker to build an even stronger community in 2021 and as a leader, continue to be the voice for so many that have been unheard in the music industry. As technology continues to expand with devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, DRT plans on monitoring more digital streaming stations on these devices. Internet Radio are being installed in millions of cars today and DRT will focus on monitoring more of these streaming stations. DRT’s goal is to be the first broadcast monitoring company to track specialty shows such as DJ mix-shows, ministries, talk shows and more!