The following piece is written by digital media advisor & former executive chairman, Semetric (Musicmetric), Jeremy Silver:

The music industry has always had an interest in data. Ever since the Top 40 became the most popular source of music played on radio, the charts have held a place of almost religious centrality for the industry. Getting a No.1 record secured the artist’s reputation and the manager’s on-going representation, ensured record company and retail commitment, and guaranteed media ...