SiriusXM and CCMA open voting for 2024 Top of the Country competition

Apr 6, 2024

Today, SiriusXM Canada and the Canadian Country Music Association opened public voting for this year’s SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. With eight of Canada’s top burgeoning country music stars vying for the title, music fans have a tough choice to make! To help, each artist has released an exclusive video of their studio recording available on topcountry.siriusxm.ca, where fans can also cast their votes after 10am ET today.

With once-in-a-lifetime opportunities awaiting the three finalists, including cash prizes, live performances at Canadian country music events, a SOCAN songwriting trip, and a coveted performance spot at CMA Fest in Nashville, the contestants are calling on Canadians to help them push to the finish line.

This year the talented semi-finalists represent five Canadian provinces:

Robert Adam – Bonnyville, Alberta
Alexa Goldie – Kingston, Ontario
Parker Graye – Orillia, Ontario
Zach McPhee – Vernon, British Columbia
Tony Stevens – Surrey, British Columbia
Trudy – Montreal, Quebec
Mariya Stokes – Stavely, Alberta
Jade Turner – Misipawistik Cree Nation, Manitoba

“The Top of the Country competition is a true celebration of Canadian talent, and we are delighted to invite music fans across Canada to be a part of it,” said, Michelle Mearns, VP of Programming and Operations, SiriusXM Canada. “The voting phase is a crucial moment where the public can show their support for these rising stars who embody the spirit of Canadian country music. Together, we can elevate these artists and showcase the talent that our country has to offer.”

Following the closing of the public vote, the three finalists will travel to Nashville for industry mentorship opportunities, perform at 2024 CMA Fest, and hit the stage at Lasso Montréal in August. The SiriusXM Top of the Country competition will conclude during the CCMA’s Country Music Week in September at the Finale Concert in Edmonton, Alberta, where the winner will be crowned and awarded a $25,000 grand prize. The Finale promises a lineup of electrifying live performances by the three finalists and a highly anticipated headliner. Fans can tune in to the live broadcast on SiriusXM Top of the Country Radio (ch. 171) to cheer on their favourite contestant.

“The public vote provides a special opportunity for fans to participate in shaping the future of Canada’s country music scene,” said, Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “Each year we are amazed by the talent that emerges from this competition and this year is no exception. Fans are going to have a tough time deciding who will get their vote!”

SiriusXM’s Top of the Country in partnership with the CCMA is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach.

My Next Read: “The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast” by S.H. Fernando

Apr 5, 2024

The definitive biography of MF DOOM, charting the reclusive and revered hip-hop artist’s life, career, and eventual immortality.

From the journalist behind From the Streets of Shaolin and packed with behind-the-scenes content, for fans of hip-hop biographies like Dilla Time and The Marathon Don’t Stop.

On December 31, 2020, the world was shocked to learn about the death of hip-hop legend MF DOOM. Born in London and raised in the suburban enclave of Long Beach, New York, Daniel Dumile Jr.’s love of cartoons and comic books would soon turn him into one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic, prolific, and influential figures.

Sweeping and definitive, The Chronicles of DOOM: Unraveling Rap’s Masked Iconoclast recounts the rise, fall, redemption, and untimely demise of MF DOOM. Broken down into five sections: The Man, The Myth, The Mask, The Music, and The Legend, journalist S. H. Fernando, or SKIZ, chronicles the life of Daniel Dumile Jr., beginning in the house he grew up in in Long Beach, NY, into the hip-hop group KMD, onto the stage of his first masked show, through the countless collabs, and across the many different cities Daniel called home. Centering the music, SKIZ deftly lays out the history of east-coast rap against DOOM’s life story and dissects the personas, projects, tracks, and lyrics that led to his immortality.

Including exclusive interviews with those who worked closely with DOOM and providing an unknown, intimate, behind the scenes look into DOOM’s life, The Chronicles of DOOM is the definitive biography of MF DOOM, a supervillain on stage and hero to those who paid attention.

Korn Announces Massive 25-City Tour Across North America

Apr 4, 2024

Following the announcement and sellout of their milestone 30th anniversary show in Los Angeles, two-time GRAMMY-award winning band Korn, has announced their 2024 run of shows across North America. The rock cultural icons will embark on a 25-date Live Nation-produced tour with special guests, GRAMMY-nominated band Gojira and Canadian heavy metal group Spiritbox. The tour will make a stop at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Korn changed the world with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1994. It was a record that would pioneer a genre, and blur others-leading into a larger cultural movement. Since forming, Korn has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammys, toured the world countless times, and set many records in the process that will likely never be surpassed. Korn has continued to push the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres, while remaining a pillar of influence for legions of fans, and generations of artists around the globe.

The level of Korn’s reach transcends accolades and platinum certifications. They are “a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now,” attests The Ringer. They represent a new archetype and radical innovation, their ability to transcend genre makes barriers seem irrelevant.

Gojira bend extremes to their whim, emerging as an entrancing enigma equally driven by intuition and intensity. Balancing metallic proficiency, primal grooves, and otherworldly melodies, the French quartet continue to facilitate heavy music’s progression into the future by burning down all boundaries. As such, they’ve unassumingly risen to the forefront of the genre as quiet trailblazers. Thus far, they’ve earned three GRAMMY® Award nominations and even claimed a coveted spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time” with 2005’s landmark From Mars To Sirius. Their catalog spans groundbreaking records such as L’Enfant Sauvage [2012], Magma [2016], and their most recent studio album Fortitude [2021]. With restless creativity and infinite vision, Gojira always inspire thought, awaken passion, and incite catharsis as heavy music’s most unconventional, yet undeniable force.

Courtney LaPlante’s journey with Spiritbox has been a whirlwind of unexpected twists, from their humble beginnings to becoming a breakout sensation in the metal scene, as seen in their recent collaborations and Grammy nomination. Their latest EP, ‘The Fear Of Fear’, delves into themes of existential struggle and self-discovery, showcasing the band’s penchant for innovation and introspection. With each release, Spiritbox refuses to be confined to a single genre, embracing creative freedom and a commitment to personal growth. As they embark on the next chapter of their musical evolution, one thing is certain: the world of heavy music eagerly awaits their next move.

KORN 2024 TOUR DATES WITH SPECIAL GUESTS GOJIRA AND SPIRITBOX:
Thu Sep 12 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 14 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Mon Sep 16 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Wed Sep 18 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Fri Sep 20 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Sat Sep 21 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Mon Sep 23 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Wed Sep 25 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Fri Sep 27 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sat Sep 28 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sun Sep 29 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life*
Wed Oct 02 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Thu Oct 03 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 05 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium^ – SOLD OUT
Sun Oct 06 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 08 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Thu Oct 10 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
Sat Oct 12 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
Wed Oct 16 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Fri Oct 18 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Sun Oct 20 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Mon Oct 21 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Wed Oct 23 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Fri Oct 25 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
Sun Oct 27 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
*Festival Performance
^Special Guests include Evanescence, Gojira, Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway, Spiritbox and Vended

Gibson Announces the Artist Collection: Everly Brothers J-180

Apr 4, 2024

As it celebrates 130 years of music history, Gibson, the iconic and leading global instrument brand has shaped sound across generations and genres of music for over a century, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved music brands around the world. Gibson is proud to celebrate the rich musical legacy of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Phil and Don Everly, with the return of The Everly Brothers J-180 acoustic in Ebony to the core Custom Shop Artist Collection lineup. One of the most striking, desired and recognizable acoustic guitars in music history, the Everly Brothers J-180 acoustic guitars are available worldwide at authorized Gibson dealers, and via Gibson.com.

“When my father and uncle (Phil and Don Everly) first started playing and singing, the idea they’d have a signature Gibson guitar with their name on it would be ludicrous in the extreme. The fact that The Everly Brothers were given such free reign to design such a radical acoustic guitar (for that time), was beyond amazing. In my opinion, the Gibson J-180 Everly Brothers model is the most beautiful acoustic guitar ever built. At a glance, in that first split second, before your brain takes in the whole image of the guitar, you have an emotional connection. You are looking right at Rock ‘n’ Roll, in its original form and spirit. It’s different. It’s beautiful and it makes you feel like you can change the world. My family is so grateful and humbled by all the care and dedication Gibson has put into our new Everly Brothers J-180. All the details, all the spirit and all the artistic dedication. It’s something only Gibson could do, and we are so proud to be a part of it.” says Jason Everly

Music royalty, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Phil and Don Everly, performing together as The Everly Brothers, were among the most popular artists in the world during the early rock era of the 1950s and early 1960s. Their seamless and soaring harmonies were supported by their driving rhythm parts played on matching Gibson acoustic guitars. Working closely with Don and Phil, Gibson luthiers created the J-180 artist model, and even today, vintage Everly Brothers J-180s have an almost cult-like following amongst the best and brightest musicians across the globe.

Featuring a maple body and a Sitka spruce top, the Everly Brothers J-180 is replete with all of the decorative details that make the Gibson Everly Brothers models instantly recognizable, including an Ebony gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, double tortoise moustache pickguards designed in cooperation with the Everly Brothers, and mother of pearl star inlays on the headstock and neck. The Everly Brothers J-180 also features a bone nut and saddle, TUSQ bridge pins, and Grover Rotomatic tuners with Keystone buttons. It comes with an L.R. Baggs VTC under-saddle pickup and preamp, making it stage and studio-ready the moment you take it out of the included hardshell case.

Incomparable rock and roll trailblazers and country rock pioneers Phil and Don Everly’s timeless harmonies made them one of the first superstar acts in music history, profoundly impacting generations of artists to follow. The Everly Brothers’ hits from the late-1950s helped lay the very foundation for rock and roll itself, and the albums they made with Warner Bros. Records in the 1960s revealed the depth of their talents as both songwriters and singers. The Everly Brothers’ influence has been credited by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, Gram Parsons, Tom Petty, and Linda Ronstadt as a North Star. The brothers’ influence continues today; Pearl Jam, Cat Power, and Angel Olsen distill their inspiration. The Everly’s timeless songs and vocal arrangements have been covered by a legendary stable of artists, including everyone from Ray Charles to, The Who, and Reba McEntire. With a sense of notable homage and devotion from powerhouse duos such as Billie Joe Armstrong and Norah Jones and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

SiriusXM Announces Coverage for 2024 Major League Baseball Season

Apr 4, 2024

SiriusXM will offer baseball fans nationwide extensive coverage for the full 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, from Opening Day through the postseason. Subscribers will have access to live play-by-play calls of every game, as well as 24/7 news, talk and expert analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel (channel 89).

Two former MLB stars – 2006 American League (AL) MVP and four-time All Star Justin Morneau and veteran pitcher Trevor May – have joined the team of hosts on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio channel this season. Every Sunday from 1-4pm ET, May will co-host “Home Plate” along with SiriusXM’s Dani Wexelman, while Morneau will make regular appearances on various programs on the channel.

On Opening Day (March 28), SiriusXM host and former general manager Steve Phillips will join Wexelman as they broadcast live from historic Camden Yards, where the Baltimore Orioles will play the Toronto Blue Jays. Coverage starts at 12pm ET.

With SiriusXM’s MLB programming, listeners never have to miss a moment of their favorite teams. The SiriusXM app offers 30 play-by-play channels dedicated to streaming the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game, from Opening Day through the World Series. All 30 MLB play-by-play channels are also available on vehicles equipped with SiriusXM with 360L radios.

SiriusXM’s new and improved app will feature a special page dedicated to MLB – sxm.app.link/MLB2024 – making it easy for listeners to access live and upcoming games and content related to their favorite team.

The 24/7 MLB Network Radio channel will continue to provide the most in-depth audio coverage of the league, with a roster of expert hosts, including former GMs Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former players David Aardsma, Kevin Frandsen, Chris Gimenez, Jensen Lewis, Trevor May, Justin Morneau, CJ Nitkowski, Eduardo Perez, Xavier Scruggs, Ryan Spilborghs and Mike Stanton, former manager Kevin Kennedy, national baseball writers Tyler Kepner, and Jon Morosi, as well as Robert Brender, Jenny Cavnar, Mike Ferrin, Dan Graca, Jeff Joyce, Jim Memolo, Grant Paulsen, Ed Randall and Dani Wexelman.

MLB Network Radio will also air Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s MLB Network show, “High Heat with Christopher Russo presented by Kit Kat,” weekday afternoons at 1:00 pm ET as well as simulcasts of additional MLB Network television programming, including the flagship studio show “MLB Tonight” weeknights.

Throughout the season, fans can also hear regularly scheduled interviews with several MLB managers on MLB Network Radio. These include Torey Lovullo (Diamondbacks), Bud Black (Rockies), Matt Quatraro (Royals), Derek Shelton (Pirates), Kevin Cash (Rays), Alex Cora (Red Sox), A.J. Hinch (Tigers), Pedro Grifol (White Sox) and others.

For a schedule of games and where to find them on SiriusXM go to SiriusXM.com/Sports.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Pophouse Acquires The Music Catalogue, Brand Name And IP Of Legendary Rock Band Kiss

Apr 4, 2024

Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, announces the acquisition of the music catalogue, brand name and likeness – including the world- famous face paint designs – as well as trademarks of the iconic American rock band KISS. This groundbreaking partnership will enable Pophouse to further develop and amplify the unique KISS legacy worldwide: preserving their iconic music, enigmatic personas, and expressive imagery for generations to come. Plans for a biopic, an avatar show, and a KISS themed experience are already in the works. KISS will remain active and play key roles in the development of the projects, working closely together with Pophouse.

Pophouse has today concluded a landmark agreement with the iconic band KISS. Pophouse is the Swedish entertainment and music investment firm renowned for its development of brand-building activities in music and entertainment, such as the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage show in London, in which Pophouse is the founding investor.

Pophouse has acquired KISS’ artist share of the master recordings and publishing rights.* Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Working closely with KISS, Pophouse will follow its unique, value-add approach of drawing upon its world-class, in-house creative and storytelling expertise to unlock new audiences and revenue streams. Pophouse will use its proven, industry-defining playbook to create new content and experiences to enrich the KISS catalogue for fans, old and new, actively seeking to enrich and add value to the brands and artists it partners with. Inclusivity and community have always been vital to the KISS experience, and Pophouse is committed to nurture the close relationship between KISS and its devoted fans moving forward.

“KISS is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music. They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the KISS journey and carry it forward. With the help of the fans’ energy, the band, our expertise, and creativity – we will make that vision happen” says Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse.

“KISS has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture. The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes, and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal. We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of KISS” comments Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment.

As part of the partnership, Pophouse will create digital versions of KISS that will allow the band and their unique personas to live forever. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final KISS show in Madison Square Garden, New York on December 2nd 2023 when, to the audience’s surprise, KISS avatars closed the night with a rendition of ‘God Gave Rock And Roll To You’ (resulting in international headlines). Through a magical combination of cutting-edge technology and unrivalled creativity, Pophouse will bring the full, authentic KISS experience to both existing and new fans for years to come. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027.

Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, announces the acquisition of the music catalogue, brand name and likeness – including the world- famous face paint designs – as well as trademarks of the iconic American rock band KISS. This groundbreaking partnership will enable Pophouse to further develop and amplify the unique KISS legacy worldwide: preserving their iconic music, enigmatic personas, and expressive imagery for generations to come. Plans for a biopic, an avatar show, and a KISS themed experience are already in the works. KISS will remain active and play key roles in the development of the projects, working closely together with Pophouse.

Pophouse has today concluded a landmark agreement with the iconic band KISS. Pophouse is the Swedish entertainment and music investment firm renowned for its development of brand-building activities in music and entertainment, such as the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage show in London, in which Pophouse is the founding investor.

Pophouse has acquired KISS’ artist share of the master recordings and publishing rights.* Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Working closely with KISS, Pophouse will follow its unique, value-add approach of drawing upon its world-class, in-house creative and storytelling expertise to unlock new audiences and revenue streams. Pophouse will use its proven, industry-defining playbook to create new content and experiences to enrich the KISS catalogue for fans, old and new, actively seeking to enrich and add value to the brands and artists it partners with. Inclusivity and community have always been vital to the KISS experience, and Pophouse is committed to nurture the close relationship between KISS and its devoted fans moving forward.

“KISS is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music. They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the KISS journey and carry it forward. With the help of the fans’ energy, the band, our expertise, and creativity – we will make that vision happen” says Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse.

“KISS has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture. The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes, and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal. We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of KISS” comments Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment.

As part of the partnership, Pophouse will create digital versions of KISS that will allow the band and their unique personas to live forever. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final KISS show in Madison Square Garden, New York on December 2nd 2023 when, to the audience’s surprise, KISS avatars closed the night with a rendition of ‘God Gave Rock And Roll To You’ (resulting in international headlines). Through a magical combination of cutting-edge technology and unrivalled creativity, Pophouse will bring the full, authentic KISS experience to both existing and new fans for years to come. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027.

Resilience Through Music: Violins of Hope Exhibition Showcases Historic Instruments Connected to the Holocaust

Apr 4, 2024

The National Music Centre, in partnership with the Calgary Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary, is pleased to announce the latest exhibition taking place at Studio Bell – Violins of Hope.

Scheduled to run from May 3 to June 16, 2024, Violins of Hope is a poignant collection of string instruments dating from before and during the Holocaust. These meticulously restored instruments once belonged to Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Today these instruments stand as enduring symbols, serving to educate and memorialize those affected by one of history’s darkest chapters through concerts, exhibitions and other commemorative projects.

“Violins of Hope marks a significant milestone as the first internationally-themed music exhibition hosted by the National Music Centre,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, National Music Centre. “We are excited to host this moving exhibition that promotes hope and healing through music. Bringing audiences together and fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of music through education is central to NMC’s vision. As the first of many more international travelling exhibitions to come, we are excited to welcome other diverse voices in the future.”

Originating from Tel-Aviv, Israel, the collection is owned and curated by violin maker Avshi Weinstein and his late father, Amnon. The instruments were donated or purchased from survivors and descendants or recovered from remnants of ghettos and concentration camps. Each instrument has borne witness to unimaginable hardship while embodying resilience and perseverance.

Travelling the world, Violins of Hope brings these instruments to communities worldwide, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in their beautiful sound, delve into their historical significance and examine the tragedy of the Holocaust. The instruments have previously travelled to Australia, Germany, and cities across the U.S.

“Violins of Hope shares the history and narratives surrounding the instruments once belonging to Jewish survivors of the Shoah (Hebrew word for Holocaust),” said Marnie Bondar, Co-Chair, Holocaust and Human Rights: Remembrance and Education department of Calgary Jewish Federation. “Each instrument stands as a monument to survivors and victims. We need to tell and preserve their stories to show the strength of the human spirit and the power of music to offer hope in the darkest of times.”

This NMC exhibition will offer immersive in-gallery experiences, enriched by historical images and the poignant stories that accompany each instrument. Violins from the exhibition will also be incorporated into additional programming that is national in scope. Montreal rapper Socalled, known for blending klezmer and hip-hop, will perform live with his international string quartet at Studio Bell on May 26. On June 2, NMC will present 2023 JUNO Award-winning singer and composer Lenka Lichtenberg, featuring Drew Jurecka and Rebekah Wolkstein on strings. Tickets are on sale now for both concerts at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

Along with other specialized educational programs hosted by NMC, an artist residency will take place in June with the opportunity to record music using pieces from the collection. A call for applications for the residency is now open, interested artists can apply at studiobell.ca/artist-in-residence.

Violins of Hope is the first of other internationally themed exhibitions that will be coming to Studio Bell in the future. Through this exhibition and others, NMC seeks to catalyze meaningful discourse, share diverse stories, and offer inclusive educational experiences in an innovative and accessible format, all through the lens of music.

For further information regarding the Violins of Hope exhibition and ticket purchases, please visit studiobell.ca.

Using Mobile Proxies to Fetch Product Data

Apr 4, 2024

By Mitch Rice

Access to comprehensive and up-to-date product data is important for businesses to succeed. This data helps them make informed pricing strategies, competitor analysis, and product development decisions.

Pricing Strategies: By analyzing competitor pricing data and understanding market trends, businesses can optimize their pricing strategies to remain competitive and maximize profitability.

This approach can involve setting competitive prices for core products, offering strategic discounts and promotions, or implementing dynamic pricing based on real-time market conditions.

For example, a company selling athletic apparel might use web scraping to track competitor pricing for popular running shoes. This data can then be used to adjust its pricing strategy to ensure it remains competitive and captures market share.

Product Development: Product data can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, buying habits, and emerging market trends.

Businesses can leverage this information to identify opportunities for product development, ensuring they are creating products that meet the evolving needs of their target audience.

A company developing a new product can use web scraping to analyze customer reviews of similar existing products on e-commerce platforms. The gathered data can provide insights into common customer pain points and desired features, allowing the company to develop a product that addresses these unmet needs.

Product Offering Refinement: Understanding customer preferences through product data analysis allows businesses to refine their product offerings to cater to specific customer demands.

This understanding can involve tailoring product features and functionalities to align with customer expectations or expanding product lines to encompass new categories or high-demand variations.

For example, an online retailer might use web scraping to analyze customer reviews of a particular item on their website. This can reveal insights into customers’ most important features. The retailer can then use this information to refine their product offerings by prioritizing headphones meeting customer expectations.

Understanding Mobile Proxies

Mobile proxies are proxy servers that utilize residential IP addresses originating from real mobile devices.

When using a mobile proxy, your web scraping requests are routed through the mobile device associated with the IP address. Thus, it appears as if a real mobile user is accessing the website, bypassing potential website restrictions.

Advantages of Mobile Proxies for Data Acquisition

Bypassing Anti-Scraping Measures

Websites can use anti-scraping techniques to detect scraping bots, like:

Analyzing traffic patterns for unusual activity, such as a sudden surge in requests from a single IP address.
Identifying characteristics of bot behavior, such as rapid page requests and disregard for website navigation patterns.

Mobile proxies offer a significant advantage by allowing frequent rotation of IP addresses.

Enhanced Success Rates

Some websites restrict access to certain product data based on user location (geo-restricted data). Mobile proxies enable you to access this data by providing IP addresses from specific geographic regions, allowing you to gather comprehensive product information regardless of location.

Additionally, rotating mobile proxies helps avoid getting blocked by websites implementing rate-limiting measures. These measures restrict the requests a single IP address can make within a specific timeframe to prevent overloading their servers.

Accessing Mobile-Specific Data

Mobile proxies can provide access to product information that might not be available on the desktop version of a website. This can include data such as:

Mobile-optimized product descriptions with a focus on key features relevant to mobile users.
Product listings within app stores, providing valuable insights into app store trends and competitor offerings.

Conclusion

Mobile proxies offer a powerful solution for fetching product data by overcoming anti-scraping measures, increasing success rates for data collection, and providing access to mobile-specific information.

The Evolution and Impact of Music Distribution Platforms

Apr 3, 2024

By Mitch Rice

In the modern era of digitalization, music distribution has undergone significant transformation, primarily due to the emergence of music distribution platforms. These platforms have revolutionized the way music reaches its audience, altering the landscape of the music industry forever.

Music distribution platforms, such as Spotify, SoundOn, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, have made it possible for artists to distribute their music globally with unprecedented ease and speed. Gone are the days of physical records and CDs; now, with just a few clicks, a song or an album can be uploaded and made available to millions of listeners worldwide. This shift has not only opened doors for independent artists but has also given rise to new business models within the music industry.

The impact of these platforms on music distribution is profound. Firstly, they have democratized the process, enabling even the smallest of artists to have a voice and a platform. This has led to a surge in the number of creators and a more diverse range of music genres available to listeners. Secondly, the analytics provided by these platforms have given artists and record labels insights into listener behavior, preferences, and trends, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their music and marketing strategies.

However, the rise of music distribution platforms has not been without challenges. The shift to digital has led to a decline in revenue for many artists, as streaming royalties are often lower than those from physical sales. Additionally, the saturation of the market with millions of tracks has made it harder for artists to stand out and gain recognition.

Despite these challenges, the future of music distribution looks bright with the continued evolution of these platforms. We can expect to see more personalized recommendations, better user interfaces, and innovative ways for artists to connect with their fans. The integration of social media and music distribution platforms will also play a key role in shaping the future of music distribution, allowing artists to build stronger communities and engage with their followers more effectively.

In conclusion, music distribution platforms have revolutionized the way music is distributed and consumed, opening up new opportunities for artists and listeners alike. While there are challenges to be faced, the future remains promising as these platforms continue to innovate and evolve. It is an exciting time for the music industry, and we can only imagine what the future holds for music distribution.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

7 Tips for Making Better TikTok Content

Apr 3, 2024

For a musician, TikTok is really important. It’s a place where they can share their music and connect with fans in a fun and creative way. On TikTok, musicians can reach a big audience quickly, even if they’re just starting out. They can show off their talent, share behind-the-scenes moments, and join in on trends to get noticed. TikTok helps musicians build a strong fanbase and grow their career by getting their music out there for more people to hear. Plus, it’s a platform where they can be themselves and have fun while sharing their passion for music. Here are a few tips on making better TikTok videos.

Find Your Niche: TikTok offers a wide variety of content to explore. Your For You page is personalized based on your interests, so sticking to a specific niche can help you connect with like-minded people.
Engage with Larger TikTokers: Interacting with other creators, especially by commenting on popular videos, can help you get noticed and reach a broader audience.
Use Relevant Hashtags: Hashtags can increase the visibility of your posts. Look for trending hashtags on TikTok’s Discover tab, and also explore hashtags popular within your niche.
Prioritize Quality: High-quality videos perform better on TikTok. Aim for at least 720p resolution, invest in good lighting and sound equipment, which doesn’t have to be expensive.
Encourage Engagement: Encourage viewers to engage with your content, as user-generated content is highly valued. Even participating in trending challenges can boost your visibility.
Keep it Short: Grab viewers’ attention within the first three seconds and keep videos short (10-15 seconds). Shorter videos tend to perform better and hold viewers’ attention.
Try TikTok’s Promote Feature: Utilize TikTok’s Promote feature to turn organic videos into ads, reaching new audiences and driving traffic to your content or business website. Gain insights to improve future efforts.