SignMeTo Roadrunner Records Is Fan-Sourced A&R
(UPDATED) Roadrunner Records has launched a new service called SignMeTo. The idea behind the site is to allow fans and unsigned bands to take part in the A&R process. Users operate as scouts and seek out unsigned band profiles, rating them according to their preference. As users interact with and rate more artists, the amount of influence they have increases.
Such actions influence the charts on the site. Along the way, bands can also earn badges, some of which are handed out by real staff at the label. For instance, an unsigned artist gets a badge if enough scouts play their song or if an A&R rep reviews their album. At present, SignToMe has 12,000+ active band profiles, still better than Ping, and 32,000+ scouts. While there are ultimately no promises, if the right band caught the interest of Roadrunner Records, they could get signed. For rock, alternative, and metal bands, this site could be a good place to find more focused fans. Also, it makes A&R easy for Roadrunner too.
Considering Roadrunner was absorbed into Warner Brothers yesterday and is likely to lay off most staff, I don’t think they are going to be signing bands anytime soon.
Hey Kyle,
We’re actually well over 12000 bands and 32000 scouts.
Cheers!
Jeremy Rosen
Director, Digital Platforms & Web Sites
Roadrunner Records
Thanks for the advice, June. I have worked for RR for over 15 years, am the chief architect of the SignMeTo site, and have every confidence that not only will we keep signing bands, but that Roadrunner (and SignMeTo) will thrive under Warner’s auspices.
But thanks for your insights anyway.
Jon Satterley
SVP New Media
Roadrunner Records
yeah, I thought this came out a few months ago – old news.
Correct, hence the old figures. Nice growth on RR’s part!
Thanks Jeremy. These were the stats I was given, so I went with them. I'll update.
Maybe WB will fire all RR A&R execs and JUST use this scouting system to find new bands.
ridiculous. sometimes I hate the blogosphere – like why not just call RR and get the # in stead of using some obviously old data
Nathan, RoadRunner did give us those numbers. They contacted us and handled a press release over.
Hi,
just curious – I work for a software company and few of us were debating if you all created your own analytic software for SignMeTo or if you are using an established software, just altered for your own purposes? Can you confirm our nerd debate?
Thanks!