The music world continues to embrace streaming music during the pandemic, as live venues remain closed. In addition to
popular and indie music, this site seeks to bring attention to recording artists who explore beyond the boundaries of
traditional and current trends. Technology is fueling the DIY revolution in many fields, but not many sites focus
on putting "mirage bands" (solo artists who craft band-sounding recordings with minimalist production) in the spotlight.
In 2021 Playlist Research seeks to expand coverage of creative artists who don't otherwise get media attention.
Playlist Research documents the history of recorded music
and the various forms of media that deliver it to the masses, such as
commercial radio,
public radio,
college radio
and the internet. Playlist Research was created by radio programmer and now writer/researcher/historian Alex Cosper
in San Diego in 2007. It has grown to become a vast resource
of over 1,000 pages used by media and music professionals, university students, reunion committees and music fans.
The site is designed to give you quick access to time periods of the past century to study popular music for
specific years. It is also full of in-depth articles about the music and radio industries featuring several
interviews with industry professionals. Not
only does the site document various music genres and radio formats in major U.S. markets,
it's also a hub for exploring
regional music scenes in America and around the world.
The site was made with film and video producers, DJs and musicologists in mind. One of the main concepts behind the site is that it can help you assemble your own playlists for whatever purpose. Perhaps you need to put together a song list for an internet show, wedding, reunion, night club, school project or party. It's also helpful for cover bands to create setlists.
Whether you love mainstream or indie music, this site
has plenty of musical themes for you to explore. Playlist Research is constantly expanding with content and is dedicated to music's past, present and future. Thanks for helping it become one of the leading comprehensive music research sites in America.
Music Industry Podcast
This podcast hosted by Alex Cosper features music and radio leaders. The show was launched in 2019 but temporarily discontinued throughout 2020 and will relaunch in 2021.