The Hidden Sauce
Why Song Intros Are Disappearing (23s → 5s)
In 1986, a hit song made you wait ~23 seconds for the vocals. By 2015, you waited about five.
Why Song Intros Are Disappearing (23s → 5s)
In 1986, a hit song made you wait ~23 seconds for the vocals. By 2015, you waited about five.
The Most Common Key & Tempo in Hip-Hop
Hip-hop has a tempo home — and it's slower than most people think: roughly 85–95 BPM for the classic sound.
The Most Common Key & Tempo in Hip-Hop
Hip-hop has a tempo home — and it's slower than most people think: roughly 85–95 BPM for the classic sound.
The Loudness War, Explained in Numbers (LUFS)
For decades, records got louder and louder. Then streaming quietly ended the war with one number: about −14 LUFS.
The Loudness War, Explained in Numbers (LUFS)
For decades, records got louder and louder. Then streaming quietly ended the war with one number: about −14 LUFS.
Is Music Getting Sadder? The Data Says Yes
In the 1960s, most hits sounded happy. Today, more than half are in a minor key — and the data has been trending that way for 60 years.
Is Music Getting Sadder? The Data Says Yes
In the 1960s, most hits sounded happy. Today, more than half are in a minor key — and the data has been trending that way for 60 years.
The Most Sampled Drum Breaks in Music History
A six-second drum solo from 1969 became the most sampled recording ever made — the Amen Break.
The Most Sampled Drum Breaks in Music History
A six-second drum solo from 1969 became the most sampled recording ever made — the Amen Break.
Why 94% of Pop Songs Are in 4/4 Time
Pick a song at random off the charts and it's almost certainly in 4/4 — about 94% of them are.
Why 94% of Pop Songs Are in 4/4 Time
Pick a song at random off the charts and it's almost certainly in 4/4 — about 94% of them are.