Today we had an exclusive chance to interview Michael Matthews, the founder of DigitalRadioTracker:
ARN: How would you describe your service to people new to DigitalRadioTracker?
MM: DigitalRadioTracker is a broadcast monitoring service used by artists, managers, record labels, radio marketing companies, publishing companies, radio station programmers, DJs and other music related companies! We track airplay on songs all around the world and compile DRT Reports for our clients. These DRT Reports contain important analytics on how often a song is being played, which stations are playing it, where they are located as well as other important airplay related data.
ARN: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
MM: It all started one day as I was talking to an associate. We notice that more and more of the songs that we were promoting were being played on digital radio. At the time, it was referred to as Internet Radio. As we began our research, we discovered that no one was really monitoring the activity of songs on digital streaming radio. As a record promoter, you always want to know what is going on with the songs you are promoting and be able to illustrate to your clients that you are working for them. In talking to some of the main monitoring companies, we found out that they were not interested in monitoring airplay on digital radio as well as some small-market FM stations. These stations are known to support new and developing artists and are much easier to garner airplay from. Being that this was a void in the music industry, we thought if no one wants to do it, maybe we should try and develop something. What started off as an internal software to show our clients that their song was being played at various levels of radio, has now turned into a global monitoring company – DigitalRadioTracker.
ARN: What one thing have you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
MM: One of the biggest obstacles in the beginning was finding believers. I had so many people tell me, “No one is paying attention to internet radio, there is no value there, no one is listening!” It was very discouraging to hear. I think when you are a forward thinker and a visionary you are going to get a lot of negativity. Not everyone can see your vision. It was extremely hard to get help, acceptance and financial partners. In some ways it is still that way to this day. The music industry as we all know is exceedingly difficult to break into. And when you are disrupting a space, no one is going to just jump on the bandwagon. A big part of overcoming it is simply time. It was difficult, but I was determined to stick it out. Over the years, as technology evolved DRT have seen more and more individuals embracing digital streaming radio. Through this and perseverance we were able to convince the industry of our viability and that there is a lot of value in what DRT offers. Like anything, you must find those initial believers and grow your brand to becoming a credible source.
ARN: How can your product change the world? What problem your service can solve?
MM: I will say that DRT is revolutionizing the way broadcast monitoring is being done. With modern day technology, it has allowed us to provide the music industry with lucrative, innovative and creative marketing research initiatives throughout the world. DigitalRadioTracker.com Inc. understands the importance of knowing who, when, where and how often a song is being played. That is our mission and passion which creates the nucleus of who we are as a “service provider.” It does not matter if you are a multinational enterprise or a small start-up; we believe innovation is the key to success in both what is created and how one markets a product or service. DRT will continue to develop better solutions to assist artists, songwriters, publishers, producers and music related companies around the world achieve sustainable growth for their business and develop a clear mission to combat the ultra-competitive marketplace.
ARN: Who is your team? What have they done before? Why are they excited about this project?
MM: The key players on our team are Wendy Day, Ray Hale, Tom McGee, Michael Nguyen, Metta World Peace and Ricky Anderson. We all bring years of experience from our respective field of entertainment, technology, business management and legal. They are excited about DRT because it is innovative and adds value to the music industry.
ARN: Have you been in a successful start-up before? What was the characteristics that led to success?
MM: I have a successful music marketing company called Dominion Global Inc., also known as Dominion Global Marketing. I believe the characteristics to its success is what I call the 5 P’s For Success: Passion, Patience, Persistence, Perception and Purpose.
ARN: Why do you think this is the right time for this kind of business?
MM: As we continue to be innovative, we believe DRT is positioned for success. We live in a world full of technology and it is evolving every day. We understand music is consumed very differently than it was ten or twenty years ago. Who would have thought we would be listening to music from our refrigerator or that there would be something as smart speakers? I think now more than ever tracking music streamed on these devices is relevant to the music industry.
ARN: Where do you see DigitalRadioTracker in 5 years?
MM: As technology continues to expand with devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, DRT plans on monitoring more digital streaming stations on these devices. Internet Radio are being installed in millions of cars today and DRT will focus on monitoring more of these streaming stations. DRT’s goal is to be the first broadcast monitoring company to track specialty shows such as DJ mix-shows, ministries, talk shows and more! In 5 years, I see DRT as an integral part of the global music industries’ analytics and charting system.
DRT has pushed the envelope on what it means to look out for artists and music-based organizations and provide something that evens the playing field, no matter what level that individual or organization may stand. To register for a FREE DRT Account, access the link http://www.digitalradiotracker.com/drt-dev/register.php and check out the following resources for more information and updates:
Website: http://www.DigitalRadioTracker.com
General Inquiries: [email protected]