The Sweet, Streaming Sound of Data - NYTimes.com

Serious programming in there somewhere...

"That man versus machine view may be in the minority, however, as more music companies embrace the idea that the vast troves of user data from sources like Shazam, Twitter and Spotify can be tools for talent scouts — known in the industry as A&R executives, for artists and repertoire — and, moreover, that in a competitive environment, using them has become a necessity.
Rob Wiesenthal, chief operating officer of Warner Music, who led the company’s deal with Shazam, said he believed that the new technology could serve as a complement to the trained ear of a music executive.
“There isn’t a substitute for the gut and instinct of an A&R professional,” Mr. Wiesenthal said. “This is art and not computer science.”"

The Sweet, Streaming Sound of Data - NYTimes.com