eMusic introduces new "corner record store" search engine

By Ben Cardew

eMusic has launched a new recommendation engine, in a move that is intended to make using the site resemble “a trip to the corner record store”.

The new hybrid search engine, created by recommendation technology company MediaUnbound, combines human analysis with computer algorithms.

The engine builds a profile for each eMusic subscriber based on their individual actions (searches, downloads, ratings, etc.), specific musical tastes and overall usage of the site.

It applies multiple algorithms on the profile along with global data from the internet (P2P, blogs, web radio, etc.) to find patterns between artists, tracks, albums, eMusic editorial content and eMusic subscribers.


MediaUnbound then adds data, tuning and input from its team of human music analysts to ensure exciting and accurate recommendations.

“For first-time eMusic customers, this means they get great music recommendations the minute they arrive on the site,” says eMusic VP of product development Deirdre Stone.

“The recommendations get better and better with every action the customer takes, encouraging true music discovery and trust in the service. And the best part is – it doesn’t require you to upload your entire music library like competing digital music services.”