Tuned Global backs FanLabel SongPicks music contest

Tuned Global has partnered with FanLabel to support the launch of the FanLabel SongPicks app, extending a relationship between the two music technology companies that began in 2021.

SongPicks is a paid-entry, skill-based music contest app in which users rank songs, predict their performance and compete for cash prizes on leaderboards. FanLabel owns and operates the app, while Tuned Global provides licensed music catalogue access, metadata and the backend services behind it.

The arrangement gives FanLabel access to music preview delivery, catalogue ingestion, content delivery network services, operational maintenance and music usage reporting to rightsholders. Tuned Global also handles monthly reporting on FanLabel's behalf to record labels, publishers, the Mechanical Licensing Collective and performing rights organisations.

The launch adds a second FanLabel product to the companies' existing work together. Tuned Global had already been providing music ingestion, delivery and rightsholder royalty reporting for FanLabel's original platform after taking over those systems from a previous provider.

That earlier migration was completed in 10 days through Tuned Global's catalogue delivery and ingestion system, INTAGA. The setup supports access to millions of tracks from major and independent record labels, along with metadata and territorial rights management.

Licenced music layer

The latest deal reflects a wider push by consumer apps to use licensed music within games, contests and other interactive formats while maintaining formal reporting processes for copyright owners. For services built around music prediction and competition, access to rights-cleared tracks and accurate metadata is central to how users discover and rank songs.

FanLabel has been building products around that model through a broader portfolio that includes FanLabel Classic, a free-to-play music challenge app, and FanLabel MusicMarkets, which it describes as a music-focused layer for regulated prediction markets. SongPicks is aimed at users who want to test their knowledge of songs and streaming trends in contests tied to cash rewards.

Con Raso, Founder and Managing Director, Tuned Global, commented on the launch.

"FanLabel SongPicks is a great example of how music technology can power a new category of interactive fan experience," said Raso.

"FanLabel has created a compelling way for fans to put their music knowledge to the test, while Tuned Global helps support the licensed music, metadata and reporting infrastructure behind the scenes. We are proud to continue supporting FanLabel as they expand their vision for music gamification." said Raso.

Growing market

The partnership brings together an Australian music technology provider and a UK-based music gaming company, both with audiences in the US. It also underlines how music businesses are exploring new commercial formats that combine streaming data, fan participation and paid competition.

FanLabel's model relies on real-world music performance data, including streaming and chart information, to shape gameplay. In SongPicks, users compete by making judgement-based selections rather than relying on chance, placing the app in the skill-based contest category described by the company.

Jeff Sloan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, FanLabel, said the app's release marked an important step for the business.

"Our team is very proud to have FanLabel SongPicks officially out in the world," said Sloan.

"We believe that the SongPicks experience will provide music enthusiasts with a new way to engage in their love of music while at the same time benefiting the industry by driving music discovery, consumption and an entirely new way to generate monetization.

"Tuned Global has successfully run our backend music technology since 2021, so extending that work to SongPicks was a natural decision. The licensed music, metadata and reporting all sit on the infrastructure we already trust." said Sloan.

Tuned Global says it has worked with more than 40 companies across 70 countries since its founding in 2011, serving sectors including telecoms, gaming, fitness, health, media and aviation. FanLabel has positioned itself at the intersection of music, gaming, data and fan engagement through products built around predicting music outcomes and tracking objective third-party metrics such as streams and chart rankings.

For SongPicks, the core commercial challenge will be converting music fans into repeat players while keeping the licensing, reporting and operational demands of a music-based contest platform in order.