New Twitter Chart tracks popularity of Country Artists

New Twitter Chart Tracks Popularity
of Country Artists


MusicRow Magazine and AristoWorks Partner to Create
New Social Network Charting System

(Nashville, TN - June 9, 2009) Country music trade publication MusicRow and New Media marketing group AristoWorks have formed a chart to track Country music artists' popularity among Twitter users.


The rankings are based on the number of users "following" each artist. Currently, there are 72 chart positions. Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift occupy the No. 1 and 2 spots, respectively, with Billy Ray Cyrus, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Kellie Pickler, Julianne Hough, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride and Willie Nelson rounding out the Top 10. An artist must have a minimum of 100 followers to chart.


"Today's media landscape is becoming a highly fragmented, on-demand media world," says MusicRow Publisher David M. Ross. "As a result, artists are using an increasingly sophisticated new tool set to reach consumers and create new fans. This Twitter chart is the first of a series of projects we are developing with AristoWorks to help our readers quantify their online efforts."


The first of its kind charting system, developed by AristoWorks, utilizes the Active Programming Interface (API) offered by Twitter and gathers data to update the chart daily.


"This system really stems from a simple idea, but gives labels, managers and new media marketers a unique benchmark for where their brands stack up against others," says AristoWorks New Media Director Jon Walker. "Although the Twitter chart is currently operating in beta mode, the immediate response from artists, labels and managers has been impressive."



Additional chart features, including user trending statistics, will be implemented in the official release. View the new Twitter chart at: www.musicrow.com/charts/top-ranking-country-artists/



About MusicRow:

Known as Nashville's Music Industry Trade Publication, MusicRow has been in continuous publication for more than 27 years. Written for people who work in the music business, the publication reaches its subscribers through a mix of special weekly pdf reports (delivered via e-mail), a constantly updated Web Presence and bi-monthly print magazines. MusicRow's strategic mix of print and digital information streams ensure that its readers constantly get the information they need in the fastest possible way. www.MusicRow.com