Devessence

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder, CEO of ARELIA Technologies

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

ARELIA is the indie artists Music Business OS®. A first-of-its-kind, automated software powered by AI to provide major label tools & features for the indie artist. 
 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Devessence to accomplish?

• Сreate a reliable and efficient analytical system that could manage data
• Create a cloud based SaaS product for B2C customers
• Create a common data layer with integrations/connections to the top music industry apps and services

SOLUTION

How did you find Devessence?

• Referral
• worked with in the past

Why did you select Devessence over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Excellent product development

How many teammates from Devessence were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our development team approached the vendor with the need to augment our current development team to co-create a digital solution that would help artists and indie labels build and manage their earnings, and view and manage streaming stats, distribution data, publishing data, and social media stats while easily managing connections to the most popular music business apps and services.

To bring this idea to life, it was necessary to develop a platform that would make the analytical capabilities and convenient data management system used by major labels available to independent artists. Major labels have invested hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars to have this type of functionality for their artists. We wanted to give it to the everyday artist, for a small monthly fee. 

Challenge
The main challenge was connecting to services and platforms that do not provide access to or do not have an API in order to gather non-public, user-specific data. Outside of major labels hiring teams of people and hiring custom software developers to create systems to gather this data, no independent web app has done this before.

The data we needed to is especially valuable as this is the only way to get a real picture of the results of users’ (artists) stats regarding the key areas of managing a successful music career. Moreover, only specific data for that artist can be used to provide artists with actionable insights.

Solution
We have an agreesive roadmap which includes AI, and other innovative features, but we needed to tailor our web application to focus only on the most necessary functionality, while maintaining a beautiful user experience and efficiency.

The platform integrates data from various industry-specific sources, such as streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, etc), social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc), distributors (CD Baby, DistroKid, etc), publishers (SongTrust, BMI, etc) digital payment systems, and merchandise sales channels, into a single, cohesive interface.

To transform this data into insights, we are developing AI-powered analytics and inference capabilities. AI algorithms can analyze gathered information according to various aspects of the music business, including audience engagement, streaming performance, social media interactions, and fan demographics. After the launch of this feature, app users will understand not just what is happening, but why, and how to optimize their efforts for better outcomes. 

Another solution is comprehensive data visualization. The platform offers a wide range of customizable dashboards that present critical information in a clear and actionable format. Users can access

• Streaming Dashboard that consolidates data from multiple streaming services, providing a complete view of how their music is performing across different platforms.
• Earnings Management: Easily view and manage earnings from multiple sources including streaming, songwriting, publishing, mechanical, performances, tips/donations, and merchandise sales.
• Social Dashboard that allows you to monitor the musician's presence in social networks and build stronger relationships with the fanbase. This includes key metrics from social platforms, fan demographics, post interactions, and trends.

Additionally, the platform’s Connections & Integrations Dashboard streamlines the management of relationships with distributors, Performance Rights Organizations (PROs), and other key partners. Visualization of key data points and metrics from these integrations helps users maintain a strong network of connections that support their career growth.

Results
We have created an automated web app for independent musicians and indie labels that helps them:

manage their unique brand much more efficiently

• easily analyze their target audiences
• connect with their fans seamlessly
• grow earnings opportunities
• manage the many facets of their music business online in one place

ARELIA has full functionality for managing publishing, streaming, earrings, and social and fan connections in one place. Overall, this solution not only simplifies data management but also empowers artists with the tools they need to make strategic, data-driven decisions, ultimately helping them to grow and sustain their careers independently.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Results

Together, we created an automated web app (SaaS) designed for independent musicians and indie labels that helps them:

• Manage their unique brand much more efficiently
• Easily analyze their target audiences (fans/followers)
• Target and connect with their fans seamlessly
• Understand and manage their revenue across industry earnings sources
• Target where to spend time for more earnings opportunities
• Manage the many facets of their music business online in one place

ARELIA has full functionality for managing publishing, streaming, earrings, and social and fan connections in one place. Overall, this solution not only simplifies data management but also empowers artists with the tools they need to make strategic, data-driven decisions, ultimately helping them to grow and sustain their careers independently.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The backlog was meticulously maintained. 

Sprint planning was tailored to our needs and deadlines were adhered to and managed very well. 

Major milestones were co-developed and tasks were managed by our product team and the vendor. 

When we had to pivot due to a customer request, the vendor responded quickly and helped us deliver quickly. 

What was your primary form of communication with Devessence?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their commitment to excellent customer service and delivering a high-quality product was very impressive. Best I've experience in my 20+ years of building software companies.