NML Launches First Dedicated Streaming Service for World Music
By: Caryn Robbins
You can now find high-quality, carefully labeled music from around the planet, streaming on your computer (and in a few months, on your phone). Naxos Music Library, a mainstay for institutions needing accurate and comprehensive databases of classical and jazz recordings, has launched the first dedicated streaming service for world music. Naxos Music Library World offers an array of pieces from historically significant midcentury field recordings (Smithsonian Folkways pieces from the days of yore) to important new releases from Nonesuch Records, as well as dozens of other important labels - with more titles being added weekly.
Beyond the large catalog, Naxos has developed its platform with culturally curious listeners in mind. "We try to establish context, which is crucial to listening to music across cultures," says Nick D'Angiolillo. "Of course, you can browse or look up your favorite Buena Vista Social Club song. But you can also slake your curiosity in a meaningful way." Instead of an artist- and track-driven approach, Naxos lets users search by categories like geographic region and label - even giving users the ability to browse by map. It also gives users access to the full liner and tray card information for each release. And thanks to a team of 35 musicologists, the service ensures as much consistency and accuracy as possible. "As anyone who's looked on other services for traditional music or even for contemporary music from another culture or language community knows, you often can't find what you're looking for. Even knowing the performer's name may not help, if the service's metadata is poor and has, say, the same Egyptian singer's name spelled three ways," D'Angiolillo notes. "We strive to provide a different, better experience for people listening for pleasure or for research or scholarly purposes."Recent Articles
