Warner Music Group integrated Sodatone, an AI-powered artist scouting tool it acquired in 2018, to help its A&R (Artists and Repertoire) team identify promising unsigned musicians. By 2020, WMG reported signing double the number of artists through Sodatone compared to the previous year.

Sodatone uses machine learning to analyze approximately 40,000 tracks uploaded daily to streaming platforms like Spotify, alongside social media and touring data, to flag artists who are gaining traction online. The system tracks early success indicators such as fan engagement, fanbase loyalty, and track virality potential, then surfaces these signals to WMG's human A&R executives who make final signing decisions. The tool also provides audience-reaction insights for established artists already on the roster.