UK-born Absolute Label Services has unveiled a new product called Anthology, which it describes as an “AI-enhanced” portal for the independent music sector.

According to Absolute, the software suite acts as a “holistic” business management hub that “consolidates workflows” for catalog management, global digital distribution, neighboring rights, content ID management, and real-time analytics from streaming, physical, and direct-to-consumer sales.

The platform is already being used in-house at Absolute Label Services and by the company’s clients. Later this year, it will be made available to the wider industry as a standalone service, with companies currently able to register interest here.

Absolute says that Anthology will provide independent companies and entrepreneurs “with a new level of distribution, management and analytical infrastructure that challenges the majors during an era of industry consolidation”.

Central to the Anthology portal is what the company describes as “an AI-powered music industry executive” called ‘Ant’.

Absolute says it is trained on “vast amounts of industry knowledge, data, and expertise” and is deeply integrated with the platform’s features.

The company claims that the introduction of its AI-powered chatbot “represents what may be the music industry’s first comprehensive AI business partner”.

The chatbot, according to Absolute, “will be available 24/7 to provide strategic guidance, data insights, and operational support across users’ entire business”.

The Anthology portal delivers daily data from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, and other key platforms, with “AI-powered insights” including playlist additions, streaming uplifts, and can even “automatically generate news stories about key data trends”.

Anthology also provides financial analytics, consolidated client royalty reporting, and tools for pitch optimization across streaming services and industry professionals.

The platform’s rights management capabilities, meanwhile, include what Absolute calls “granular control” over neighboring rights, content ID administration, and direct CMO registrations.

Anthology can also help with managing physical operations via tools such as integrated stock management, automated replenishment orders, and retail demand tracking.

Absolute said on Wednesday (June 18)  that Anthology’s capabilities “extend beyond basic analytics”, providing “strategic insights that help labels identify monetisation opportunities and react quickly to market trends”.

The company added: “The platform’s predictive capabilities and automated workflows significantly reduce manual processes while improving accuracy across all operations.

“The platform addresses growing concerns about the concentration of power in the music industry by democratising access to sophisticated technology. As major corporations continue to acquire successful independent operations, Anthology provides a path for companies to scale without losing their independence or unique character.”

“This platform ensures that independent music businesses can remain competitive without sacrificing their autonomy or creative vision.”

Simon Wills, Absolute Label Services

Absolute Label Services Managing Director Simon Wills, who has developed the Anthology software over a number of years, said: “Independence is under threat from corporate creep through ongoing consolidation.

“But it’s no use asking company owners and entrepreneurs to remain independent simply because of some altruistic ideals. They need genuinely competitive alternatives that make independence strategically beneficial. Anthology offers that genuine alternative.

“We’ve built something that doesn’t just match the infrastructure of the majors — in many areas, it surpasses it. This platform ensures that independent music businesses can remain competitive without sacrificing their autonomy or creative vision.”

“Using Anthology has made us smarter, faster and more creative as managers.”

Niko Michault, Music Management

Niko Michault, co-founder of P.U.S.H. Music Management, added: “Anthology really does bring the whole of our business into one command centre to give us greater control and insight.

“Every aspect of the artist campaigns and careers we manage are visualised in perfect detail – from real-time alerts on DSP performance to physical stock sales and neighbouring rights.

“It’s clear that the portal has been devised by a company that has developed expertise across every discipline in the music industry over multiple decades. Using Anthology has made us smarter, faster and more creative as managers.”

Anthology’s AI music executive Ant said: “Independent music businesses are juggling more data, platforms, and complex tasks than ever before – from global distribution and intricate rights management to real-time analytics and pitching strategies.

“Anthology is designed to bring all these essential functions into one place, and I’m integrated within it to help users stay across every single detail.

“Think of me as your AI co-pilot, providing the insights and support you need to manage the operational side, so you can dedicate your energy to the music and growing your unique brand.”

 Music Business Worldwide